Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Miller.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born very sick and disabled. Doctors didn’t expect me to survive. As I got older I couldn’t verbally speak, through speech therapy I started speaking at age 6. I was diagnosed autistic and ADHD by the age of 9. Was put through studies for autism and ADHD that caused me tons of trauma. Was used for research with medications as a young child. All while I was going through abuse at home. I’ve been trying to work since I was 14 despite my disabilities. After I got pregnant at 19 I went back to school and got licensed as a CNA while being a single parent. I struggled to maintain a job due to my multiple different disabilities/illnesses but I kept trying my hardest and wouldn’t let anything stop me. In 2023 my health took a very drastic turn downward so I had to leave my job at Mayo Clinic to focus on my health. I knew I couldn’t just sit around and do nothing as that would just create depression for me. So I started my own craft business and started to become more of a disability advocate for myself and others. I’m currently on the advisory committee for ACT here in Minnesota as well as being a part of SAM. I will always love what I do with my business and in advocacy as this is my passion and love.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been easy trying to navigate a neurological world as a neurodivergant person who’s also physically disabled. Recieving the criticism and negative treatment from others has taken a toll on me but also caused me to speak up more.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work with multiple different mediums. Such as silicone beads, seed beads, vinyl, and resin. When making jewelry and accessories I work with things that I can handle each day depending upon what my body is physically doing. If it’s a bad day I work with silicone beads as they’re easier to hold and see. If it’s a good day I will work with resin or seed beads. Each piece I make is made with nothing but love and care making sure that I’m offering the best I can for my abilities while I continue to learn new techniques along the way. I love making custom pieces as it gives me the opportunity to make something unique to that individual customer but also gives me the opportunity to challenge myself. I’ve been using my medical knowledge in my arts so I’m offering things that are as allergy free as I can so as many people have the opportunity to express themselves with my pieces, all while trying my best to keep things as affordable as I can for those with all types of budgets. I’ve also started to bring in 3D Printed accesability items that are budget friendly. I do this as disability tools tend to be extremely expensive and out of budget for those who have limited income.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
No matter where you come from, what disability you have, what you look like, what your beliefs are anything is possible in life. If you want to do something and you have the drive to do it go for it and don’t give up even if you need accommodations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elizabethsjewelrycreations.myshopify.com/collections/all?page=1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizmiller05276?igsh=MXNqYWVscnNidzNxbw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16KgEGZoXd/
