Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Shartle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Samantha, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose has been a journey of self-discovery, shaped by my experiences, passions, and a lot of introspection. I could go into detail about the culmination of experiences that have lead me to my current purpose, but that isn’t really important. What’s important is that I’ve allowed myself to explore different paths, listen to my inner voice, and follow what truly ignites my soul. As I’ve grown and evolved as a woman, a wife, a mother, a healthcare provider and business owner, so has my sense of purpose. Looking back, I don’t feel like it has ever been a fixed destination; to me my purpose has been a dynamic process, continuously evolving as I learn, adapt, and discover new aspects of myself. I trust my own instincts and inner voice. This allows me to stay open to new opportunities and challenges, keeping my purpose aligned with who I am at each stage of my journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
The story of Olivia + Graham begins in the early days of the pandemic. As a Physician Assistant navigating the unpredictability of the emergency department in 2020, COVID-19 weighed heavily on my mind and heart. Like countless healthcare professionals, I had so much fear of inadvertently bringing the virus home to my husband and two toddlers and the hospital became a place where I no longer felt at home. In the midst of all of the pandemic stress and uncertainty, I bought a jewelry making kit from a local bead shop on a whim. What began as a spontaneous purchase evolved into a transformative journey for me. I was immediately obsessed with creating jewelry. It became so much more than just a hobby; it became my happy place and my sanctuary, providing a semblance of peace and creative fulfillment in the midst of all the chaos.
Creating jewelry provided me with an outlet to channel my anxieties into something constructive. I quickly began selling bracelets in local Facebook groups and with a huge outpouring of love for my designs within my local community, I recognized the potential to turn my newfound passion into something more. This is when Olivia + Graham was born. The inspiration behind the business name comes from my children- Brynn Olivia and Elliott Graham. Olivia + Graham stands as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, light and inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.
Olivia + Graham stands out for our commitment to creating customized jewelry with a sense of individuality and personal connection. These pieces tell your story, reflecting your journey, passions, and love for your tribe, all full of style with an effortlessly chic look. Whether it’s a symbol of resilience, a celebration of love, or a token of cherished memories, our jewelry serves as a reminder of life’s most meaningful moments.
As Olivia + Graham enters its formative stages of growth, my strategy involves developing a strong presence in local retail outlets while simultaneously growing our online visibility. While the brand evolves, I plan to continue to work on showcasing my jewelry in local small business shops, fostering relationships within the community, and continuing to gain support from loyal customers. Additionally, I plan to expand our digital footprint through leveraging social media platforms and expand my online presence.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The journey of launching my own jewelry business has been a huge leap of faith. Doubts often sneak in when you’re on the verge of pursuing your passions. The “what-ifs” can feel overwhelming no matter how determined you are. My unwavering work ethic, self confidence, and my passion for what I do are what helped me push through any feelings of self doubt.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve approached every endeavor with wholehearted commitment—I’ve never been one to do things halfway. As a one-woman show driving my business forward, I’ve quickly discovered that running a jewelry business requires far more than sourcing top-notch materials and creating beautiful pieces. With a background in the medical field, delving into the realms of marketing, product photography and content creation present obvious challenges. Every facet of entrepreneurship has been a learning curve as this is uncharted territory, but I continue to evolve and have dedicated myself entirely to the growth of this business.
My dedication comes from the passion I have for my small business. It is my driving force. I find so much fulfillment in the creative process, the hustle and the journey of growth. Without passion, Olivia + Graham would have never came to be. To fellow dreamers pursuing similar endeavors, I offer this advice: “Some people will never clap for you. Win anyway.” Let the naysayers fade into the background and you do you. Your superpower is that no one else can do what you do, the way you do it. When you commit to your vision, are confident in what you bring to the table and show the world your passions, the journey becomes infinitely rewarding.
As people, we are ever evolving and with that uncovering new pieces of ourselves. At some point in my thirties, I developed a newfound sense of self-confidence—an unshakable belief in my abilities and an assurance in my unique style. I’ve come to understand that not everyone will resonate with this, and that is perfectly okay. My focus isn’t on winning universal approval, but on providing the very best for my ideal client and staying true to myself. I believe in my vision and what I bring to my customers. With every piece of jewelry I create, I pour in authenticity and passion. My designs are a reflection of who I am, and I’ll continue designing pieces that resonate with my style and hopefully with those who wear them too.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Being a small business owner comes with its fair share of hurdles. One of the biggest challenges I am currently facing is visibility. To overcome this, I’m diving deep into my local community, spreading the love and getting my jewelry into the hands of more people by teaming up with fellow small businesses. Building these local connections isn’t just about sales; it’s about fostering a sense of community and support among us entrepreneurs. I’m incredibly fortunate to be part of a network of incredible women-owned businesses that lift each other up, and I’m eager to see this network grow even stronger.
I also can’t ignore the power of social media and having a strong online presence. In order to take Olivia + Graham to where I want it to go, I am working hard to up my game to promote brand awareness and obtain more product visibility. I’m constantly fine-tuning my website to ensure that customers can easily browse and purchase their perfect bracelet stack with just a few clicks. It’s a balancing act for sure, but I know that one day, it’ll look like it happened overnight, and I’ll continue to hustle until it does.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oliviagrahamdesign.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop_oliviagraham/
Image Credits
Jenn Ertter Tina Ramsey
