Every collection begins from the imaginative
minds of creators with disabilities.
Out art-to-print transformation process showcases the unique expressions from our rotating collaborative artist partners and their nonprofits.
Read more about our process and give-back model here.
CREATOR BIO
Suzanne Goossens
Suzanne, an ESP member and Joyrista with Java Joy, is an artist known for making people feel deeply seen. Her artwork—created shortly after the passing of her mother—was chosen as the cover of The Joy Exchange by ESP CEO Laura Hope Whitaker, inspired by Whitaker’s connection to dandelions woven throughout the book. We're honored to share Suzanne’s artwork through this collection and to partner with ESP in celebrating the launch of The Joy Exchange!
10% of every purchase in this collection supports Extra Special People. ESP is a nonprofit organization based in Georgia that serves individuals with disabilities and their families through programs focused on connection, joy, and transformative community experiences.
Suzanne, an ESP member and Joyrista with Java Joy, is an artist known for making people feel deeply seen. Her artwork—created shortly after the passing of her mother—was chosen as the cover of The Joy Exchange by ESP CEO Laura Hope Whitaker, inspired by Whitaker’s connection to dandelions woven throughout the book. We're honored to share Suzanne’s artwork through this collection and to partner with ESP in celebrating the launch of The Joy Exchange!
10% of every purchase in this collection supports Extra Special People. ESP is a nonprofit organization based in Georgia that serves individuals with disabilities and their families through programs focused on connection, joy, and transformative community experiences.
What if joy wasn’t something rare to chase—but something we could practice, exchange, and multiply?
What is The Joy Exchange?
In The Joy Exchange, Laura Hope Whitaker invites readers into a world where belonging is the rule, not the exception. With over two decades of experience as CEO of Extra Special People (esp, Inc.), she shares the transformative experiences that have been created for individuals with disabilities and their families, which have changed communities for the better.
Finding Joy
From her humble beginnings as a 19-year-old running a non-profit, Laura shows how the very individuals our culture often overlooks have the most to teach us about love, leadership, and community. With warmth, candor, and humor, she challenges us to trade comfort for connection, hesitation for hospitality, and problems for purpose.
This is not just a book of stories—it’s an invitation. An invitation to see differently, love boldly, and discover that the greatest power we hold is delighting in the person right in front of us.
About Laura
Laura Hope Whitaker is the CEO of Extra Special People (ESP), a nonprofit dedicated to creating transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families. She began her journey with ESP at just 19 years old, stepping into the CEO role with a bold vision that would help grow the organization into a nationally recognized community centered on belonging, joy, and purpose. Through her work—and her book The Joy Exchange—Laura inspires others to see the value in every individual and to build more inclusive, connected communities.
The painting hangs behind Laura’s desk as a daily reminder of what happens when we lead with love. When choosing the book’s cover, Laura immediately knew Suzanne’s artwork was the perfect reflection of its message. As you experience The Joy Exchange for yourself, Laura hopes that you will look at the cover and be reminded of your own superpowers, and how they can bring joy to those around you.
CREATION & PROCESS
Celebrating Joy
What if joy wasn’t something rare to chase—but something we could practice, exchange, and multiply?
What is The Joy Exchange?
In The Joy Exchange, Laura Hope Whitaker invites readers into a world where belonging is the rule, not the exception. With over two decades of experience as CEO of Extra Special People (esp, Inc.), she shares the transformative experiences that have been created for individuals with disabilities and their families, which have changed communities for the better.
Finding Joy
From her humble beginnings as a 19-year-old running a non-profit, Laura shows how the very individuals our culture often overlooks have the most to teach us about love, leadership, and community. With warmth, candor, and humor, she challenges us to trade comfort for connection, hesitation for hospitality, and problems for purpose.
This is not just a book of stories—it’s an invitation. An invitation to see differently, love boldly, and discover that the greatest power we hold is delighting in the person right in front of us.
About Laura
Laura Hope Whitaker is the CEO of Extra Special People (ESP), a nonprofit dedicated to creating transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families. She began her journey with ESP at just 19 years old, stepping into the CEO role with a bold vision that would help grow the organization into a nationally recognized community centered on belonging, joy, and purpose. Through her work—and her book The Joy Exchange—Laura inspires others to see the value in every individual and to build more inclusive, connected communities.
The painting hangs behind Laura’s desk as a daily reminder of what happens when we lead with love. When choosing the book’s cover, Laura immediately knew Suzanne’s artwork was the perfect reflection of its message. As you experience The Joy Exchange for yourself, Laura hopes that you will look at the cover and be reminded of your own superpowers, and how they can bring joy to those around you.
GIVING BACK & YOUR IMPACT
Each purchase gives back to ESP, a nonprofit creating transformative experiences for people with disabilities.