They Still Dance in Swarthmore, Despite a Pandemic and Leukemia
Neither the pandemic nor a leukemia diagnosis could keep them from their happy dance, writes Ronnie Polaneczky for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The three partners of Dance Happy Designs support each other through it all with a unique friendship and partnership.
Dance Happy Designs sells merchandise with images created by designer Julia Tyler, who has Down Syndrome. She’s assisted by her job coach, artist Liv Helgesen. They work from co-partner Emily Scott’s Swarthmore boutique.
The company is named after Julia’s happy disposition and a love of dance.
Julia was diagnosed in 2020 with leukemia. She had five months of treatment.
The partners creatively worked around Julia’s illness.
“Even though she was feeling weak and couldn’t actually do the physical work, she could still be present for our team meetings and decisions and that was super important to us,” said Scott. “It’s her business, too.”
Julia is now in remission and working. Their merchandise is a hit and the company is looking at a summer venture to take them to the next level.
They’re getting order requests from Aerie, a brand of American Eagle; and from Madewell, a brand of J. Crew.
Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about Dance Happy Designs.
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