AURORA, Ohio– Lauren and Derek hunter say they may have Down Syndrome, but it doesn’t define the couple.

“To us, it’s not really a big deal; it’s just a small part of who we are. and so we just do day to day stuff.” Baskets With Love CEO, Lauren Hunter says.

For the Hunter’s “day-to-day …stuff” includes running a business. 

“I just love to give, it’s one of my passions and gives to other people and stuff like that, so I thought it’d be a good way to try and have a business like that. So I made Baskets with Love about three years ago.” She says.

Before starting Baskets with Love, Lauren was working at a boutique where she learned business and management skills.leaving was a leap of faith, but also necessary to pursue her passion.

“I just knew I needed to do something I was there for three years doing that and helping whoever needs to be helped with. I was managing the boutique at the time, and that’s when I knew that I wanted to be like, I love giving I love talking about it. And then I was like you know what I want to do something about it,” Lauren says.

Lauren and the Baskets with Love team create custom gift baskets filled with hand-picked, locally made and produced items, and personally deliver them.

Really have got to love on so many types of people…really spread hope in so many ways, especially the down syndrome community because of Lauren and Derek’s story and how they function so well. and we’re just excited for the future to see what we can do and who we can touch.” Cara Boliantz, Creative Director for Baskets With Love, says. 

The company first focused on gift-giving and creating custom baskets for individuals. Now, they create baskets in bulk, make them for fundraisers, donate baskets to veterans, and work with schools and organizations that support children with exceptionalities. 

Cara Boliantz is the office manager and creative director for Baskets With Love, and she says Lauren and Derek dispel preconceived notions anyone may have about people with Down Syndrome and their abilities. 

“They are definitely an inspiration not to just people with down syndrome, but to everybody. They have done so many things that a lot of people are considered normal, having been able to do. A family came up to Lauren, and they were like, we feel like we have hope now for our child that has down syndrome because they live on their own, they got to find love, they drive, they’re very independent, and that’s what every parent, in general, would want for their child.” She says.

Derek says he’s proud to set an example for other people living with Down Syndrome, showing them that the possibilities are endless. 

“Other people that look at us as an example for them, so they can actually enjoy, knowing that they can do it on their own.” He says. 

Lauren says she would never have imagined she’d have a booming business…one that allows her to spread love while showing everyone what can be done when you follow your dreams.

“Everyone has a little something, and it doesn’t matter, really, what they think or how to do it. If you want to run your own business or do whatever, just really pursue that because that’s what I did and now we’re three years into a business and we’re going strong stronger than ever and have a great powerhouse team,” she says. 

Baskets With Love is currently making baskets for veterans if you’d like to sponsor a basket or learn more about Baskets with Love, click on the link below.