Our Artisans

When Jessica was an infant, her parents were told by her Doctors that she would never walk or talk. Anyone that knows Jessica knows she non-stop! Jessica is the inspiration behind ScentsAbility. Started by her mom Bonnie and Daddy John. Medically Jessica has a very rare metabolic disorder and a history of seizures. Thanks to early intervention; including aqua and hippo (horseback) therapy and continued therapies and exercise– Jessica is walking and loves to dance… especially to her favorite singer, Justin Timberlake! She loves everything pink and sparkly; and is just about the most affectionate person you will ever meet. Her heart is pure, she hugs everyone she meets and tells everyone she loves them. Jessica’s smile can light up a room; just like her ABILITY candle with her picture on the label!

Even though Jessica has moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities, she is able to participate in most everything at ScentsAbility and identifies as ScentsAbility Girl! Jessica’s favorite place besides the candle shop is The Statue of Liberty – she has loved her since she was a toddler. Jessica is 36 years young and lives in Coral Springs, FL. She goes to cooking and hip-hop class, exercises at the gym, and her favorite Disney character is Olaf! Favorite Princess….Ana, Favorite movie…Grease. Her crazy talent?...she can fake-sneeze and fool everyone into saying Bless You!

Lexy is truly one of a kind….she is funny, sassy, clever, driven, deeply emotional and a true medical miracle! Her list of diagnosis include Down Syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, Celiac Disease and May Thurner Syndrome. She has a Pacemaker, wears a Dexcom sensor to monitor her blood sugar and is able to check her sugar independently. Lexy’s skills on her iphone and ipad are amazing – despite having intellectual disabilities.

Lexy can always be found doing her “homework” in her spare time. She absolutely loves writing in her workbooks – especially Science! She is always ready with at least 10 sharpened pencils and 10 pens that go everywhere with her! From the first day she came to ScentsAbility Lexy found her PURPOSE; the name of her signature candle. She loves to sell, hand out her business cards and totally rocks networking events! If the music is playing (Justin Bieber is her fav) Lexy will be dancing…she leads her hip-hop class and dances like a fly girl!

Lexy’s favorite color is Red…Bold and Beautiful just like her! Favorite princess…Moana – she has even met The Rock! Lexy’s laugh is completely contagious and she is the other half of Lexica (Jessica and Lexy)…BFF forever.

Khari is a truly remarkable young man. His dynamic personality lights up a room just like his favorite ScentsAbility candle! Khari is another medical miracle which seems to be the theme at ScentsAbility. As a baby Khari suffered a stroke, leaving him with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Khari is so resilient and does not let anything get in his way on his path to independence! Despite having the use of only one hand, Khari is able to just about everything. He works at an elevator parts company and is a top producer; bagging parts three days a week. On the other days and weekends Khari works at ScentsAbility, helps the elderly take out their trash in his neighborhood, and has a standing order at Starbucks for his iced coffee!

We lovingly refer to Khari as a “bull in a china shop” as he is always bumping into things and breaking them. He knows we are teasing him and he does not get offended – he truly has the best self esteem! One of his disabilities is reduced vision, almost as if he had tunnel vision; so it is very hard for him to navigate his way. Incredibly Khari is so independent and rides the bus all over town, and can be seen walking nights and weekends with his beloved service dog, Blue. Khari is also known for loving his mayonnaise and whatever he eats we always tell him not to forget the mayo!

Khari is Jessica’s brother from another mother! He is always there for her and brightens her day whenever he is with her. His goal is to always have fun and help people everyday. We are truly grateful to know him.

Jamie is just one of our coolest ScentsAbility Artisans! He is very outgoing, and does an amazing job at our events. Born with Down Syndrome, Jamie has an upbeat personality, incredible social skills, and loves his time with his ScentsAbility friends.

When you think of Kim the first thing that comes to mind is she is one of the biggest Chicago Sports Fans you will meet! Kim has been working at ScentsAbility for over 5 years and has had some huge changes in her life the past two years; which has been a challenge as Kim is on the Autism Spectrum. Kim is such a hard worker and always helps set up the events.

Billy is a huge sports enthusiast and always wears a cap with his favorite teams Billy is a super smart young man and despite significant hearing loss, he is extremely social and an expert lip reader!. At every event, we feel confident that Billy will give the correct change and make sure the money is safe and sound.

Shaun had been unemployed and homebound for 7 years when he met us! As soon as Shaun got involved with ScentsAbility, he quickly made friends and made himself indispensable. Before you even asked for something – there was Shaun handing it to you! He always keeps an eye out for everyone; especially Jessica and Lexy.

Representing ScentsAbility as our Spokesperson is one of Michael’s favorite jobs. His passion for the Company, the products and the mission are genuine and he speaks from the heart. While Michael is often serious… he knows how to have fun; especially when there is music playing. His favorite music is country – but when Billy Joel or Michael Buble comes on Michael electrifies the room with his beautiful singing voice.

Born with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, Michael’s intellectual disabilities do not stop him from being independent. He can cook, do laundry, take a bus, read and write; and he has had several jobs prior to joining ScentsAbility; where he has found his forever job. Michael is a natural salesperson and LOVES to talk to … everyone! Ironically his “honey” for the last six years is our loving leader, Jessica Schmidt; together they can probably break the Guinness Record for consecutive hours talking!

Michael LOVES sports and participates in many Special Olympic Sports including flag football, soccer, and skiing. He has a wall of medals; including lots of Gold! His favorite time at ScentsAbility is when we have events and he gets to sell and talk to lots of new customers. Michael is a shining light on our path to independence.

Drew is an amazing young man and we are so happy he is working at ScentsAbility. Jessica and Drew have been friends over 20 years and she is so happy that her best buddy works with her! A pure heart, a true Gentleman, and a wonderful worker… Drew has so much potential.

Brian is a very smart young man, an avid reader and loves movies. He has worked at ScentsAbility a little over a year and has made so many new friends. His confidence is building all the time as he feels so proud of his work!