Kerrie Mallory-Thompson

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 Because of him, I have been driven to create pathways that empower others, challenge outdated assumptions, and prove that with the right support and opportunity, individuals on the spectrum can succeed in incredible ways.

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.

I would advise young women to prioritize face-to-face networking and one-on-one collaboration, as these relationships are invaluable for growth and opportunity. At the same time, I encourage them to take advantage of webinars and flexible online resources to continue learning while maintaining balance in their professional and personal lives.

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.

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.