Shop Operated By People With Disabilities Opening in Oswego

A new business is opening in Oswego, and its goal isn't to make money.

The Pinch of Happiness Spice Shop will offer spices, teas, extracts and coffee while providing opportunity for people with disabilities. The store is an extension of a local organization that provides a variety of programs to the disabled and their families.

Rebecca Chistiansen founded the non-profit Celebrate Differences in Oswego ten years ago. Her 12-year-old son, Ryan, has Down Syndrome. The organization is "committed to supporting individuals with disabilities in reaching their fullest potential," according to their website.

"Celebrate Differences - Profile" via Vimeo

Chistiansen said finding employment is a constant source of stress for the disabled.

"They can't find a job. They're asking me, 'Rebecca can you help me find a job? I can't find a job, nobody will give me a chance,' " she said. "An opportunity to offer employment to this community was something that was always on our radar."

An opportunity appeared when the Sage Spice Shop in downtown Oswego went up for sale. Celebrate Differences purchased the business and incorporated it as a low-profit limited liability company, a designation for businesses associated with non-profit organizations.

There are five adults with disabilities that work in the store. Some are paid through a Department of Labor program. Chistiansen hopes that other local businesses will see the employees at Pinch of Happiness and consider hiring disabled individuals.

"These individuals are very capable of doing so much if they are just given the chance," Christiansen said.

Valerie Smick making gift baskets at the shop

The grand opening will run from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7. The event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, product demonstrations and samples. The store will also carry Jumpy Monkey Coffee, made by an Iowa-based coffee roaster which employs people with disabilities.

Hours for A Pinch of Happiness are the following:

• Sunday Closed
• Monday Closed
• Tuesday 10:00 am–4:00 pm
• Wednesday 12:00 pm–6:00 pm
• Thursday 10:00 am–4:00 pm
• Friday 10:00 am–4:00 pm
• Saturday10:00 am–1:00 pm

Photo at top: Rebecca Christiansen and Thomas Knutte behind the counter at A Pinch of Happiness. All photographs provided by Rebecca Chistiansen.