This Maui Boutique Supports Adults With Disabilities
Depot Market in Wailuku is run by siblings Tiffany and Christopher Chou, an adult living with autism.
“Love you and support you guys,” a grinning Christopher Chou says as he signs off from a video clip that’s racked up over 2 million views on TikTok.
Like the hundreds of thousands of fans now following him on social media, I’ve found so much joy through posts by Chris and his sister, Tiffany Chou, the team behind Depo Market on Maui.
Whether they’re sharing day-in-the-life videos of an adult living with autism in Hawai‘i, tips for caregivers or style advice from Depo Market employees, it’s nearly impossible not to smile when watching.
@depomarket Thank you to everyone that has come by to see us!!! #maui #storytime #family #autism #autismacceptance #disabilitytiktok #neurodivergent #actuallyautistic #downsyndrome #interiordesign #smallbusiness #beforeandafter #downsyndromeawareness #homemakeover #homedecor #interiordesign #fyp #fypシ #viral ♬ LITTLE MO’ BETTA – David Davis
The Chous didn’t set out with the idea of running their own brick-and-mortar in Wailuku. It just evolved that way, from an idea hatched in 2019 to help Chris earn money from his talent for creating jewelry.
Their shop is a way to take Chris’ jewelry and turn it into something larger—a chance to employ other adults with disabilities, to spread awareness about autism and other disabilities, and to let customers shop in a fun and supportive environment. I couldn’t wait to visit the newly opened store on a recent trip to Wailuku.
Depo Market is among the growing list of businesses in the U.S. that are offering jobs to people with disabilities. In 2022 about 21% of disabled people in the U.S. were employed, up from 19% in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s the highest rate since the U.S. began tracking the statistic in 2008. This year Hawai‘i, along with 11 other states, will participate in the National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network, an initiative by the U.S. Department of Labor to expand employment opportunities to adults with disabilities.
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Walking through the pale pink door, my eye is drawn to a lighted alcove in the wall featuring some of Chris’ signature origami earrings. I help myself to a red M&M from a glass jar labeled “Eat Me” while browsing the DIY charm bar, my fingers lingering over colorful enameled charms of cowry shells, monstera leaves and sea urchin shells.
With so many fun and whimsical touches around the store, it’s actually the things you might not see that matter most. Detailed labeling and bar codes on every item ensure that employees don’t have to remember prices or materials, the most common things customers ask about in a jewelry store.
Employees are also given the freedom to choose which items need to be restocked after a sale and to select their own music for their shifts. And opening and closing checklists help to build employees’ autonomy and confidence, the Chous say.
Employees are supported and encouraged to manage the customer service and point-of-sale systems on their own, but support workers are there to assist if needed. (These are other employees who step in and assist those with disabilities when needed.) “It’s important to let people try things for themselves before doing it for them,” explains Tiffany Chou.
@depomarket Work it! #disabilitytiktok #disability #asd #autismawareness #autism #worklife #morningroutine #caregiversoftiktok #fypシ #fyp #actuallyautistic #accessibility #fashion #styleinspo #guyfashion #aapifamily ♬ Boogie Shoes – KC & The Sunshine Band
A small room behind the checkout counter provides a cozy and quiet space for employees who’ve become overstimulated or just need a break. Chris Chou didn’t want signage broadcasting his employees’ disabilities, but, as a very subtle clue—and as a way to educate and engage—you might notice cards explaining autism or Down syndrome tucked in among the jewelry displays.
Many of Chris Chou’s pieces are displayed with “Made by Chris” signage. But not all of the Depo Market employees make jewelry—and that’s the point. The Chous say they want to be an example for other businesses when it comes to hiring adults with disabilities.
Like the slogan on one of the shop’s popular holographic stickers, Depo Market hopes to spread the message that adults with disabilities are different, not less.
Depo Market, 11 N. Market St. in Wailuku, Maui, (808) 419-6699, @depo_market (IG), @depomarket (TikTok), depomarket.org
