NC Woman With Down Syndrome Couldn’t Get a Job — So She Built a Business That’s Changing Lives

RALEIGH, NC — After applying to more than 20 jobs and repeatedly being turned away, Gabi Angelini — a young woman with Down syndrome — decided to create her own opportunity. Today, she co-leads a growing business in Raleigh that employs dozens of people with disabilities and is gaining national attention for its inclusive model.

A Personal Setback Sparked a Bigger Mission

When Gabi was denied a smoothie shop job on the assumption that she’d be too slow, she and her mother, Mary Angelini, took matters into their own hands. In 2017, they co-founded Gabi’s Grounds, which initially sold coffee and ran street pop-ups. The business later evolved into Gabi’s PALS — short for Packaging, Assembling, Labeling and Shipping — during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company’s mission is clear: provide meaningful employment to people with disabilities who are often excluded from the traditional workforce.

From Smoothies to Shipping Contracts

In 2020, Gabi’s PALS shifted its focus to packaging services for retail clients. The warehouse, located on Pylon Drive in Raleigh, handles everything from labeling CBD products and candles to assembling gift boxes. It now partners with 24 organizations — including Lenovo, Bridgestone, and Tiny Earth Toys — helping them fulfill orders with precision and care.

Business advisor Dave Bartos, who volunteers with Gabi’s, says they are operating near full capacity. “We just need more places for people to work,” he explained. To expand, the company has launched a GoFundMe seeking $20,000 for additional forklifts, racking systems, and furniture.

A Community for the Overlooked

For many employees, this is their first opportunity to feel genuinely valued at work. Lauren Branch, who has cerebral palsy, said, “If you make a mistake, they don’t get mad. They just talk to you quietly and respectfully.”

Joshua Pederson, who is paralyzed from the waist down, appreciates the flexibility. “If my back starts hurting, I’m good to leave,” he said, noting how rare such accommodations are elsewhere.

New hires often start as volunteers before being considered for permanent roles — a model that removes the stress of interviews while offering a practical assessment of fit.

Beyond the Paycheck — It’s a Family

The informal, supportive culture at Gabi’s has fostered deep friendships and a sense of belonging. Employees go bowling together, visit amusement parks, and feel safe being themselves. Ukrainian refugee Andrii Demydov said he was welcomed without judgment when he arrived in 2022. “They just smiled, and we started chatting very friendly,” he recalled.

Gabi herself is a constant presence — hugging coworkers, packaging orders, and keeping morale high. “She makes the day fun and exciting,” Branch said.

The Bigger Picture: Inclusion in the Workplace

Despite their dedication, disabled individuals in the U.S. face twice the unemployment rate of their non-disabled peers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Advocates like UNC-Chapel Hill’s Anna Ward say workplace stigma and limited accommodations remain significant barriers.

Gabi’s PALS shows what’s possible when those barriers are removed — not just for disabled workers, but for the companies that hire them. Mary Angelini notes that their clients appreciate the reliability and accuracy of their team’s work.

Do you think more local businesses should follow Gabi’s example? Share your thoughts in the comments below at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.