High school was about surviving puberty (eek) and building the best college application. College was about creating a resume and finding a career. First jobs, first dates, first house…all of it was about making the right choice for the next season. There was lots of planning for the next stage but like most teens and young adults, I was not skilled at reflecting or being content.

Now I’m married with a family. My amazing husband, Chet, and I have been married for 20 years and we have two wonderful sons, Isaac (18) and Brady (16). I’m finally beginning to see the threads connecting the seasons and choices, find purpose in the heartbreaks, and appreciate the refinement of my resilience.

I’ve decided to stop chasing one day and intentionally sop up today’s goodness with a biscuit. The dream to start my own business began just after my youngest son was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome. Learning that employment opportunities were very limited for people with intellectual disabilities left me feeling a little helpless so I started fantasizing about possible solutions to the problem. Hip Hip Parade is a small way I can use my skills to impact the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through creating, celebrating, and connecting.

About the name

Many years ago we took our boys on a family vacation to Disney World. We quickly discovered that there seemed to be a parade around each corner. Those parades were massive and electric! Brady was sitting in his stroller watching the parade, raised his sweet little arm in the air, and shouted “Hip Hip Parade!” It’s one of many Brady-isms that seem to fit perfectly! We’ve used the term throughout the years and I think it conveys celebration, joy, and creativity - exactly what I want you all to expect from my little business.