About Drew Ann
Drew Ann Long is the inventor of Caroline’s Cart, a game-changing, patented, special-needs shopping cart designed to provide an inclusive and accessible shopping experience for individuals with special needs. Inspired by her daughter Caroline, who has special needs and could not use a traditional cart, Drew Ann took matters into her own hands—sketching her first idea on a napkin and eventually bringing the patented design to life. Today, Caroline’s Cart is in retailers across all 50 states and eight countries, used by families, caregivers, senior adults, and stores committed to inclusion, accessibility and dignity.
A former stay-at-home mom with no background in engineering or manufacturing, Drew Ann’s journey is one of remarkable grit and innovation. She navigated the complex world of product development, patents, brand building, and production —ultimately launching and leading a nationwide grassroots movement that challenged retailers to think differently about inclusion. Her story has been featured on Today, CNN, Inside Edition, and CBS News, and she has earned recognition from Walmart, Target, Michelle Obama, and advocacy groups across the U.S.
Now an inspirational speaker and founder of her nonprofit Caroline’s Cause, Drew Ann brings her story to the stage to empower and challenge audiences to lead with empathy, persevere through adversity, and prioritize inclusion in everyday life and business. Her authenticity, purpose-driven innovation, and ability to connect make her a sought-after voice in conversations about caregiving, special needs advocacy, and real-world impact.
Episode Overview
In this inspiring episode, Liz Theresa sits down with Drew Ann Long, inventor of Caroline’s Cart—a revolutionary shopping cart designed to serve individuals with special needs. Drew Ann shares her remarkable journey from small town Alabama mom to global entrepreneur and advocate, detailing the challenges, risks, and triumphs that created an inclusive product now found in stores across the U.S. and eight countries worldwide.
Key Topics:
- The Origin of Caroline’s Cart
Drew Ann Long discusses her motivation for inventing the cart, sparked by her daughter Caroline’s severe disabilities and the lack of special needs shopping carts. - Building a Business from Scratch
The uphill battle against corporate rejection, self-funding (including draining her retirement), and the long journey from drawing on a napkin to full market rollout. - Power of Social Media and Grassroots Support
How going directly to small, independent grocery stores and leveraging social media helped create enough demand to finally convince major retailers, including Target, Lowe’s, and Walmart. - Overcoming Challenges
The emotional and financial toll, including patenting hurdles and manufacturing prototypes, as well as the pivotal support from her family and the special needs community. - Caroline’s Cause Non-Profit
Drew Ann’s nonprofit, Caroline’s Cause, provides scholarships for siblings of special needs individuals—a group often overlooked—giving back to the families whose voices made Caroline’s Cart a reality. - Legacy and Impact
Reflections on Caroline’s legacy, the pride in seeing the cart in stores, and thoughts on listening to your inner nudges as an entrepreneur and advocate.
Memorable Quotes
- “Embarrassment is the cost of entry”—on entrepreneurial risk and humility.
- “Without the backing of the special needs global community, Caroline’s Cart would not exist.”
- “No one takes a mom from small town Alabama seriously… I just wanted to pass this to corporate America. When they shot me down, I had to decide, did I believe in it enough?”
How to Support & Connect With Drew Ann Long
- Scholarship Donations & Speaking Engagements:
Drew Ann funds Caroline’s Cause largely through speaking events. Corporations or individuals can make tax-deductible donations to support scholarships for siblings of special needs individuals.
Website: DrewAnnSpeaks.com
Venmo accepted for donations—any amount helps!
Action Items
- Support Caroline’s Cart by advocating for its presence in your local stores.
- Consider a donation or hire Drew Ann to speak at your event to support Caroline’s Cause.
