Young Achievers Spotlight: Meet James Bennett

Zach Elliott — Writer

If there is anything that James Bennett loves as much as Disney and Winnie the Pooh, it’s making treats and accessories for his canine customers.

James, who turned 21 in May, works in tandem with his mother, Yvonne, through their company, JB Treats, to prepare gluten-free dog treats and accessories like bandanas and fleece pet mats. James also enjoys designing and making custom, handpainted treat jars.

Throughout his life, James has battled challenges related to autism, anxiety, and sensory processing issues. Early on, it was a goal to remain on task for more than 5 minutes. Receiving speech and occupational therapy through First Steps, a state-sponsored organization dedicated to connecting families with developmentally delayed children with services to aid their development, and working with a private behavior therapist, James was able to complete his high school education.

An active runner, James joins his mom and sister, Celestia, who is a first-year communications student at Indiana State University, in various fun runs like the Mini Marathon, Color Run, Disney Virtual Run, and Drumstick Dash. They also enjoy hiking. James, in particular, enjoys being outdoors and has helped a goat farmer on weekends for the past two years.

An avid Disney fan, James’ favorite vacation spot is Walt Disney World. For his 21st birthday, James, his mom, sister, and grandmother all took a trip there. James’ love for Disney spills over into his work, too — he’s added a hidden Mickey Mouse on a custom-designed treat jar for a fellow Disney lover.

JB Treats, created in April of 2021, is the culmination of the desire to find a job opportunity that James could pursue post-high school and the joy it brought him to bake treats for the Bennetts’ dog, Oreo. Starting with treats, they have slowly added products that James is involved in making. He’s learning to sew the overthe-collar bandana and pet mats they sell, and he bakes Celebration Cakes for dogs, too.

At fairs and events, James will help set up a tent to sell his products. JB Treats also takes online orders, and James helps with the packaging. He takes immense pride in filling orders for customers in either case.

Always a hard worker who strives to do his best, James combats anxiety with the same commitment that he gives to his work, using yoga, breathing exercises, and more. It’s a daily challenge, but one he takes on with aplomb.

James and Celestia at graduation

In his smile, you can see the pride in all the effort he has put into school, work, and his personal life, and all the opportunities yet to come.