Turned Her Hobby into a Thriving Cookie Business

From Rejection to Entrepreneurial Triumph

Collette Divitto’s journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t easy. When she was 26, after receiving several job rejections with the feedback that she wasn’t “a good fit” for companies, Divitto decided to create her own opportunity. “It was sad and hard,” she says. “To me, it felt like they didn’t like me at all because of who I am.” Rather than letting rejection define her, she embraced her love for baking and launched Collettey’s Cookies in Boston. Her entrepreneurial spirit turned what seemed like a setback into the beginning of a remarkable journey.

Turning a Hobby Into a Business

What started as a fun hobby quickly grew into a successful business. Collettey’s Cookies has grown exponentially since its inception, shipping thousands of cookies and dog treats weekly to customers across the nation. During the holiday season, the business becomes even more active, producing up to 30,000 cookies in a two-week span. Collette’s journey is a perfect example of how passion, dedication, and hard work can transform a simple hobby into a thriving business.

“My favorite part of my company is creating more jobs for people with all types of disabilities,” says Collette, underscoring her commitment to not only growing her business but also giving back to the community. This is an important aspect of Collettey’s mission: inclusivity and empowerment.

Challenges Faced Along the Way

Despite her success, Divitto’s path to success wasn’t free of obstacles. One of the most significant challenges was overcoming societal perceptions of people with disabilities. Her mother, Rosemary Alfredo, explains that they never emphasized the difference between Collette and her peers while she was growing up. However, in the fourth grade, Collette came home from school upset after a classmate called her “Down syndrome.” That was when Collette began to truly understand how society viewed her, and it only fueled her desire to prove herself.

Divitto’s story is one of resilience—despite facing rejection and judgment, she chose to create her own path. Instead of being discouraged, she used her experiences to build a business that not only provided her with an income but also created jobs for others in similar situations.

The Power of Family Support

Behind every successful entrepreneur is a supportive network, and Collette was no exception. Her mother, Rosemary Alfredo, was her biggest cheerleader. “I never felt the need to tell her she’s different,” says Rosemary, who raised Collette to believe that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, regardless of their differences. The unconditional support from her family, especially her mother, played a significant role in Divitto’s determination to overcome the challenges she faced. This family foundation gave Collette the confidence to pursue her dreams of running her own business, despite the hurdles ahead.

Creating Jobs for Others with Disabilities

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Collettey’s Cookies is its mission to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities. As the company grows, Divitto remains committed to hiring people from all walks of life, particularly those with special needs. “It’s always been about business, but now it’s about giving others the same chance I was given,” says Collette.

Her dedication to inclusivity extends beyond just offering jobs. Collette wants her company to be a platform for others to feel empowered, valued, and capable. By providing a space where people with disabilities can thrive, she is breaking down barriers and changing perceptions about what individuals with disabilities can accomplish.

Business Growth and Expansion

As Collettey’s Cookies gained popularity, it quickly expanded beyond its initial scope. From being a local Boston bakery, Collettey’s now ships nationwide, with demand surging, especially around the holidays. Divitto’s hands-on approach to managing the business, combined with her personal touch in each batch of cookies, has earned her a loyal customer base.

But the business’s success isn’t solely due to its great products. Collette’s commitment to ethical business practices, inclusive hiring, and building a strong company culture has made Collettey’s a beloved brand. Her story is a reminder that success in business isn’t just about profit—it’s about making a positive impact and giving back to the community.

The Importance of Persistence and Belief

Collette Divitto’s journey to success teaches us the importance of persistence and belief in oneself. Despite facing rejection and adversity, Collette did not let her circumstances define her. Instead, she turned a hobby into a successful business that continues to make a difference in the lives of others. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by the challenges we face, but by how we choose to respond to them.

“Do not give up,” says Collette. “If you want something, go for it. It’s going to be hard, but it will be worth it.” Her advice resonates with anyone pursuing a dream, especially those who may feel discouraged by setbacks. It’s the belief that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

The Future of Collettey’s Cookies

Looking ahead, Collette Divitto is excited about the future of her business. As Collettey’s continues to grow, she hopes to expand its reach and hire even more individuals with disabilities. The future holds even more possibilities as Collette aims to expand her product line and make a larger impact within her community.

Her entrepreneurial journey has only just begun, and the sky’s the limit for Collettey’s Cookies. The continued success of her business is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed.

Turning a Hobby Into a Business

What started as a fun hobby quickly grew into a successful business. Collettey’s Cookies has grown exponentially since its inception, shipping thousands of cookies and dog treats weekly to customers across the nation. During the holiday season, the business becomes even more active, producing up to 30,000 cookies in a two-week span. Collette’s journey is a perfect example of how passion, dedication, and hard work can transform a simple hobby into a thriving business.

“My favorite part of my company is creating more jobs for people with all types of disabilities,” says Collette, underscoring her commitment to not only growing her business but also giving back to the community. This is an important aspect of Collettey’s mission: inclusivity and empowerment.

Challenges Faced Along the Way

Despite her success, Divitto’s path to success wasn’t free of obstacles. One of the most significant challenges was overcoming societal perceptions of people with disabilities. Her mother, Rosemary Alfredo, explains that they never emphasized the difference between Collette and her peers while she was growing up. However, in the fourth grade, Collette came home from school upset after a classmate called her “Down syndrome.” That was when Collette began to truly understand how society viewed her, and it only fueled her desire to prove herself.

Divitto’s story is one of resilience—despite facing rejection and judgment, she chose to create her own path. Instead of being discouraged, she used her experiences to build a business that not only provided her with an income but also created jobs for others in similar situations.

The Power of Family Support

Behind every successful entrepreneur is a supportive network, and Collette was no exception. Her mother, Rosemary Alfredo, was her biggest cheerleader. “I never felt the need to tell her she’s different,” says Rosemary, who raised Collette to believe that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, regardless of their differences. The unconditional support from her family, especially her mother, played a significant role in Divitto’s determination to overcome the challenges she faced. This family foundation gave Collette the confidence to pursue her dreams of running her own business, despite the hurdles ahead.

Creating Jobs for Others with Disabilities

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Collettey’s Cookies is its mission to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities. As the company grows, Divitto remains committed to hiring people from all walks of life, particularly those with special needs. “It’s always been about business, but now it’s about giving others the same chance I was given,” says Collette.

Her dedication to inclusivity extends beyond just offering jobs. Collette wants her company to be a platform for others to feel empowered, valued, and capable. By providing a space where people with disabilities can thrive, she is breaking down barriers and changing perceptions about what individuals with disabilities can accomplish.

Business Growth and Expansion

As Collettey’s Cookies gained popularity, it quickly expanded beyond its initial scope. From being a local Boston bakery, Collettey’s now ships nationwide, with demand surging, especially around the holidays. Divitto’s hands-on approach to managing the business, combined with her personal touch in each batch of cookies, has earned her a loyal customer base.

But the business’s success isn’t solely due to its great products. Collette’s commitment to ethical business practices, inclusive hiring, and building a strong company culture has made Collettey’s a beloved brand. Her story is a reminder that success in business isn’t just about profit—it’s about making a positive impact and giving back to the community.

The Importance of Persistence and Belief

Collette Divitto’s journey to success teaches us the importance of persistence and belief in oneself. Despite facing rejection and adversity, Collette did not let her circumstances define her. Instead, she turned a hobby into a successful business that continues to make a difference in the lives of others. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by the challenges we face, but by how we choose to respond to them.

“Do not give up,” says Collette. “If you want something, go for it. It’s going to be hard, but it will be worth it.” Her advice resonates with anyone pursuing a dream, especially those who may feel discouraged by setbacks. It’s the belief that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

The Future of Collettey’s Cookies

Looking ahead, Collette Divitto is excited about the future of her business. As Collettey’s continues to grow, she hopes to expand its reach and hire even more individuals with disabilities. The future holds even more possibilities as Collette aims to expand her product line and make a larger impact within her community.

Her entrepreneurial journey has only just begun, and the sky’s the limit for Collettey’s Cookies. The continued success of her business is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed.

Conclusion

Collette Divitto’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of self-belief, perseverance, and the importance of creating opportunities for others. From humble beginnings to running a thriving cookie business, Collette’s journey is a testament to the fact that no dream is too big, and no obstacle is too great. By providing jobs for those with disabilities and making a difference in her community, Collette is not just baking cookies—she’s baking a legacy of empowerment, inclusivity, and success.