Open Minds and Hearts: Spotlight on Depo Market

Depo Market in Wailuku greets you are the most warm, perfect, welcoming space from the moment you walk through the door. Thoughtful decor, handmade and unique products, cute pink walls. Depo Market is a unique and inspiring Maui boutique with a meaningful mission. Founded by siblings Tiffany and Christian Chou, the Maui small business began as a way to provide employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.

A student of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Tiffany moved to New York City after graduation. It was there she snowballed a budding passion for jewlery design from a creative outlet to a successful career. After nearly ten years building her jewelry business, she found herself called to a greater purpose. This calling took her back to her home on Maui in 2019, where she took over the care of her autistic brother, Chris.

Both Tiffany and Chris are adopted, Chris from Cambodia and Tiffany from South Korea. The name “Depo” is derived from the Phnom Penh market in Cambodia where Chris was found as a baby before his adoption. Depo is also his middle name, bringing further meaning and connection to the heart of their business.

“Since he wouldn’t be accepted to most jobs we started doing pop-ups selling his jewelry.” This eventually led us to opening Depo Market. We employ other adults with disabilities in the Maui community that face a lot of the same stereotypical challenges as Chris.”

From Pop-Ups to a Full-Time Shop

What started with pop ups at local markets and hotels evolved into a full-fledged business focused on inclusivity and creativity.

“We keep pushing forward to make our business as accessible as possible not only for our customers but also for our employees. We hope to show other people how to be more inclusive and other families like ours what’s possible for their loved ones.”

Today, Depo Market serves as a hub for handmade jewelry, art, and accessories. They offer a diverse selection of items crafted with care. Their product line includes origami-inspired pieces, crystals, cute homewares, enamel pins, and much more. Many items are available through their online shop. Their most popular products are Chris’ earrings, the origami craft having been introduced to him by his mother.

“Chris likes all the jewelry that has crystals. Crystal earrings, or necklaces made with a crystal chain,” Tiffany said. There are so many cool gift ideas in their space, one of my favorites being their Polaroid Camera Pin. It caught my eye scrolling Instagram a long while ago – such a cute gift idea!

Meeting Chris and Tiffany was such a joy after following their shop and story for so long on Instagram. Finding a business with true heart behind its story is uplifting and invigorating. As a mom to an autistic child, I am stoked to continue to follow their journey and see the heights to which they climb. A business built on a foundation of authenticity, with such a strong and meaningful story, is bound to know nothing but success. I encourage you to support this business on Maui when visiting, living on and enjoying this beautiful island.

Visiting Depo Market on Maui

You can dive deeper into their story online and shop their collections online at Depo Market’s website. Check their social media for daily operating hours. “We are not a neurotypical business,” Tiffany said, “Our hours change last minute to accommodate our employees and support staff.”