02/10/2025
IslaMaesCorner: How Austism and a Handmade Accessories Venture is Crafting Confidence and Community
For the past fifteen months, a vibrant stall named "IslaMaesCorner" has become a cherished feature at local markets, starting with its debut at the Beveridge Twilight Market late last year. Behind the colourful display of handmade beaded pens, keychains, bracelets, and necklaces is Isla, a young entrepreneur whose venture is about much more than just business—it's a story of personal growth, resilience, and family connection.
More Than Just a Market Stall
What began as a creative outlet has blossomed into a powerful engine for Isla's development. The intricate work of beading and assembling pens, an activity informed by her occupational therapy, has been instrumental in strengthening her fine and gross motor skills. The market environment has also become a real-world classroom. Handling transactions and calculating prices has transformed her maths skills, turning addition and subtraction into practical, everyday tools.
Perhaps the most profound impact has been on her confidence. Once shy and reserved, Isla now confidently greets customers, explains her products, and manages sales. This newfound social engagement is a testament to her growing self-assurance. For Isla, who has autism and Triple X syndrome, the creative process itself is a source of calm and regulation. On difficult days, crafting provides a focused, soothing outlet, allowing her to channel her energy into producing beautiful items.
The venture is a family affair. The shared experience of setting up the stall, interacting with customers, and packing down has strengthened family bonds. They’ve also discovered a warm and welcoming community among fellow stallholders, who have embraced Isla and her business.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
The journey has not been without its challenges. The overstimulation from crowds and noise can sometimes be overwhelming, and unpredictable weather adds another layer of difficulty. To manage this, Isla comes prepared with headphones, and the family maintains a flexible approach, ready to pack up early if needed. The logistics of early mornings and travel can be fatiguing, but careful planning helps mitigate the strain. A recent near-miss with their marquee blowing away served as a stark reminder of the importance of safety, leading to a heightened focus on securing their setup.
This resilience is rooted in a deeply personal context. Isla’s market venture has been a key part of her healing and recovery from the impacts of school bullying. The shared time spent making products created a safe space for her to open up, while the supportive market environment helped rebuild her confidence.
A Future of Growth and Advocacy
With a successful foundation, Isla and her family are looking to the future. One exciting plan is to expand her product line to include chewable jewelery, such as necklaces and bracelets made from food-grade silicone. This new range would directly support the stimming needs of others in the neurodivergent community, though the family is carefully researching regulatory standards and sourcing appropriate materials before launch.
Isla's vision extends beyond commerce. She has begun drafting a page for a book aimed at explaining autism and Triple X syndrome to a wider audience. Her goal is to promote kindness, reduce stigma, and champion the family’s belief that her diagnoses make her "extra special."
Her Instagram account, IslaMaesCorner, continues to be a key platform for this mission, where she shares videos of her creative process. These videos not only engage her audience but also help build her vocabulary and confidence in speaking.
Spreading the Word
Isla's inspiring story is set to reach an even broader audience. It will be featured in an upcoming newsletter and published on the web next Thursday, with plans to cross-post to Facebook to maximise its reach and rally community support. This collaborative effort aims to amplify her message of empowerment, creativity, and inclusion. For Isla, every bead threaded and every sale made is another step forward on a remarkable journey of turning a personal passion into a beacon of hope and strength.
