In January 2022, like many of us, Wyatt Smuszko had missed out on a lot of socialization because of COVID-19 lockdowns. But, as a teenager with Down syndrome, Smuszko’s lack of interaction with others had more far-reaching effects. “He hadn’t been to speech therapy, and he just wasn’t getting any opportunities to interact,” recalls Deanne Frère, Smuszko’s mom.
It might have taken a little longer to ring in a sale, Frère notes, but, on the whole, the clientele embraced the experience, knowing they were doing something greater than just buying a shirt. Wild Wild Wyatt hosted pop-up shops around town leading up to Stampede, selling items that Smuszko had thrifted or that were generously donated. “Western wear was on my front porch every time I came home,” says Frère. “Our community showed up in droves to support him and this business. It took on its own life.”, a local organization that supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families.