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As it's Neurodiversity Celebration Week, I wanted to shine a light on some incredible neurodivergent-owned businesses I've had the pleasure of working with over the past year. As someone who discovered I was autistic at age 30, I understand the unique challenges and strengths that come with neurodiversity. These businesses are not only creating wonderful products and services, but they're also building inclusive communities and fostering understanding.
ADHDAF Emporium: Champions of Neurodivergent Creatives
ADHDAF Emporium is co-directed by Steph of @allthediscos and Laura of the ADHDAF Podcast, two lifelong friends with a passion for celebrating neurodiversity. Laura, who discovered her ADHD in her late 30s, was inspired to create the ADHDAF Podcast, which unexpectedly blossomed into a supportive online community and even three tours! This led to the creation of the ADHDAF+ Charity, empowering ADHD adults of marginalised genders across Scotland, England, and Wales.
Laura and Steph have more recently launched the ADHDAF Emporium to champion neurodivergent makers and create a marketplace for products that meet the needs of neurodivergent people. They also curate events that raise ADHD awareness while showcasing the incredible talent of neurodivergent creatives. What's really great is that 10% of their profits go directly to the ADHDAF+ Charity.
They're currently promoting The Big ADHD Fundraiser - an amazing group of people cycling 288 miles through Scotland, England and Wales.
What I love about ADHDAF Emporium is their commitment to creating a space where individuals feel seen and celebrated, wherever they are in their ADHD discovery or diagnosis. As Laura put it, "Self-diagnosis is valid - and in a system so broken you could be waiting the best part of a decade for life-changing, and as was in Laura’s case, life saving ADHD assessment, diagnosis and treatment, self diagnosis has to be valid!"
Flutter and Fern: Crafting Creativity and Community
Joanne, the creative force behind Flutter and Fern, started her business five years ago as a creative outlet during her early days of motherhood. What began as a way to celebrate breastfeeding milestones with adorable pins has evolved into a thriving business built on passion and attention to detail.
For Joanne, her neurodiversity is the key to her success. She views her business as her "special subject," which sparks constant research and new product ideas. This perspective has also helped her work on the financial aspects of the business, which is something she had struggled with personally. But because learning this skill was essential for the business, she gained the motivation and focus needed to learn and grow.
Sharing how being neurodivergent has a positive impact on her business, Joanne said "I’m very particular about details and it helps with making sure I’m only making the best I can and putting my all into each product". The beautiful products Joanne has designed as well as her shop space in Carlisle truly are a testament to this.
Flutter and Fern has become a safe space for Joanne and her customers, a place where they "flock together." This is something I really love about Flutter and Fern as we need more spaces like this within our communities.
The Dopamine Delivery: Empowering Neurodivergent Women
The Dopamine Delivery is a bi-monthly subscription box designed exclusively for (maybe) ADHD women. Each box contains a selection of brain and mood-boosting items, and items designed to boost productivity and wellbeing.
Founder Charlotte began her journey as an ADHD coach "by accident." After years of coaching, she discovered her own undiagnosed ADHD at 35. This pivotal moment led her to focus on supporting neurodivergent women, helping them realise that they're not "broken" but simply need to work *with* their neurodivergent brains.
The Dopamine Delivery has evolved from one-on-one coaching to a vibrant community membership - The (Maybe) ADHD Member Hub. This space provides peer support, group coaching, co-working, and educational resources, creating a sense of belonging for those who have often felt like they don't fit in.
Charlotte is passionate about creating a safe space for women who suspect they might have ADHD but haven't received a diagnosis. She acknowledges the challenges of accessing assessments and believes that self-identification is valid. She says, "There are so many factors which wreak havoc on our brains in modern life, and for women, with changing hormones this is even more pronounced, so if people have symptoms / traits common to ADHD, my bit of the world is open - diagnosed or not!"
When asked how being neurodivergent impacts running her business, Charlotte said "My ADHD is well managed nowadays but it still presents challenges in the day-to-day running of my business, I've just had to learn that it's likely this will always be the way and work with this, knowing that my energy and capacity is an ever changing thing, and that's OK. Some days I'm a sprinter, other days I need to just back away from it all. And even with this in mind, I'm running a business I love, which gives support and helps others - I wouldn't have it any other way".
This completely aligns with my own feelings about Sunshine Lane and being autistic, and it's a great reminder that we CAN reach for our goals, we just might have to do it in a slightly different way to others.
Pyewacket: A Haven for Neurodivergent Souls
Carrie, the owner of Pyewacket, opened her shop in Berwick-upon-Tweed with a clear vision: to create a welcoming space for fellow neurodivergent individuals.
Like me, Carrie is autistic and has previously struggled to find and keep traditional employment due to the sensory difficulties she experiences. She shared, "In the past I've had to use all my energy to function which has been so isolating". But Pyewacket has become her own safe haven, a place where she can be comfortable and able to chat to visitors to her shop.
Carrie's passion for discovering and showcasing the work of neurodivergent artists is evident in every corner of her shop. She believes in the power of positive representation from "own voices" and has witnessed its transformative impact.
Running Pyewacket has been a truly lovely experience for Carrie, a place where she can connect with her community and celebrate the unique talents of neurodivergent creators. She said, "getting to discover so many makers who are making things which represent my community and make people feel seen and heard is so exciting". I couldn't agree more - that sense of belonging and representation is so important for the neurodivergent community.
These four businesses are just a few examples of the incredible neurodivergent-owned businesses making a difference and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them this past year. This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, let's celebrate their achievements and support their continued success!
