Underestimated

Rosemary and Collette introduce themselves from Boston and discuss Collette’s experience facing repeated job rejections before starting her cookie business, colettis.com, which employs a blended community including people with disabilities. They share updates about new holiday cookie ideas like ginger molasses, plus popular flavors and gifting. A surprise call with Rosemary’s sister Karen (from New York) leads to talk about an IPL skin treatment, Collette’s enjoyment of a recent wedding, and upcoming plans including a Country Music Festival trip to Nashville. Karen, a trainer and endurance racer, describes marathons, Disney race weekends, and fundraising for Type 1 diabetes, explaining her daughters’ diagnoses, advances like continuous glucose monitors, and needs for better pump accuracy. She also highlights Blue Circle Health (bluecirclehealth.org), a nonprofit providing free Type 1 support and supplies to underserved adults.

Blue Circle Health: bluecirclehealth.org

Topics

01:19 Rejections to Cookie Biz

02:53 Sister Calls In IPL

04:43 Wedding Weekend Recap

09:12 Holiday Cookie Brainstorm

11:56 Cookie Love and Sales

14:15 Concert Plans and Cousin Dropby

17:55 Nashville Festival Surprise

21:07 Karen the Marathon Beast

24:20 Disney Race Costumes

27:35 Post Wedding Emotions

28:53 Disney Run Costumes

30:28 Race Day Laughs

31:37 Why We Fundraise

32:14 Living With Type 1

33:26 Tech That Saves Lives

34:38 What Needs Improving

38:57 Misconceptions And Hope

41:30 Blue Circle Health

43:35 Global Diabetes Reality

45:49 Cookies And Family Humor

47:45 Theme Parties And Tequila

53:22 Peloton Studio Plans

59:18 Nashville Boots And Dancing

01:03:08 Signing Off

Rosemary and Collette focus on how ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, or other benefits. They explain the outdated $2,000 asset limit in personal bank accounts, that ABLE accounts can hold up to $100,000 (with discussion of a possible increase), and that contributions—including from employers—can be used for qualified expenses such as housing and other essentials. They share how Collette, a 35-year-old entrepreneur with Down syndrome, used an ABLE account to start and grow Collettey’s Cookies, live independently, and later obtain an SBA loan, while also helping an employee set up an ABLE account. Collette discusses her businesses, books, hiring and employment barriers, and promotes cookie flavors, ordering, and live social media shows.

Visit https://colletteys.com/

Topics

02:03 Collette’s Work and Books

04:11 Why ABLE Accounts Matter

06:13 Rules Limits and Savings

09:20 Using ABLE to Build Business

13:24 ABLE Americans and Employees

16:31 Fixing Outdated Benefit Rules

20:15 Jobs Disability Hiring Gap

24:27 Rosemary’s Early Advocacy

25:53 Homeschooling Tutors and School

30:11 Fire Bad Teachers

30:30 High Vs Low Expectations

30:58 Work Hard Play Hard

32:05 Cookie Company Plug

32:55 Signature Flavors Rundown

35:54 New Cookies And Feedback

40:24 Where To Buy And Contact

42:12 Wedding Plans And Duties

44:20 Pivoting With Live Shows

46:58 Meeting Big Influencers

48:43 Producer Orders Cookies

49:21 Wrap Up And Social Links

In this episode, Collette and her mom Rosemary discuss various personal and professional milestones. The co-host expresses feelings of jealousy towards Blake's seemingly perfect life, touching on themes of love and happiness. The conversation shifts to Collette's busy schedule as the holiday season approaches, with her company gearing up for an intense period of cookie orders. Collette shares insights into her health regimen, including Tai Chi and various supplements, which help her maintain her energy levels. They briefly discuss their recent adventures in New York City, including an appearance on the Tamron Hall Show and attending a Rangers game. Future plans and aspirations, such as expanding the cookie business and developing a documentary about Collette's life, are also touched upon. They conclude by celebrating Collette's recognition as one of the 10 Outstanding Young Leaders and promote her holiday gift packages.

Topics

00:34 Collette's Personal Life and Relationships

01:43 Holiday Season and Cookie Business

04:58 Daily Routine and Health Practices

07:12 Injuries and Training

08:26 Book Releases and Lulu the Bulldog

11:31 Tamron Hall Show Experience: https://youtu.be/6HaSCrZnWy0?si=_YLPWQ-F4J3R3M7o

17:53 Brad Lee Podcast and Business Insights

25:24 Morning Show Appearances

25:41 Discussing Talk Show Hosts

26:10 TV Series and Jeremy Renner

28:02 Documentary Project

31:27 Fundraising and Family Involvement

37:53 Maid of Honor Duties

44:21 Weight Loss Journey

48:23 Holiday Cookie Business

Rosemary and Collette welcome Collette’s sister Blake. The trio discusses Blake's recent trip from Vancouver to renew her driver’s license in Boston, her engagement to a Canadian, and the challenges of long-distance travel. They reminisce about their travels to Vancouver and Las Vegas, share humorous family anecdotes, and navigate topics such as wedding planning, work-life balance, and unexpected life experiences. The episode also features Collette's cookie business, her upcoming award from Easter Seals, and a heartfelt discussion about family support and love.

Topics

00:30 License Renewal Drama

00:49 Boston vs. Vancouver

01:48 Airline Frustrations

03:24 First Class and Celebrity Status

09:15 Vegas Adventures

19:17 Wedding Plans and Maid of Honor

28:11 A Call from Blake

28:16 Going Viral and Busy Times

28:32 Networking and Opportunities

28:49 Parenting Reflections

29:17 Standing Up to Mom

30:36 Achievements and Awards

33:36 Film Festivals and Documentaries

49:09 Dinner Plans and Recipes

51:06 Wrapping Up and Goodbyes

Collette and Rosemary discuss various topics including their recent activities, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for people with disabilities. They share updates about Collette's bustling week filled with company tours for individuals with disabilities and the visit of a German film crew documenting her work. The conversation also explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding disability and entrepreneurship, particularly in different countries. Collette and Rosemary delve into personal anecdotes, such as Collette's experiences with her aide in school, and the significant impact of guardianship laws on their lives. Moreover, they highlight the importance of meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities and Collette’s mission to change perceptions. The episode is peppered with discussions about their new children's book inspired by their late bulldog, Lulu, and its heartwarming theme. Ending on a lighter note, they discuss their love for live music, their favorite TV shows, and plan for future podcasts to continue their advocacy and storytelling.

Documentary on Collette (trailer): https://youtu.be/KJrgtnjw5Ug?si=-fXYGk3rZmn3_OCJ

THEY SAID: World Down Syndrome Day 2025: https://youtu.be/XNE4F1YaRj0?si=UiNNqrlPnvGAvnfk

Topics

00:48 Busy Week Recap

01:26 Property Tour and Cookie Baking

03:23 German TV Documentary

08:04 Muffin Story and School Memories

17:04 Guardianship Challenges

24:11 Understanding Proxies and Their Uses

25:09 The Cookie Business: Why Cookies?

25:55 The Art of Baking: Perfecting Cookies

29:50 Remembering Lulu: A Beloved Bulldog

33:24 Creating a Children's Book About Lulu

34:44 Collette's Employee and His Artistic Talent

37:19 Discussing the Book: The Best Life Possible

45:39 Changing Perceptions of Disabilities

46:06 Documentary on Collette: 17%

47:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

Collette and Rosemary are joined by filmmaker Katie Stoneburner to discuss entrepreneurial endeavors, the creation of job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and the upcoming projects aimed at raising awareness about Down syndrome. The trio reflects on memorable experiences from filming for Down Syndrome Day campaigns to attending events in New York, highlighting the transformative power of resilience, friendship, and positive thinking.

Documentary on Collette (trailer): https://youtu.be/KJrgtnjw5Ug?si=-fXYGk3rZmn3_OCJ

THEY SAID: World Down Syndrome Day 2025: https://youtu.be/XNE4F1YaRj0?si=UiNNqrlPnvGAvnfk

Topics

01:50 Katie's Journey to Filmmaking

03:12 Meeting Collette and Filming Adventures

03:44 New York Gala and Tequila

05:10 Family Stories and Auction Mishaps

11:36 Reflections on Overcoming Stereotypes

22:54 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

23:40 Embracing Positivity and Journaling

24:10 Achievements and Overcoming Challenges

26:54 Weight Management Struggles

30:12 Future Projects and Opportunities

33:10 Cookie Business and Family Stories

38:42 Books and Education

43:50 Podcasting and Final Thoughts

In their inaugural podcast 'Underestimated,' Rosemary Alfredo and her daughter Collette Divitto discuss the many obstacles and adversities Collette has faced and overcome in her life. Born with Down syndrome, Collette defied expectations to become the CEO and founder of two companies. The episode highlights her early struggles in school, being bullied and misunderstood by peers and teachers, and the challenges of navigating the education system. Collette found comfort and purpose in baking, which eventually led her to start her own business Collettey's Cookies despite numerous rejections and setbacks in the job market. Collette and Rosemary also talk about Collette’s journey through high school and college, the support of her mother, and her determination to live independently. They emphasize the importance of believing in oneself and the mission of creating opportunities for people with disabilities. 

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Topics

00:45 Meet Collette: Overcoming Expectations

01:13 The Decision to Start a Podcast

02:42 Collette's High School Struggles

03:16 Finding Solace in Baking

06:56 The Turning Point: Baking Class

10:53 College Journey and Challenges

15:33 Life in Boston

16:36 Living Independently

21:58 Understanding Your True Self

22:20 Starting a New Business Journey

22:36 Facing Job Rejections and Volunteering

24:09 Struggles with Employment and Advocacy

29:26 Launching a Successful Cookie Business

31:29 Empowering Others with Disabilities

35:16 Balancing Business and Personal Life

37:48 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans