When I finished school at 17, things suddenly felt very quiet. For years I’d had teachers, classmates, and a routine that kept me busy every day. But once school ended, I didn’t have anything to fill my time. I wanted to feel useful and proud of what I could do not just stay at home with nothing to look forward to.

My mum saw how restless I was. Together, we started talking about what I love doing most. I’ve always enjoyed meeting people, helping out, and making things with my hands. Mum suggested we think about starting a small business something that could keep me active and happy, and maybe even earn a bit of money.

We began by exploring ideas, from arts and crafts to running a small stall at local markets. It took a lot of patience and teamwork, but soon we found something that suited me perfectly. We created a business that combined my hobbies with real independence. I got to design, package, and sell products and every step gave me more confidence.

I still remember my first customer and how proud I felt handing over something I made. Since then, I’ve learned so many new skills: talking to suppliers, keeping things organised, and even managing social media posts (with Mum’s help, of course!).

Starting a business has changed everything for me. It keeps me busy, happy, and part of my community. Most of all, it reminds me that having Down syndrome doesn’t define what I can achieve it just makes my journey a little different.

If you’re finishing school and wondering what’s next, don’t give up. With the right support and creativity, there’s always a way to find something meaningful to do.

Chloe xxx