Anthony Schmidt is only 12 years old with a huge passion for miniature cars. He is on the autism spectrum, but that doesn’t stop him from pursuing what he loves. WIth autism, his senses, like vision, sound, and smell, are enhanced. That may make him a bit different as these things can become too much for him sometimes, but they also help him when it comes to his photography.

Being Autistic Doesn’t Stop Anthony From His Passion

Anthony doesn’t just have a passion for miniature cars, but he also loves taking photos of them so that they appear life-size. According to Anthony’s mom, nothing stops him because he’s autistic, in fact, it’s what helps him as he has an eye for detail when taking photos and often sees things that others don’t. This helps make his shots turn out just the way he wants.

His love and passion for his photographs have led him to start a Kickstarter, which is an online campaign that helps raise money for bringing his creative projects to life. Anthony’s goal was to raise $20,000 to publish a coffee table book full of his pictures and miniature cars. With 10 days left before the campaign finishes, Anthony surpassed his goal and raised $47,000.

When the Passion Started

Anthony’s mom stated that his passion started at a very young age. The first words that he learned to speak were the makes and models of cars. Over time, he developed a large collection of miniature cars, and the photographs started when he took his mom’s iPhone and began photographing them outside.

Anthony believes that he has about 527 miniature cars that he holds onto, even ones that he doesn’t play with anymore. Anthony stated that autistic people have particular interests. For him, it was these miniature cars, his camera, and his creativity.

Anthony also has his own calendar full of his photographs.

Why wait until Women’s History Month to support women-led businesses. Nowadays, more and more women are taking their place at the table of the modern food industry. From chefs and restaurateurs to food writers to consumer products goods, there is no shortage of talented and capable women who are making a big impact with their brands.

Here are three women-helmed companies whose products should be present in every kitchen.

Quality Spices by an Indian “Sorceress”

1. Diaspora Co. Spices

Self-proclaimed “spice sorceress at large”, Sana Javeri Kadri, founded her company Diaspora Co. Spices in 2017 at the age of 23. She works in closer partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and provides support to farmers who practice sustainable agriculture. Kadri’s brand grew from a single spice to a vibrant series of individual spices, blends, and collaborations. Her ambition is to pay her farm partners an average of six times more than the commodity price and ensure them healthy insurance by the end of 2021.

Women-Led Company by First-Generation Vietnamese Americans

2. Omsom

Omsom is founded by Kim and Vanessa Pham, sisters, first-generation Vietnamese Americans, and daughters of refugees. They opened doors with the ambition to start a cultural dialog and bring bold, Asian flavors to consumers. The pair launched their brand in May 2020 at the height of the pandemic, despite being advised to wait until fall. Since then, Omsom has partnered with Disney to release a product in sync with the release of Raya and the Last Dragon.

Home Cooks, Chefs, and Food Writer Trust the Brand

3. Great Jones

Women-led company Great Jones is managed by not one, but two incredibly gifted and competent women. The cookware brand was launched in 2017 by friends Maddy Moelis and Sierra Tishgart. Their brightly colored, sleek-lined pans and pots are named after the illustrious cookbook editor Judith Jones.

The insurgence of different women-led companies gives the modern food industry a much-needed breath of fresh air. Make sure to try these and other brands provided by brilliant women.