Have Wheels, Can Work.

Have Wheels, Can Work.
Hey there beauties! Hope everyone has had an awesome summer and you have found it easy to transition back into your daily work routine. Work happens to be the topic of conversation today. For those of you who work in an office, look around; is everyone just like you? Chances are, probably not. The demographics of the American workforce have changed dramatically over the last 50 years. In today’s workforce, it is known that the long-term success of any business calls for a diverse body of talent; those who can bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the table. Companies now have the ability to tap into the many talents of their employees from different backgrounds and abilities. That is why I am so proud and honored to be a part of the amazing team here at Slick Chicks; working with this team affords me the opportunity to showcase my skills and abilities that I’ve worked hard to attain over the years in a way that other companies wouldn’t, simply because I use a wheelchair for mobility.

Yes, it is true that the American workforce has changed immensely over the years to include a more diverse population of people, but there is still more work to be done. There are so many smart and talented women in today’s society who just happen to live with a disability. Slick Chicks is proud to not only provide a product that makes life that much easier for all of our dynamic Slick Chicks that roll, we’re also happy to introduce you to talented women, like Jamie Santillo, a Slick Chicks “roll” model.
Jamie is the Founder/ CEO of JS Creative Concepts and Marketing. She is an amazing boss babe and advocate who proves every day that disabled women not only belong in the workforce, but they often blaze their own trails and improve it. I recently had the honor of interviewing Jamie about JS Creative Concepts and being her own boss and this is what she had to say…

 

How did you get the idea or concept for your business?
“I have been in the marketing field for the past 13 years. I wanted to continue to grow in my field and decided I would take a leap of faith and start my own marketing firm. Honestly, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made."


What is the mission of your business?
“JS Creative Concepts & Marketing LLC is a dedicated group of marketing and media professionals located in sunny Florida. Our clients come in a wide range from established businesses, to start-up companies and individuals from around the globe. They have relied on our marketing strategy, expertise, relationships and guidance with marketing execution to ensure the success of their company or product. We’re dedicated to building marketing strategies that will get you results and that find your brand a meaningful, memorable place to live, whether it is digital, traditional or unconventional platforms."


What, if any, unforeseen pressures do you feel as a female business owner who also lives with a disability?
“There are always pressures when you own a business, whether you have a disability or not. I have never seen myself as disabled, despite being in a wheelchair; however, I know to the world my disability is what they see. I do feel a bit of added pressure to prove to people that I am just as capable to run a successful business as someone who may not have my physical challenges."


What is unique about your business?
“I think what makes JS Creative Concepts & Marketing stand out from other marketing firms is the broad range of services we provide and that we also cover the entire United States. We are your one stop shop for everything you need to successfully market your company."


What sort of responsibilities do you feel you have as a female business owner, who happens to have a disability?
“I feel a strong obligation to be successful. Of course I want my company to be successful, but I hope that I can be an inspiration to those like me and also to the able bodied community. I hope that I can set an example, that if you believe in yourself and work hard enough, then anything is possible."


What made you choose to start this specific type of business?
“I’ve been in the field for 13 years and absolutely love every aspect of marketing. I love to see my clients reach their business goals. Marketing allows you the opportunity to put your creativity to work. Honestly, from concept to conception, creating a successful marketing plan for a client is the best feeling in the world."


Does your company help or give back to the community?
“Yes, JS Creative Concepts & Marketing believes in having a giving heart. We support a variety of different charities."


If you had one piece of advice for a young woman with a disability just starting out in the workforce, what would it be?
“It is vitally important to believe in yourself. Never allow anyone to make you feel as if you are not capable or deserving of your accomplishments or of attaining your career goals. It won’t always be easy, and you may have to prove yourself time and again that you are the perfect fit for your job, but stay strong. You can and will do everything you set your mind to. There is a bright and beautiful world out there waiting for you to leave your mark, so go out there fearless, knowing that you are worthy."

 

It was such a pleasure speaking with Jamie. She is a true go-getter woman, with an amazing up and coming business.  We salute her!  Women like Jamie are constantly working to challenge the stereotypes; that women living with disabilities are highly capable and deserve to take their rightful place in today's evolving workforce. Everyone at Slick Chicks supports ALL our hard working women, disability or not, to keep pushing towards your goals! We know girls run the world and it’s time to show society what we can do! Cheers to you and all you do, ladies!
And as always, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, keep reading the blogs, and visit us on social media to stay updated on all the latest Slick Chicks news!
 
See ya in your skivvies!
xoxo,
Shannon & the Slick Chicks Team

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published