Mallory Snellen
Mallory Snellen is the
founder and lead designer of Mallory Paige Designs in Kernersville, NC.
Mallory is an independent young woman living with Down syndrome. As a
high school senior in 2009, she lost her mother to cancer. Her mother
played a crucial role in her goal to someday leading an independent
life.
Fortunately, Tiffany McDowell, Mallory's sister, swiftly picked up the baton to assist with fulfilling her goal.
Upon
graduating high school, Mallory turned to her local vocational
rehabilitation center to find a job and became interested in working at a
local restaurant. While working with VR, Mallory was asked to take
certain front-end assessment requirements to be considered for the
position.
After she learned that other applicants
without disabilities were not subjected to similar requirements, she
chose to move on without the assistance from VR and continue her journey
to entrepreneurship.
As a young entrepreneur, Mallory is a co-founder of Mallory Paige Designs where she creates beautiful jewelry inspired by her faith to pursue a life of independence.
Mallory is always this happy when she works. Being an active participant in a growing business gives Mallory a sense of pride that she carries with her every day. She has the final choice in many of the products offered -- from the charms used in each design to the company shirts they wear to trade shows.
Mallory and her sister, Tiffany, share family stories as they package products to fulfill recent bracelet orders. Enjoying their time together with and sharing lots of laughter and smiles is a common theme as they work.
When it comes to working and getting the job done, Mallory is meticulous and focused. She has a stronger work ethic than most and works hard to complete the job. To Mallory, each and every detail must be completed with care.
Tiffany McDowell (left), Mallory's sister, gets great joy to watch her sister grow as a designer and plays different roles within the business. Mallory is living a purposeful and fulfilled life as she takes steps to live independently, which is the driving force behind Mallory Paige Designs becoming a reality.
Empowering Mallory to grow into adulthood with a sense of pride and purpose, Mallory Paige Designs has provided her an opportunity to be a decision maker, a designer, and a source of empowerment for other individuals with disabilities; helping them realize they can become entrepreneurs too.
Mallory is proud of her accomplishments and being empowered to be an independent thinker and creator of a business that is designed to support her and in time, support others living with developmental disabilities.