Micro-Enterprises at HANDmeUPs
What is a Micro-Enterprise?
Micro-Enterprise is defined as a business with no more than five employees and start up costs of $35,000 or less. In the majority of micro-enterprises, the owner is the sole operator and worker, leading many to refer to this phenomenon as self employment.
HANDmeUPs Thrift has helped individuals with Autism and/or other intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) exhibiting their works in the store. We provide an opportunity to have their individual artwork available for sale to the public.
We presently have space available. If you are an individual with Autism/IDD living in the Triangle area, and are interested in seeing your work displayed and available for sale at HANDmeUPs Thrift, please send an email to Anna Cunningham.
Light of Mine: Handmade Cards
Lauren McMurry discovered her love for arts and crafts at a young age when medical professionals engaged her with stringing beads, modeling clay, and painting activities to improve her fine motor skills.
During the COVID-19 isolation period, Lauren participated in remote art classes that resulted in a series of acrylic paintings. Lauren continued to paint in her free time, and turned the completed paintings into notecards. What began as a hobby blossomed into a small business teaching her valuable life skills.
A lifelong resident of Wake County, NC, Lauren graduated from high school in 2011. In addition to her art activities, Lauren participates in the Special Olympics, volunteers at local non-profits, and works at HANDmeUPs Thrift.
Check out samples of her work below:
One thing on his mind
A colorful llama
A focused feline
One thing on his mind