Explore how ThelmaLou Creations and Empowered Prints are breaking employment barriers for adults with disabilities through vocational training, meaningful work opportunities, and workforce development programs.
Verified Member
Influential Woman · Apparel Decorating, Signage, Awards, Personalized Gifts and Promotional Items.
Kerrie Mallory-Thompson
CEO and Co-Founder, ThelmaLou Creations, LLC
Surprise, AZ 85379
2Articles published
Her Story
About Kerrie
Kerrie Mallory-Thompson is a creative entrepreneur and advocate for inclusive employment, blending her lifelong passion for design with a mission-driven approach to business. With a background rooted in art, design, color, and hands-on learning, she built her expertise through years of practical experience before launching ThelmaLou Creations, LLC, in 2018. What began as a custom apparel and product decorating business, serving corporate clients, schools, and organizations with branded merchandise such as drinkware, signage, banners, and awards, quickly evolved into something far more impactful. The development of Empowered Prints is driven by her son Conor’s journey with autism, Kerrie created Empowered Prints as an opportunity, focusing on teaching adults on the autism spectrum valuable, hands-on job skills. Recognizing the significant barriers to employment faced by this community, she created an environment centered on training, mentorship, and real-world experience. Through internship programs and supported employment, she has already helped individuals transition into meaningful work, with plans to expand and create even more opportunities. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering independence, confidence, and long-term stability for those often underserved in the workforce. In addition to her role as CEO and co-founder, Kerrie is an active leader in the autism community, serving as Board President of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. She continues to grow both her business and her impact, with a vision of employing a wide network of individuals on the autism spectrum. Whether she is designing a custom product from a client’s idea or mentoring someone toward independence, Kerrie is driven by purpose, combining creativity, compassion, and determination to build a more inclusive and empowering future.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kerrie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my son, Conor, and the profound way he has shaped the person and mother I have become. Watching his journey over the years has given me a deeper sense of purpose, resilience, and determination than I ever could have imagined. His needs, his strengths, and the challenges he has faced have continually pushed me to think differently, work harder, and advocate more boldly. At the same time, I have also had to confront the uncertainty that so many families of individuals with disabilities live with every day, especially when it comes to the future. One of the realities that weighed heavily on me was the high unemployment rate among adults with disabilities. Like many parents, I found myself asking difficult questions: What opportunities would be available for Conor as he got older? Where would he be able to work, contribute, and truly thrive? Those questions became impossible to ignore. Instead of simply worrying about the future, I chose to act. That motivation led me to create meaningful employment and training opportunities designed not only for Conor, but for others on the autism spectrum as well. I wanted to help build something that offered purpose, dignity, skill development, and a true sense of belonging. What started as side-gig and hobby based business, easily turned into a deeply personal mission which has grown into something much bigger, rooted in the belief that individuals with autism and other disabilities are capable, valuable, and deserving of opportunities that recognize their strengths.
Conor has been, and continues to be, one of my greatest inspirations. Because of him, I have been driven to create pathways that empower others, challenge outdated assumptions, and prove that with the right support and opportunity, individuals on the spectrum can succeed in incredible ways.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
That advice may sound simple on the surface, but it carries a level of discipline that has shaped how I approach both decisions and relationships in my career. “Don’t do anything stupid” isn’t just about avoiding mistakes, it’s about being intentional. It’s a reminder to pause, assess the situation, and think through both the short-term impact and the long-term consequences before reacting.
For me, that has translated into developing a habit of thoughtful communication. Instead of speaking impulsively, I take the time to consider my audience, my message, and the outcome I’m trying to achieve. It’s helped me present ideas more clearly, navigate difficult conversations with more professionalism, and build stronger working relationships. On the execution side, it’s reinforced the importance of planning. Before jumping into action, I map out what success looks like, what resources are needed, and what potential challenges might come up. Checklists are my friend. That extra step doesn’t slow things down, it actually creates efficiency by reducing missteps and rework. Overall, that simple piece of advice has become a guiding principle. It’s helped me stay grounded, make more strategic decisions, and approach my work with a level of thoughtfulness that ultimately leads to better results.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Own your voice early and don’t wait for permission to use it. Whether you’re in design, marketing, or building your own business, your ideas have value. Speak up, share them, and don’t second-guess yourself into silence. I would also strongly encourage prioritizing face-to-face networking and one-on-one collaboration. Those personal connections are invaluable, they open doors, build trust, and often lead to opportunities you simply won’t find any other way. At the same time, take full advantage of webinars and flexible online resources. They allow you to keep learning, stay current, and grow your skillset while maintaining balance in both your professional and personal life. Be willing to learn everything. This industry is constantly evolving, and the most successful people aren’t the ones who know it all, they’re the ones who stay curious, adaptable, and open to growth. Take on projects that challenge you, even if you’re not 100% sure how to do them yet. You’ll figure it out along the way. Also, understand that confidence comes from doing, not waiting until you feel “ready.” There will always be moments of doubt, but don’t let that stop you from taking the next step. Some of my biggest opportunities came from saying yes before I had everything perfectly figured out. Surround yourself with people who support you, but also people who will be honest with you. Mentorship is incredibly valuable, learn from those who have been where you want to go, but don’t be afraid to carve your own path. And finally, don’t lose sight of your “why.” For me, it’s my son and creating opportunities for others. When your work is rooted in purpose, it gives you resilience, clarity, and a reason to keep going even when things get tough. There is absolutely room for you in this space, not just to succeed, but to lead, to innovate, and to create something that truly matters.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in our field right now is the growing demand for personalized, custom products. Customers are looking for items that are meaningful and unique, which aligns perfectly with what we do at ThelmaLou Creations and Empowered Prints. Advances in printing technology have also allowed us to expand beyond apparel into materials like wood, acrylic, and metal, opening the door to new products and markets. At the same time, one of the challenges is the fact the industry has become so much more competitive. Print-on-demand has made it easier for others to enter the space, so standing out requires strong branding, quality, and a clear mission. I feel that is really where we differentiate ourselves. Empowered Prints was built with purpose, to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, so we’re not just selling products, we’re telling a story and making an impact in the lives of others.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are purpose, integrity, and impact. Purpose drives everything I do, both personally and professionally. With ThelmaLou Creations and Empowered Prints, it’s not just about making products; it’s about creating opportunities, especially for individuals with disabilities, and building something meaningful for my family and community. Integrity is also key. I believe in being honest, following through on commitments, and doing things the right way, even when it’s not the easiest path. And finally, impact. I want the work I do to matter, to make a difference in people’s lives, whether that’s through providing opportunities, supporting families, or simply creating something that brings someone joy. At the end of the day, I want to build something that has both heart and purpose behind it.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Kerrie
Breaking Barriers: Addressing Unemployment Among Adults with Disabilities Through Opportunity and Inclusion
How ThelmaLou Creations and Empowered Prints Are Breaking Down Employment Barriers for Adults with Disabilities
Across the United States, adults with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to employment despite years of progress toward workplace inclusion. While companies and communities have become more aware of accessibility and accommodations, the unemployment gap between people with and without disabilities remains alarmingly high.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities rose to 8.3% in 2025, more than double the 4.1% unemployment rate for individuals without disabilities. In addition, according to Disability Employment Statistics, labor force participation among adults with disabilities continues to lag far behind that of the general population, meaning millions of capable individuals are still being left out of meaningful employment opportunities.
These numbers represent far more than statistics. They represent talented individuals who want to work, contribute, learn skills, gain independence, and feel valued, but who are too often overlooked by traditional employers. Many adults with disabilities face obstacles such as limited job training opportunities, lack of workplace accommodations, transportation challenges, and employers who underestimate their abilities.
For families, especially parents of children and adults with special needs, these realities can feel overwhelming. Many parents spend years wondering what adulthood will look like for their child once school services end. Questions about independence, employment, and social inclusion become very real concerns. That is exactly why ThelmaLou Creations, LLC and Empowered Prints were created.
Founded by two best friends with a passion for helping others, ThelmaLou Creations, LLC began as a small custom apparel and promotional products business. But for co-founder Kerrie Mallory-Thompson, the mission became deeply personal as a single autism mother determined to create opportunities not only for her son, Conor, but for others like him.
What started as a creative business evolved into something much larger: a job skills and workforce development program focused on empowering adults with disabilities through meaningful, hands-on employment experience.
Through Empowered Prints, participants are given opportunities to learn real-world vocational skills, including:
- apparel production
- packaging and fulfillment
- laser engraving
- printing and design
- customer service
- inventory management
- teamwork and communication
More importantly, participants are given confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
Programs like Empowered Prints help challenge outdated assumptions about disability employment. Adults with disabilities are capable, hardworking, creative, and eager to contribute when given the proper support and opportunity. Inclusive workplaces do not just benefit employees with disabilities; they strengthen businesses, communities, and workplace culture as a whole.
Studies continue to show that inclusive employment environments often experience stronger employee loyalty, improved morale, and diverse perspectives that fuel innovation. Yet many businesses still hesitate to hire individuals with disabilities because of misconceptions or concerns about accommodations. In reality, many accommodations are simple, low-cost, or even free.
ThelmaLou Creations, LLC and Empowered Prints are determined to be part of the solution. Every product created, every custom order completed, and every new skill taught represents another step toward breaking down employment barriers for adults with disabilities.
The mission is not simply about printing shirts or creating promotional products. It is about creating futures. It is about proving that disability does not diminish talent, value, creativity, or potential. Most importantly, it is about ensuring that more adults with disabilities have the opportunity to thrive—not just survive—in the workforce and within their communities.
ThelmaLou Creations is more than a custom printing company—it's a mission-driven business dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities through Empowered Prints, a program providing meaningful job skills, dignity, and real-world opportunities in an inclusive environment.
More Than a Business: From Friendship and a Side-Hustle to Purpose and Empowerment
From Friendship and Creativity to a Movement of Empowerment and Inclusion
People often see the finished products first—the custom shirts, engraved drinkware, banners, signs, awards, and branded merchandise. They see the growth of ThelmaLou Creations and the work we do throughout the community. What they do not always see is the journey that built it.
What many people do not know is that this business was started by two best friends who simply shared a passion for creativity. It was not long before friendship and a desire to make a difference slowly evolved into something much larger than we ever imagined. At the heart of it all was purpose.
I am a single mother to a son on the autism spectrum. Like many parents of children with autism, I spent years hearing limitations placed on my child. I was told what he might never do. Never say. Never become.
At one point, I was even told my son would probably never talk.
Those words changed me forever.
I made a decision in that moment that autism was not going to define what my son was capable of accomplishing. I knew the road ahead would not be easy, but I also knew he deserved opportunities, independence, dignity, and purpose—just like anyone else.
Like many parents raising children with special needs, I worried constantly about the future.
What happens after school ends?
What meaningful opportunities will exist for adults with disabilities?
Who will believe in them enough to give them a chance?
Those questions stayed with me every single day.
At the same time, my best friend and I were building a business from the ground up. Together, we poured our hearts into creating something that blended creativity with community impact.
ThelmaLou Creations grew into a full-service custom printing and promotional products company specializing in apparel, signage, engraving, awards, branding, and personalized products.
But deep down, we both knew this business had to become more than just a business.
We wanted to create something that changed lives.
That purpose became Empowered Prints.
Empowered Prints was created to provide adults with special needs and developmental disabilities with opportunities to learn real-world job skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
This is not busy work.
This is not pretend work.
These are meaningful, hands-on experiences that build confidence, independence, communication skills, and pride.
Participants learn production processes, organization, packaging, customer service, equipment operation, teamwork, and workplace responsibility.
More importantly, they learn that they are capable.
Because they are.
Too often, society underestimates individuals with disabilities.
I have seen firsthand what happens when someone is finally given patience, encouragement, and an opportunity to succeed.
Confidence grows.
Communication improves.
Independence develops.
Lives change.
And honestly, they change ours too.
As a mother, this mission is deeply personal.
As business owners, it is purposeful.
As friends, it is something we have built side by side with love, compassion, and determination.
We do not believe inclusion should simply be a slogan printed on a T-shirt.
We believe it should exist in workplaces, communities, and everyday life.
Adults with disabilities deserve opportunities to contribute, create, work, and thrive.
That is exactly what we are building.
The journey has not been easy.
There have been sacrifices, setbacks, exhaustion, uncertainty, and moments when giving up probably would have been easier.
But there have also been victories I cannot fully put into words.
Watching my son grow.
Watching our intern become an employee.
Watching that employee gain confidence.
Watching families feel hope for the future.
Watching people realize they are capable of more than the world expected from them.
That is why we do this.
ThelmaLou Creations may have started as two best friends with a shared passion for creativity, but it evolved into something much bigger: a platform for inclusion, empowerment, opportunity, and hope.
And we are just getting started.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.