030: A "Fancy Jewelry Store" Building Community Through Inclusion-The Depo Market Story, with Tiffany Chou

Maui-raised entrepreneur Tiffany Chou tells us about the creation of Depo Market—a mission-driven retail space in Wailuku, Maui, and online, employing adults with disabilities. Our conversation explores Tiffany’s journey as a caregiver, entrepreneur, and disability rights advocate. 

We follow Tiffany and her brother Chris's venture into the jewelry business, starting with their popup shop at the Kea Lani, and hear about the challenges and joys of pursuing a shared passion. From managing Chris's schedule to the serendipity of a viral TikTok video, their unconventional path led them to establishing a physical storefront. This development transformed their business model and created meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities in a visible, “front of house” capacity.

With authenticity and heart, Tiffany shares how Depo Market is not just a store, it’s a social enterprise rooted in inclusion, meaningful employment, and community care.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How did Tiffany Chou transition from aspiring fashion designer to successful jewelry designer and business owner?
• What inspired Tiffany to create Depo Market, a retail space employing adults with disabilities?
• What role did Tiffany's family legacy and personal advocacy play in her mission?
• How did a viral TikTok video impact Tiffany and Chris's jewelry business?
• What are the benefits and challenges of operating Depo Market as a for-profit business?
• How is Depo Market designed to be inclusive and supportive for neurodivergent employees?

Resources from this Episode

DepoMarket.org: https://depomarket.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/depo_market/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@depomarket

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.