Local Mom and daughter team, Katie and Grace Driscoll, have been beautifying the world since Grace’s birth thirteen years ago, with their mission and advocacy of inclusion working to empower people with disabilities.
Their nonprofit, Changing The Face of Beauty, has worked to bring all faces into the world of advertising, with the support of organizations like the National Down Syndrome Society, Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network, and Camp For All. Major brands like Disney, Zulily, PREP Cosmetics, and Nordstrom, have partnered with Changing The Face of Beauty, “making a commitment to include models with visible differences in their advertising.”
For years they traveled the country, meeting with companies, promoting their ideas, and seeking new partners to help the disability community feel seen. Then, the whole world shut down. “In 2020, we knew it was our turn to create a brand that was inclusive,” says Katie. “Our goal was to show the industry, and the world, what we were advocating for.”
Katie’s vision blossomed into The Grace Effect, and with the support of community, family (Grace has five brothers!), and unmatched drive, this candle company made its debut. These soy wax, vegan fragrance, cotton-wicked candles are made by Grace and Katie, and completely embody the perseverance and love they put out into the world.
Photos by Katie Driscoll
“Creating a product that is 100% toxin free for families around the world to enjoy is just one little step in a more inclusive future for our kids,” Katie says. “And like anything new, you never know what to expect; but we are eternally grateful for all who have fallen in love with the light that Grace sends into the world with her candles.”
These candles can be purchased online, and found for sale in many, many locations. Businesses all over the country help carry the torch of their mission, and as far as Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kansas, Colorado, and Georgia, The Grace Effect is making a difference.
In August of 2021, the family purchased eight acres in Southwest Michigan, and The Grace Effect grew to include beautiful blooms, bulb gardens, and bouquets to its list of products available for purchase. This new division has been aptly named: The Grace Effect Flower Farm. “I have loved flowers all my life, so this farm project has given me the opportunity to explore that love,” Katie tells us. “We hope to hire others who might find employment difficult, like Grace does. In the future, we want to have jobs for all abilities.”
You’ve seen their brightly colored floral creations for sale at farmers markets, roadside stands, and many shops in the area, and coming this Spring 2023, they will be opening up a U-Pick Flower Farm on the property. They will offer weekly bouquet subscriptions, and the opportunity to book a time to go cut your own bouquets.
Katie says, “We are excited to host floral classes at the farm, as well as have a farm shop that will have some Grace Effect swag, candles, gardening fun, and house plants for sale. We have had people reach out for weddings and that is something we definitely hope to explore in the future!”
The farm is located on Holden Road in Baroda, and bouquet subscriptions are now available for purchase at thegraceeffect.com/flower-farm. Follow The Grace Effect Flower Farm on Instagram to stay updated on new developments and offerings, and to take a peek at their gorgeous flowers. Support local businesses, the mission of this family, and welcome this new venture to the community!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
