With over 150 ways to shop, dine, and play, Disney Springs is home to a vibrant community where small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive. Some of the most inspiring stories come from women who have turned their dreams into a reality in a place fueled by magic and creativity — just like these three trailblazing entrepreneurs.
Maneet Chauhan: eet by Maneet Chauhan
With a love for authentic flavors and cultural storytelling, Maneet has always shared her cultural heritage through food with a twist. “When I think about what it means to ‘eat,’ it evokes memories and emotions that tie us all together, all around the world,” she explains.
Maneet’s journey has been about more than just redefining cuisine; she’s been breaking barriers throughout her career. Growing up she was often the only girl in school who dreamed of becoming a chef, so instead of following a conventional career path she forged her own.
Adriana Carrig: Little Words Project
For Adriana Carrig, spreading kindness isn’t just a mission — it’s a movement. Inspired by her mother’s words, ‘Querer es Poder,’ meaning ‘If you want it, you can achieve it,’ Adriana launched Little Words Project to inspire self-love and build community through friendship bracelets.
“The fact that Little Words Project is at Disney Springs is absolutely insane to me, but also very exciting; it’s such a wonderful thing to have the Disney stamp of approval” she shared. With each bracelet Adriana spreads positivity, one Little Word™ at a time. “I’ve always said keep going… even when it gets hard, even when you’re stuck in the messy middle when most people would quit, if you keep going you will get to that ultimate destination because you won’t let anything stop you.”
What began as a small project has since grown into a celebrated brand, with Disney Springs as her most popular location and an exclusive Disney Parks line that can be found across the Resort. “I love the ‘Home’ bracelet that has the castle on it. I just think it’s the sweetest concept, and for me and so many others, Disney does feel like a home away from home. To see my brand next to that magical castle… it really is just a pinch me moment.”
Jenn Clark: Wondermade
For Jenn Clark a simple idea turned into something sweet — literally! Just miles from Walt Disney World, Jenn and her husband, Nathan, first began making handcrafted marshmallows in their home kitchen. Now at Disney Springs, they share their delicious desserts with millions of guests every year.
“Interacting with people from all over the world has been an amazing opportunity” Jenn shares “and this year is special with our new Marshmallows Across America line.” The collection features 50 unique flavors, each inspired by a different U.S. state — a concept that came from her experience interacting with guests at Disney Springs. “Being a local, small business we’re able to connect with people on a personal level because they get to know who we are and what we’re creating.”
It’s not just about sharing her creations but encouraging young entrepreneurs to have a support system, “over the years there’s been women who’ve worked alongside me in this journey and it’s important to have a network of people you can lean on… you have to be willing to work hard but know you can’t do it all on your own.”
More than just businesses, these women are building communities that connect us all. Learn more some of the many small businesses Disney partners with at DisneyFlorida.com, and to make your own HER-story at Disney Springs, visit DisneySprings.com for limited-time offerings.