An Inspired Chat with Cathy Blatnik of Neighborhood

Cathy Blatnik shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Cathy, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
My 21-year-old son, Dominic, has Autism, ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Epilepsy and Intellectual Disability. He also has a severe speech and language delay. Any type of spontaneous language is a reason to celebrate! About a week ago, Dominic came to me and was telling me, “No more grapes, carrots!” He eats the same thing for lunch everyday whether he is at school or at home. I checked the fridge and sure enough, there were no grapes! He was telling me “Carrots” because he was going to eat carrots instead of grapes. It was the first time he told me spontaneously that we had no more grapes and he would eat carrots instead. I was SO proud of him!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I grew up in Maryland and moved to Michigan in December 2001 when my husband accepted a job in Lansing. I have three adult children (a stepson that is 41, a daughter that is 29 and Dominic, who is 21). The two older “kids” are married. I have been a stay-at-home mom since my 29-year-old was born and I like to call myself a professional “volunteer.” I am on the Board of the Mid-Michigan Autism Association, a member of the Ingham Intermediate School District Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, Coordinator of Special Needs Ministry in the Diocese of Lansing and the Programming Chair of the Michigan Alliance for Cultural Accessibility. I also help run my son’s Michigan Cottage Food Business, “Baked Goods By Dominic.” We started that business in November 2020 and it has become VERY successful!

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
That would have to be the relationship I have with my husband, Larry. We met almost 35 years ago, and we will celebrate our 30-year anniversary in December of this year! I can talk to him about anything, and his opinion is what matters to me the most. We are a “team,” and make all of our major decisions together, like becoming co-guardians of Dominic when he turned 18. We have had our challenges, as any married couple does, but we are 100% committed to each other and our marriage.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh yes!!! The path to getting my college degree was very LONG! I started out at Eastern Kentucky University in the Fall of 1981 (the year I graduated high school) and was so homesick, I only lasted one semester. I then started working and going to school at night and on the weekends. I eventually got my bachelor’s degree in business in 1995 from the University of Maryland. There were so many times I wanted to give up, but my dad would always tell me, “Once you get your degree, no one can ever take it away from you.” He unexpectedly passed away in December 2020, shortly after we started Dominic’s business. I miss him all the time!

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Honesty, reliability and dependability! Larry calls me “Abraham Lincoln,” because I am so honest!!! My closest friends would definitely say I am a fierce advocate for those with disabilities!!

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
When I know my family is happy and healthy!

Contact Info:

• Other: Personal e-mail is [email protected]