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

Samantha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Hello! I am Samantha Siedlecki and my inspiration for Paradise Shells by Samantha came to me through my absolute love for the beach, and my Paradise — Jupiter, Florida. This is where I often think about how to live an inspired life with cerebral palsy, and how I can help others with challenges to do the same.

My dream is to build a jewelry & lifestyle brand where people with and without challenges can work together to enjoy more satisfying levels of income and connectedness.

As a person with a physical challenge, I can tell you that many with challenges experience a social and economic plateau once they have completed their formal education.

Paradise Shells will continue to bring captivating beach inspired designs to our customers, but most importantly, we will do it by building a team with and without challenges, who work together to make Paradise Shells a model for other businesses in the future.

Samantha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As President & Founder, I view myself as an entrepreneur, business leader, and example setter – who just happens to have cerebral palsy. I consider adversity the essential fuel needed to fully appreciate and celebrate the joy of building relationships, setting big goals, and achieving new heights of success.

My formal education includes a Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee; a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Minor in Family Studies from Lipscomb University; and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Essentials from Harvard Business School online.

I am blessed with an amazing family and an abundance of friends that encourage and support my vision.

Paradise Shells’ designs are expressions of the wonders of the ocean and beach. Each creation is formed of hope, purpose, and beauty. Paradise Shells’ first elegant collection features natural finish seashell designs in 14K gold or sterling silver. Working with a local jeweler, we created molds from actual seashells that I found on the beach in Jupiter, Fl. We allowed the natural imperfections of the shells to remain in the designs; this was very important to me. Paradise Shells’ designs reflect the beauty of nature, so they are perfectly imperfect, just like each of us. This makes them truly precious!

Expanding to a lifestyle brand, we now feature beach themed apparel, home goods, and inspiring gifts. I am particularly proud of our “Love You To the Beach And Back” candle. This meaningful gift includes a beach scented candle adorned with a teal bracelet featuring a seashell (of course), and my poem, “Every Shell Has A Story”! It is a wonderful reminder that, like a seashell, we may be tousled by the sea and weathered by storms, yet remain unique, resilient, and hopeful. I see this as the perfect gift for someone needing a bit of encouragement or an ‘I’m thinking of you’ reminder.

Our entire collection of luxury, lifestyle, and inspirational products are all carefully curated by Me and My Team. We insist that each style aligns with our mission and supports our vision of inspiring others.

As a member of the disabled community, I feel we are too often unrepresented in the mainstream workforce. Through my business, Paradise Shells, I am working hard to shift the paradigm by spotlighting the potential, extraordinary skills, and untapped contributions of my disabled peers. My goal from the very beginning is to include and employ others with challenges in my business. I am off to a great start!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience plays a crucial role in navigating the challenges faced by individuals, like me, with disabilities. It involves adapting, finding strength in adversity, and persisting despite obstacles. This quality can empower people to overcome barriers and advocate for their needs effectively. I am a resilient individual and work hard to show, by example, that anything is possible.

Preconceived notions can be quite harmful. They often stem from stereotypes and can lead to misunderstanding, disconnects, and a lack of opportunities. For example, assuming that someone with a disability is incapable or has limited potential can result in fewer opportunities for employment and social participation. This hurts my heart!

I will remain resilient. Paradise Shells is my vehicle to challenge these preconceived notions by fostering inclusive mindset, building productive relationships, and creating collaborative workspace.

It’s important to approach every person as an individual, recognizing their unique abilities, needs, and contributions, rather than letting stereotypes shape our perceptions. This shift can create more opportunities for meaningful engagement, employment, and growth within the disability community.

I am confident that Paradise Shells, plus me and my team of extraordinary individuals with and without challenges, will help accomplish this goal. Hurray!!!

Have you ever had to pivot?

PIVOT in LIFE

My formal education is social work based. I thought this would be the way to help others, but I quickly learned that for me starting my own business with a mission could be a more impactful way to make a difference. I loved the idea of creating an inclusive work environment. We are challenging stereotypes and demonstrating the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

PIVOT in BUSINESS

Paradise Shells began exclusively as a beach inspired fine jewelry business. Manufacturing fine jewelry was not as easy and predictable as we had originally thought. Additionally, the escalating cost of precious metals added an additional challenge to our business model. We quickly recognized the need to expand our demographic and consumer reach.

Insightfully, we pivoted from a fine jewelry brand to Paradise Shells by Samantha – a beach themed lifestyle brand.

We had two new desired results.

First, to position myself as the primary ambassador of my brand, to more effectively and successfully connect with customers, community, and concept.

Second, to expand our consumer base by broadening our product-lines to include affordable designer jewelry, apparel, home goods, and inspirational gifts.

We are excited about the new transition and already feel the need to add additional staff to meet demand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ParadiseShells.com
• Instagram: paradiseshellsjewelry
• Facebook: Paradise Shells & Fine Jewelry by Samantha
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/samantha-siedlecki

Image Credits

Elise Rowland Photography