July is Disability Pride Month—a time to honor the strength, creativity, and invaluable contributions of people with disabilities. As the mother of an adult with autism, I’ve witnessed firsthand both the challenges they face living in a world that doesn’t always understand that people with disabilities are a vital part of human diversity and deserve respect, opportunity, and celebration.
That’s what Disability Pride is about—moving from shame or even invisibility to visibility and pride. It’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t just an idea or a policy. It’s a commitment we make every day—through our actions, the opportunities we create, and our belief in one another’s worth.
Few stories capture this better than Beauty By Jenna, a small beauty brand with a big mission.
Founded by Jenna Lee Grabow, a 28-year-old autistic entrepreneur, and her sister-in-law Anna Lundmark, Beauty By Jenna was born out of both necessity and hope. After graduating from beauty school during the uncertainty of the pandemic, Jenna faced the harsh reality that many people with disabilities experience—limited job opportunities and a lack of truly inclusive workplaces. Rather than give up, Anna and Jenna created something new: a purpose-driven beauty company that not only sells organic lip balms and scrubs but also creates meaningful jobs for people with autism and other disabilities.
What started as a simple idea has now grown into a thriving small business with five employees, deeply personal products, and a message that resonates far beyond the beauty industry. For small business owners, their journey is a lesson in resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of inclusion.
We sat down with Jenna and Anna to talk about their story, the importance of Disability Pride, and how Beauty By Jenna is proving that every ability holds beauty—and endless potential.
Story & Mission
Maria Valdez Haubrich: Jenna, can you share a bit about yourself and how your journey led to starting Beauty By Jenna?
Jenna: My name is Jenna Lee Grabow. I’m 28 years old, turning 29 this year. I live with my brother and my sister-in-law. I have autism. I was diagnosed when I was three. And I’m the co-founder of a beauty company that helps create jobs for people with autism and other disabilities.
Around the time COVID started, I was really struggling. I was in beauty school, and it was hard. But I worked really hard, and I graduated. After that, it was complicated. There aren’t a lot of jobs out there for people with disabilities. Or autism. And that’s when Anna had this great idea to start a beauty company. Something with lip balms that are organic and made in the USA.
Of course, I said yes. I wanted to see where it would go. And it actually turned out really well. We’ve been able to hire five employees. It’s just been really wonderful.
MVH: Anna, what inspired you to help bring Jenna’s vision to life?
Anna: When I first met Jenna, I could see right away that she had so much to offer. She has this spark in her, something truly special. But I also saw that the world wasn’t really built to help her shine.
After she finished beauty school, it felt like if we didn’t create something for her to step into, she might end up stuck, doing the same thing every day without getting to use her gifts. I didn’t want that for her.
At the same time, I was searching for something meaningful. I wanted to wake up every day feeling like I was doing something exciting and purposeful. And then it just hit me. What if we worked together? What if we combined everything we had and built something real and beautiful that could make a difference?
MVH: What challenges did you face when trying to find inclusive or supportive work after beauty school, Jenna?
Jenna: Well, it was hard trying to figure out my next step. I was searching a lot, looking at places that listed jobs or opportunities for people with disabilities. I even searched websites like LinkedIn and tried to find hairstyling companies where I could maybe work.
I also did a job training program called Peers for Careers, which helped me learn how to prepare for interviews. I started from there, just trying to figure things out and take small steps. It was a little tough. And there were actually no jobs that were the right fit.
Even though it would have been nice to work in a beauty salon, I think I actually prefer this option. I get to inspire people; I get to make art; and I get to work with the people I love. That means a lot to me.
MVH: At what point did you both realize that creating your own business could be the answer?
Jenna: I think it was when we saw how much it was helping people—its success and just seeing how it was actually making a difference. That was the moment when I thought, this is it! This is our thing. There’s nothing else I’d rather do.
Anna: For me, I had wanted to work for myself for a long time. I had been in some really tough jobs that never let me feel like I was making the kind of difference I wanted to make. I also had a background in marketing, and I knew I wanted to use those skills for something meaningful. So, when this idea came up, it just felt right.
MVH: What does the name Beauty By Jenna mean to you beyond the products?
Anna: Well, for one thing, Beauty By Jenna is about inspiring hope. Not just for people with disabilities or autism who are looking for jobs, but also for their families. It’s about showing their loved ones that there is something out there.
It’s also for anyone who feels lost or like they can’t do something. I want them to know that no matter what, you can. You really can. Everyone is beautiful, and there is beauty in every ability.
MVH: How do you want customers to feel when they receive something from your shop?
Jenna: I definitely hope they enjoy the product, the picture, and everything that comes with it. But more than that, I hope they feel like they’re not alone. I want them to know they can trust us, and that we’re here to support them no matter what. And I want it to spread joy.
The Day-to-Day
MVH: Jenna, what’s your favorite part of running the business?
Jenna: Well, my favorite part is being able to work. It’s kind of hard to pick because there’s a lot I really love. But the two main things are getting to work with the people I love and getting to inspire others. Especially people who might need some hope or encouragement.
MVH: What roles do each of you play in day-to-day operations?
Jenna: Well, for me, I’m the Chief Creative Officer. I make the cards for every order, but I also try to be creative in other ways, too. I like to add my ideas and help with anything I can.
Anna is like the Chief Executive. She helps with designing the labels, coming up with business ideas, and pretty much everything else that keeps us going.
MVH: You include personal touches, such as handwritten thank-you notes. Why is that important to you?
Jenna: Well, for me, I think people really appreciate the authenticity. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with digital things, but I think it’s special when something is actually hand-drawn.
It just feels more personal. It’s something real that someone took time to make, and I hope that makes people feel seen and appreciated.
MVH: What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about how your products are made or shipped?
Anna: People might be surprised that we can actually scale very easily. We’ve built relationships with American manufacturers that can help us grow very quickly as we secure more retail opportunities.
Disability Pride & Awareness
MVH: What does Disability Pride Month mean to you personally?
Jenna: Well, it makes me feel like having autism isn’t something bad. It’s not really about the word disability. It’s more like showing that there’s nothing wrong with it. I even saw a commercial once that said disability is not a dirty word, and that really stuck with me.
It makes me feel proud of who I am. Proud to have autism. Even if some people see it as a disability, I don’t always see it that way. It makes me feel special. And it reminds me that I’m not alone.
MVH: Why is it important to celebrate disability pride—not just during July, but all year long?
Jenna: I think it’s important because it helps people see that there are individuals with disabilities or autism who deserve support and opportunities. But it also shows that we are capable. That we can do anything we set our minds to.
Whether you are neurotypical or neurodivergent, you can be your own hero. You are not limited. And that deserves to be celebrated all the time, not just one month a year.
MVH: Jenna, what do you wish more people understood about autistic adults and work?
Jenna: I’ve learned that yes, some of us have different needs or might take a little more time with certain things, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do the job. It doesn’t mean we’re not capable.
Sometimes people use that as a reason to leave us out, and that really hurts. But I don’t think that’s out of meanness. It’s not always prejudice. Often, it’s just ignorance. People don’t know what we’re capable of. But we know.
MVH: How can businesses and communities become more inclusive and supportive?
Jenna: By giving us a chance. Also, by seeing what we can do. Look at our skills, what we’re good at, what we bring to the table.
It’s important not to give up on someone too quickly. Don’t just come to one conclusion and say, oh this is not working. Try to see the potential in us. We can do amazing things if we’re given the chance.
MVH: What message do you hope your brand sends to other disabled or neurodivergent individuals?
Jenna: We want to give them hope and help them feel proud of who they are. We want them to feel excited about making their own mark in the world.
MVH: What advice would you give to someone who feels like the world hasn’t made room for them yet?
Jenna: I’m not gonna lie. Life is a journey. It’s tough and it’s complicated. But I believe you will find your way.
You will find people who see what you’re capable of. People who see that you are so much more than your disability.
Growth & What’s Ahead
MVH: What has surprised you most since launching Beauty By Jenna?
Jenna: I think what surprised me the most is the impact we have had. The way people have responded, and the influence that Anna and I have had on the community.
Not just the autistic community or the disability community, but really on all kinds of people. It means a lot.
MVH: Do you have any dreams or goals for the business going forward?
Jenna: Well, we’re definitely expanding. I hope we can keep growing and hire more employees.
But I really hope we keep inspiring people. I want us to become a big, positive influence. And I would love to see our products in bigger retail stores one day.
MVH: How can your community and customers help you grow this mission?
Jenna: For one thing, keep giving us the benefit of the doubt. Keep believing in us.
Support people who have disabilities or autism by seeing what we can do, not just what we struggle with. That kind of belief means everything, and it helps our mission grow.
Final Reflections
MVH: If you could sum up Beauty By Jenna in one word, what would it be—and why?
Jenna: I would definitely say inspiring. Because it really has inspired people. And that makes me proud.
MVH: What makes you most proud of what you’ve built together?
Jenna: What makes me most proud is that we did this together. As a family. With the people we love.
We’ve met so many amazing people, and we’ve been able to show what is possible. We’ve helped others see new opportunities, and we’ve inspired people to continue with their own journeys. To follow their dreams.
And I think that’s really beautiful.
Maria Valdez Haubrich is a content manager and proud mother of an autistic adult who amazes her every day with his insight, intelligence, wit, creativity, and most of all, his bravery.
Photo courtesy: Beauty By Jenna