Triston (22) from Verwoerdpark did not see his disability as something that limits him, but as an advantage to live his life to the fullest.
He recently opened his own business and hopes to inspire others with disabilities who feel like there are not enough opportunities available to live a normal life.
Triston was born with mosaic Down syndrome and showed symptoms of autism.
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes an extra chromosome to appear in a person’s DNA. Human DNA typically contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, making 46 in total. These chromosomes contain the information that tells the cells how to grow.
His parents, Paul and Lindie, found out about his condition when he was one month old.
Growing up
His parents fell in love with their little boy from the minute they saw him.
“He was our first child and one can only imagine first-time parents with a Down syndrome baby. Triston reached all of his milestones at the same age like any normal child,” Lindie said.
She struggled to find a nursery school for him back then, but Magda Niemand from Kewpie Nursery School in Verwoerdpark changed that.
“They took in Triston and looked after him for seven years. They treated him as they would treat any other child. Triston loved his school, teachers and friends very much.”
When it was time for primary school, his parents again struggled to find a school that would accept him.
He had to go through a couple of tests requested by the schools.
Triston was in a special needs school in Winchester Hills for two years before he went to Optim-Ed Learning Centre in Brackenhurst for four years.
Again, the challenge came when it was time for high school, but Lindie found The Lusito Association, and Triston loved every minute there.
When he turned 18, he stayed at home with his nanny, Leah Selepe, and helped her with her daily tasks.
“Triston wanted to help clean, do the washing and cook dinner. He enjoyed the time with Leah. I would come home, and he will just come to me with a sandwich he made. Let me tell you, the sandwich was not perfect-looking, but it was the best sandwich just because he made it,” said Lindie.
Triston always said he is not disabled but differently-abled.
Two challenging years
Triston is a perfectionist and does not like change.
“He is a routine guy and if something happens that messes in with his routine, he is not happy.”
Then the pandemic hit and it changed a lot of things.
Triston could not go out or visit anyone.
“He was so used to us going to work, and now we were all working from home and it was as if we were in his space. I had to explain everything in detail to him, even so, it was a huge challenge.”
Lindie’s happy, free-spirited child suddenly became depressed.
“Raising Triston was not a challenge, but these past years was a big challenge. He did not want to do anything and was just depressed.”
His mother searched for many ways and things to do to help him handle all the transition and make things easier for him.
“I tried to involve him with my work at home, but he was not interested.
“Nothing worked, and I tried everything,” said Lindie.
His psychologist could not believe it was the same child.
His way
Giving back and spoiling people have always been his way of living.
He would take things out of his mum’s wardrobe and put them into a gift bag and give it to her just because.
“Giving gifts or doing things for my loved ones is what I do,” he said.
One day, Lindie had the idea of opening a business for Triston.
“I asked him what he wanted to do, and he gave his ideas of making up small gift packets. This was just before Valentine’s Day this year, which was the perfect time, as he received 96 orders.”
Everyone bought from him and loved what he did.
When Lindie asked him what the name of the business should be, he replied with: My Way, and that is how they came up with the name of the business – Triston’s Way.
“He plans to make up packets for all the special days of the year, including thank-you gifts for weddings, gifts for teachers; anything you can think of.”
Since he started with his business, things have been going better.
“Triston is in a better state of mind and is excited and overwhelmed all at the same time.”
Triston, the business owner
He makes each packet by himself and if he decides this packet gets extra chocolate, he will do it.
Triston has two younger brothers and when he gets big orders, he will ask them for help.
“I also pay them if they help me, so they don’t do it for free,” said Triston.
According to Lindie, his two brothers are always eager to help him. This is also their way of spending time together. All the profit Triston makes he uses to buy things for himself, as he also has his own bank account.
“It is one of our goals to donate some of the profit to charities in the future as soon as the business grows,” said Triston and Lindie.
People can show their support by following him on Facebook or by ordering some of his packets.
For more information, call 082 551 8769 or send an email to tristonsway@gmail.com
More about him
Triston is a red-headed young man who will melt your heart with his smile. He is alive and very aware.
He loves to play Mortal of Combat and other online games.
Pets are close to his heart and he has two dogs, two cats, one parrot and many fish.
Triston spends his free spare time in his vegetable garden.
“I grow gem squash, carrot, lettuce, pumpkin, tomato and chilli,” said Triston.
He also enjoys swimming.
One of his favourite TV shows is 7de Laan and Finding Nemo, Ice Age and Minions are some of his favourite films.
Triston is in love with the NOW CDs and when his mum asks him what he wants for his birthday, he will always ask for one.
A BMW is his favourite car, and he likes the colours green and white.
He is also a Blue Bulls supporter.
