DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WPRI) – Paige Santos firmly believes anything is possible.

That’s why she never let your disability get in the way of his aspirations.

Santos was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that causes limited movement and weakened muscles.

“Believe in yourself and do what feels right for you, not for others,” Santos said.

The Dartmouth woman has overcome a number of obstacles since her diagnosis, and what started as at-home therapy to strengthen her left hand has since blossomed into much more.

Santos launched Paige’s Paracord in 2013, shortly after her parents gave her a survival bracelet making kit.

The unique bracelets are made of strong military-grade cord that can be undone and used for outdoor survival. She eventually added “and more” to her company name, since she also makes key chains, baskets, wreaths, rugs, and anything else she can think of.

Santos is now expanding her business even further by going well beyond selling her artwork from her home. She is preparing to open a store near State Road at the end of the month.

“I had goals that I had to reach, and then I reached all of those goals — the parameters that my mom and I had set — and then we had this opportunity that fell into our lap,” Santos explained. “We said, ‘Let’s deal with it. »

Santos lives by the motto “ability over disability”.

“I show my ability to cope with my disability in my creations,” she said. “It helps me with my manual dexterity…and (the business) will help me socialize with people of any age, gender or ability.”

Marianne Santos told 12 News she is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments.

“She always wants something to do,” her mother said. “This will help her get into a routine and stay socialized.”

Paige is excited about her next chapter.

“I was tired of working in our salon and selling at local craft fairs,” she said. “Now I can sell four times a week.”

The world hasn’t always been kind to Paige, which is why Marianne considers her daughter a source of inspiration.

“People look at other people with disabilities as if they can’t do it,” her mother explains. “She’s far from that.”

“We always encouraged her to do what she wanted to do, to do her best and to be kind to everyone she came in contact with, whether they were nice to her or not,” he said. she continued.

Paige’s Paracord and More officially opens on November 30. Those who cannot stop by his store can still place orders online. Paige said she is dedicated to growing her business and also plans to continue selling at craft fairs across New England.

Facebook: Paige’s Paracord and More | Instagram: @paigesparacord | TikTok: @paracordp97
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