Meet Cathy Blatnik

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cathy Blatnik. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Cathy, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?

I grew up in Bowie, Maryland in the 1970’s, when those with disabilities were hidden in institutions. There was a young man named Tommy who had Intellectual Disability, and he would walk around our neighborhood by himself. VERY unusual for the times. He would come into our garage and always ask if he could help and my dad would give him small projects to do. That was my first experience interacting with someone with a disability. At school, those in special education were kept completely separate from those that were “typically developing.” One memory in particular stands out from elementary school, I am 62, so this memory is more than 50 years old. We were in the hallway changing classes or going to lunch and the special education students were in the hallway also. We all stared, because we NEVER saw them.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

There are two areas in which I am passionate about and both have to do with disabilities. I was asked to be on the Board of the Mid-Michigan Autism Association in the Summer of 2015. I knew about the organization but was overwhelmed with family obligations and never had a chance to reach out to them. My son, Dominic who is 21 was diagnosed with Autism when he was 2 1/2. My first thought was no, because I had a “plate” that was already overflowing. After talking to my husband and a few others, I joined knowing in the back of my mind that I could always quit later. Well, here it is more than 10 years later, and I am still on the Board! Autism is a life-long condition, so I plan on being on the Board for the foreseeable future! The second area is the Michigan Cottage Food Business that Dominic and I started on November 28, 2020!! Yep, right in the middle of the Pandemic!! It is called “Baked Goods By Dominic.” Dominic grew up in the kitchen with me, so it was a natural progression to start an in-home bakery. He is also the great-great grandson of a professional baker. We just completed our 765th order. Our long-term goal is to open a brick-and-mortar bakery and only employ those with disabilities. We were recently asked when we planned on doing that. In Michigan, Dominic can receive special education services until he is 26. He LOVES school, mainly because of the routine and structure. It will be Dominic’s decision when we move to the next “step” in our business.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think the three qualities that you need to have in life are passion, persistence and perseverance. Passion is my driving force. I am passionate about helping those with disabilities. When I see or hear of an injustice, I become physically ill and instantly want to do something about it! Persistence because when I want to get something done, I’m like a “dog with a bone,” I don’t let go!! Once in a great while, I do have to let the “bone” go. I don’t like it, but I know when to stop. Perseverance because no one’s journey in life is a straight line, there are many curves and roadblocks! Just three weeks after starting Dominic’s business, my beloved dad unexpectedly passed away back in Maryland. Because of the Pandemic, we were unable to attend. It was definitely one of the hardest experiences to go through. One of the most important life lessons my dad taught me was to NEVER give up. I am so glad I didn’t, I have met some of the most incredible people through Dominic’s business!!!

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I think it’s better to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in!! I was painfully shy in school growing up. I missed many first days of school because of overwhelming anxiety. It literally terrified me to have to say my name that first day!! I can’t remember what I ate last night for dinner, but I can remember the note on my second-grade report card, “there is something “wrong” with Cathy, she doesn’t talk.” Like the memory of seeing those with disabilities in the hallway, that memory of my parents being told there was something “wrong” with me has stuck with me! Through the Mid-Michigan Autism Association and Dominic’s business, I have had many opportunities to talk in front of both small and large groups of people. I have also been interviewed multiple times by news reporters. The first one or two interviews, especially, I was nervous, but when you are passionate about something, it becomes a conversation and not an interview! I actually look forward to the television interviews! My feeling is that if you are given an opportunity, take it! It may never come your way again!!!

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Mid Michigan Autism Association and Baked Goods By Dominic