Gabrielle (Gabi) Angelini, according to her mother Mary Angelini, is a fantastic 22-year-old with Down Syndrome. Mary shared with me that Gabi always wanted to open a restaurant and saved all her money from birthdays and Christmas to make her dream come true. When she turned 18 and tried to find work, companies were not interested in hiring her. So, they went a few hours away to a coffee shop where they hired people with special abilities. They decided Gabi could open a shop like that and hire other people with special skills, too.
FWM: Hello, Gabi. Thank you for talking with me. I cried when I watched you on The Kelly Clarkson Show! Tell us about yourself and your business.
G: My name is Gabi, and I have five brothers. I always wanted to own a restaurant. My mom said she could help with a coffee shop. I said, “Let’s do it,” and Gabi’s Grounds Coffee Shop was born.
FWM: What motivated you to create Gabi’s Ground Coffee Shop?
G: We started Gabi’s Grounds because nobody would hire me. They said I would be too slow at the jobs.
FWM: Describe your journey to success.
G: My mom and I started by doing pop-ups with hot and iced coffee all around town, and then we would travel all over the country to Down Syndrome conferences. I would even be a speaker to the groups on how to start your own business and follow your dreams.
FWM: Speaking of conferences, I loved your interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show with Nick. Please tell us about Nick.
G: I met Nick at a conference, but he didn’t get my phone number. I was so upset that my mother contacted his mother, and we surprised him with a visit. Then Kelly Clarkson surprised me by having Nick show up on the show! I couldn’t believe it!
FWM: What is your super power?
G: I make people happy with my hugs. That’s why I call my coffee “a hug in a mug.” I co-authored a book, Gabi the Puppy, part of Dan The Fish Series, for people who deal with learning and physical issues in school.
FWM: What have you learned about being in business so far?
G: You have to believe in yourself, be who you are, and don’t worry what other people say. I want Gabi’s Grounds to be more than a coffee shop. I want it to be an inclusive place for the community to come together with many fun things from coffee and pastries to karaoke nights and dance parties. I won’t give up!
FWM: How can our readers connect with you outside of this interview?
G: They can follow me on all social media at Gabis Grounds and hear me on The Gabi Show! Every Tuesday night I read stories on Facebook.
FWM: Gabi’s mother shared with me they are still raising money for a brick and mortar shop, but Gabi’s Grounds Coffee Shop has an online shop that sells coffee, t-shirts, mugs, and stickers. Gabi’s Grounds is in several local establishments, including Harris Teeter, Lowe’s Foods, Publix, Weaver street markets, and Earth Fare stores.
Money raised on her GoFundMe campaign will go towards securing a shop location, paying rent and salary for employees, coolers, coffeemakers, and other necessities to run and supply the shop.
