Depo Market - 5.1 Million Strong: An Online Handmade Jewelry Company - Racks Up Millions Of TikTok “Likes” Promoting Independent Lifestyle Choices For Adults With Autism And Other Disabilities

After gaining momentum from Autism Acceptance Month in April and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May, she hopes to elevate this occasional dialogue surrounding the concept of limitless living to a year-long priority among hiring managers everywhere.

When asked about her motivation, Chou explains, “The largest minority group in the world is people with disabilities. No matter where someone falls on the spectrum of abilities, if they have a disability, it usually makes it a lot harder to find employment. I want to show our community and other businesses how important it is to include people with disabilities in a team structure. Learning from someone that is different from you can only make you a better person, and in turn make your business stronger.”

Family serves as the foundation of Depo Market and the primary reason for its existence. Chou, a prominent jewelry designer whose eclectic work has been featured internationally in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, retired from her lucrative career in New York to join her brother Chris in conceptualizing the family-operated business based in Maui, Hawaii. Chou and Chris, both adopted from South Korea and Cambodia respectively, prioritize their connectivity in translating their mission-providing outlets for independence to adults with disabilities.

“The goal of Depo Market is to provide as many jobs as possible to other adults in the community that are in similar situations as my brother,” said Chou. “He wants to work but hasn’t been given the same opportunities as everyone else. This is a chance for people like Chris to be front and center and show everyone that just because they might do things a little differently doesn’t mean they can’t do it at all.”

Chou and her team are committed to encouraging companies worldwide to embrace a more inclusive, socially responsible mission in hiring professionals with disabilities and individuals on the spectrum. “Chris and I have always had a special bond, and I am so proud of his accomplishments and impressed by all the ideas he adds to our family business,” said Chou. “We hope to inspire others to visit our online store, peruse the eclectic jewelry designs within our diverse product line, and select from our assortment of handmade rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and origami-inspired designs. Since interest in our company has spiked tremendously with our TikTok following, we hope to spread the word about the dreams and benefits that are awaiting adults with Autism and other disabilities, with the proper support.”

Depo Market is pioneering the way in which the world views the workplace contributions and capabilities of adults with disabilities, and the team intends to continue challenging conventions with their hiring practices and business model. Chou is actively seeking corporate partners in hopes of expanding their platform to counsel global organizations on incorporating Autism Education Initiatives into their strategic plans. To learn more about Depo Market and the company’s operational mission, visit their website: https://depomarket.org/ or take a look at their day-to-day activities on the company’s TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@depomarket

LOVE, AVENTURA.
A column celebrating the heart, soul and culture of our community.