Founded by Emily and her family, Emily’s Bracelets has become more than just a small business—it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the potential that lives within each person. Emily, a young woman with Cerebral Palsy, was inspired to create her own brand of handcrafted bracelets after encountering challenges in finding meaningful employment. What began as a therapeutic activity soon blossomed into a life-changing venture, not only for Emily but for her many supporters, customers, and beneficiaries.
With the help of her brother PJ, Emily launched her business on October 1, 2018, transforming her personal struggles into a pathway toward independence and purpose. For many adults with disabilities, employment can be a challenging landscape. Adults with disabilities often face high rates of unemployment and limited career options, which can lead to frustration and a lack of personal fulfillment. Emily’s Bracelets, however, was her answer to these obstacles. Through this business, Emily forged a path that not only fulfilled her own aspirations but brought awareness to the employment challenges faced by others in her community.
At its heart, Emily’s Bracelets aims to bring smiles to everyone it touches. With over 28,000 bracelets sold, Emily’s mission has connected with people across the country, each bracelet serving as a reminder of resilience and positivity. “I want people to SMILE when wearing my bracelets,” Emily shares, emphasizing the joy and hope she wishes to share with others. Her bracelets are vibrant, designed with bright colors and meaningful patterns that reflect her optimism and zest for life. Each bracelet embodies her wish to spread happiness and foster a sense of connection and inclusivity.
Beyond simply being a popular product, Emily’s Bracelets has also made a significant philanthropic impact. Emily has donated more than $17,000 to charitable organizations close to her heart, including the Special Olympics, which supports individuals with disabilities in athletic achievements and personal development. For Emily, these donations represent her commitment to making a positive impact on others’ lives. Each bracelet sold contributes to these causes, allowing customers to take part in supporting and empowering those with disabilities. Emily’s commitment to giving back has become a central part of her brand’s identity, reinforcing the message that business can—and should—have a heart.
Emily’s Bracelets also challenges societal perceptions about disability, particularly around capability and entrepreneurship. Through her success, Emily has demonstrated that individuals with disabilities have the capacity to lead, innovate, and succeed on their own terms. In creating her own employment, she’s become an advocate for inclusivity, encouraging businesses and society at large to recognize the value and talent that people with disabilities bring. By sharing her story through her business, Emily encourages others to see past limitations and appreciate the unique abilities of everyone.
The power of Emily’s Bracelets lies in its dual role as both a product and a movement. To wear an Emily’s Bracelet is to align oneself with a vision of inclusivity, kindness, and strength. Customers who buy and wear her bracelets do so not just for fashion but to be part of a larger cause that celebrates all people and values diversity. For many, wearing an Emily’s Bracelet is a statement—a show of support for a world that embraces everyone’s potential, regardless of physical limitations.
Through her active presence on social media, particularly Facebook, Emily stays connected with her customers and followers, sharing updates on her business and mission. Her Facebook page and website provide an ongoing narrative of her journey, one that resonates with those who value inclusivity and joy. By sharing her personal milestones, goals, and charitable efforts online, Emily has built a community of support that reflects her commitment to empowerment and positivity. Her audience is not only purchasing a product but investing in her story and her mission.
Looking ahead, Emily’s Bracelets continues to grow as Emily remains dedicated to expanding her brand’s impact. Her goal is not just to sell bracelets but to create a space of empowerment and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. With each bracelet she designs, Emily reaffirms her belief in the strength and potential of everyone. Her business is a testament to how small acts—like making a bracelet—can create ripples of change.
For more information on Emily’s journey and her products, visit Emily’s Bracelets or follow her story on Facebook.