Rising Stars: Meet Abigail Longo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Longo.

Hi Abigail, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Sweet Hand was inspired by my daughter’s love of dessert decorating and my love for teaching Deaf children. My daughter’s favorite part of the baking experience has always been decorating (mine too)! We also enjoyed learning together, however, many classes were and are not accessible or even accommodating, and so The Sweet Hand was created. To share the experience of being part of a creative environment with edible art teachers from our community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The struggles are real, I’ve taught for 16 years and we moved to an area that unfortunately, job opportunities in Deaf education were limited. Many schools, not all, are going backwards in Deaf Education, believing that Deaf children need to deny who they are and become as “hearing” as can be. There are wonderful schools of the Deaf and regional programs that have a critical mass of Deaf children, however, they are all far from me.

Many Deaf people have a hard time finding jobs even with top-notch degrees and skills because many people feel it’s too complicated to hire due to communication issues, “f being Deaf was looked at as a linguistic-cultural minority instead of a disability, I think more people would be open to hiring us. I’m excited to open that door with The Sweet Hand.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The Sweet Hand was inspired by my daughter’s love of dessert decorating and my own love for teaching Deaf children.

One of our favorite activities is dessert decorating, We have also always enjoyed learning together, but many classes aren’t accessible or accommodating to Deaf or hard-of-hearing students of any age. This gave me the idea to start The Sweet Hand. This business brings hands-on fun and connects both deaf and hearing people in a creative environment.

I have a mixed family of Deaf, SODAS (Siblings of Deaf Adults), and CODAS (Children of Deaf Adults) and previously owned a DIY pottery painting business and ASL studio, The Expressive Hand, in Philadelphia before relocating to Southern California. A graduate of the California State University of Northridge, I also have a master’s degree from Columbia University, Teachers College.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
The risk of starting any business is huge. The time and commitment it takes and of course the money factor. Hoping to get loans, meet rent and so forth. Sometimes, you just have to take that leap. Balancing business and making sure you don’t lose sight of why you started the business in the first place and not losing the creative side is the biggest risk. It’s important not to lose the love of art and being creative.

Contact Info:

• Email: abigail@thesweethand.com
• Website: www.thesweethand.com
• Instagram: @thesweethand
• Facebook: thesweethand
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-sweet-hand-ladera-ranch?osq=thesweethand