Darren

Six years ago, Darren began painting ornaments when a non-profit organization recognized his talent for painting on canvas and asked him if he could paint ornaments as presents. Darren was willing to try, but being a perfectionist, he did not like the first batch of ornaments he painted and so he tried again. From then on, Darren turned what seemed like a simple one-time request into a successful business.

Darren has always been artistic – he enjoyed painting and drawing as a young child because it helped him stay focused and keep himself calm. His focus as he grew older was painting on canvas, but that has switched to painting ornaments. He enjoys painting his favorite characters like Mario and Mickey Mouse. As he grew a large collection of painted ornaments, his family and Darren brainstormed what they could do with all of them and decided to sell them at craft fairs. Four years ago, Darren sold ornaments at his first craft fair and it was a hit! From then on, in November and December, Darren sells the ornaments he creates at fairs. The money he makes from the sales are used to purchase Legos as he loves to build Lego sets.

When he isn’t painting, Darren attends a day program at Meristem five days a week. At Meristem, Darren participates in an internship program for cooking. He enjoys being in the kitchen cooking, washing dishes and loves to eat good food. Cooking is great for Darren because he likes the clear directions that are provided. His favorite thing to make is spaghetti and meatballs and particularly enjoys the sensory experience of making the meatballs. Because of the internship program, Darren was connected to a job once a week on Fridays at a restaurant where he helps them prepare all their freshly squeezed juices for the weekend.

A favorite celebration of Darren’s is Lunar New Year as he enjoys the food served during the holiday. Darren enjoys the hot pots they eat during the holiday because it allows him to “cook” by adding in the laid-out ingredients to the hot broth. It gives him the opportunity to create a unique dish depending on which ingredients he chooses.