Creating Inclusive Employment Opportunities Through Community Partnerships: Meet The Lavish Goat

Believing in the Power of Inclusion & Community

At GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land, our mission is rooted in the belief that individuals with Down syndrome deserve every opportunity to succeed, grow, and thrive—both in their personal lives and in the workplace. One of the most impactful ways we bring that mission to life is through inclusive employment opportunities made possible by generous and forward-thinking community partners.

A Partnership That’s Making a Difference

One such partner who has gone above and beyond is The Lavish Goat, a locally owned bath and body company run by the incredible Sean and Candice Wheat. What began as a connection rooted in shared values quickly blossomed into a hands-on partnership that’s making a real difference.

Real-World Job Training for Real Impact

Sean and Candice have welcomed two of our GiGi’s participants, Vanessa and Daniel, into their warehouse to gain real-world job experience. There, they’ve been trained in tasks like packaging shower steamers, sealing product bags, and carefully counting items to prepare orders for customers.

These opportunities aren’t just about performing tasks—they’re about developing confidence, independence, and transferable job skills in a supportive environment.

Building Confidence and Skills Through Inclusive Employment

For individuals with Down syndrome, having access to inclusive employment opportunities like this can be life-changing. Vanessa and Daniel are learning how to follow step-by-step instructions, manage their time, pay attention to detail, and work as part of a team. These are essential skills for any job, and they’re gaining them in a space where they feel welcomed, respected, and empowered.

The Lavish Goat: A Model of Inclusion in Action

That empowerment is thanks to the incredible leadership and open-hearted approach of Sean and Candice. They’ve shown immense patience and care, taking the time to mentor and guide our participants through each task. Their belief in inclusion goes beyond words—it’s reflected in their actions every single day. By providing this chance for Vanessa and Daniel to be a part of their operations, The Lavish Goat is showing the community that businesses of any size can be powerful advocates for disability inclusion.

Why Inclusive Workplaces Matter

Inclusive employment doesn’t just benefit the employee—it enriches the entire workplace. Companies that embrace diversity and inclusion often find themselves with more engaged teams, stronger community connections, and a deeper sense of purpose. The Lavish Goat is a shining example of how local businesses can lead the way in creating workplaces that welcome and uplift individuals of all abilities.

Gratitude and a Call to Action

At GiGi’s Playhouse Sugar Land, we are proud to work with partners who see the potential in every person and are willing to take that extra step to make the world more inclusive. This partnership with The Lavish Goat is proof that when we work together, we can build a future where everyone has a place and a purpose.

We’re so grateful to Sean and Candice Wheat for their unwavering support and for giving Vanessa and Daniel the chance to shine. Their commitment to creating inclusive employment opportunities is helping to break down barriers and show what’s possible when businesses choose to include. Visit thelavishgoat.com to learn more about their products!

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re a business owner or community leader and want to learn more about how to partner with us to provide inclusive employment opportunities, we’d love to hear from you!

Visit our website at www.gigisplayhouse.org/sugarland to explore our mission and programs.

To set up a partnership or learn more, reach out to:

• Karen Dunlap, Executive Director – kdunlap@gigisplayhouse.org
• Candace Cowdery, Adult Programs Coordinator – ccowdery@gigisplayhouse.org

Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowering community—one opportunity at a time.