MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Creative Companion BY CHRISTINA MCGAIRK
C
armel native Zoe Hilger originally geared her business toward senior adults with memory issues, such as her grandmother who suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s. Yet her target demographic expanded as more people who had loved ones with special needs requested her services. Creative Companion, which the 23-year-old started in February of 2023, mixes a bit of art and companionship for seniors, dementia patients, and those with autism and other special needs.
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February 2024
There are two types of sessions, individual and group. The individual sessions are ideal for those who like peaceful creative time. The group sessions are more themed and take place in community settings such as day centers, nursing homes, and churches. “I like to say I guide, not teach because at the end of the day, I want everyone to be happy while creating, and not feel like there are “rules” to follow,” said Hilger. “While I still work with older adults, around 80%
of my business is with the special needs community, and it is where I have been doing the most outreach.” Hilger took some time out to share her love for connecting others through art with Special Needs Living Magazine. Can you tell us what events led up to where you are now?
I have been an artist my entire life. All I have known is wanting to create. I love to do illustration work for picture books. However, I felt a need
