7 minute read
MEET THE OLSON FAMILY
AND THE FOUNDER & PUBLISHER OF SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING
(SOON TO BE UNIQUELY YOU!!!)
BRIAN, JAMIE, JORDAN, JAYLIN, JADE
BY JAMIE OLSON
A HEARTFELT JOURNEY FROM SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING TO UNIQUELY YOU
As the founder and publisher of Special Needs Living, soon to be Uniquely You, I’m excited to share my story and the evolution of this magazine. Our new name will debut in the August 2024 issue, and I hope it reflects the growth and deeper connection we aim to foster within the Special Needs & Disability Community.
OUR MISSION:
Uniquely You Magazine, formerly Special Needs Living, is a monthly publication curated by individuals and families within the Special Needs & Disability Community. Our mission is to share personal narratives that inspire, connect, and instill hope. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we provide this invaluable resource free of charge.
We believe in the transformative power of storytelling. By sharing our personal experiences, we not only foster connection but also empower others to navigate their unique journeys with confidence and resilience.
THE HISTORY: HOW SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING BEGAN:
Over a decade with the n2 company and I’ll never forget a story by Hope, written when we first started Special Needs Living. She typed it with her toe, using a device hooked up to her wheelchair, and described how it can take her nearly two hours to get dressed each day. Hope’s story, like so many others we’ve had the privilege to publish, is one of perseverance and triumph. Her words shifted my own perspective and fueled my dedication to this magazine.
Special Needs Living, now Uniquely You, is a platform where we celebrate, connect, and impact the special needs community. It’s a place for sharing stories from our own perspectives, shaping the views of others who are on similar journeys, seeking hope, encouragement, resources, or simply a sense of belonging.
MY PERSONAL JOURNEY:
I began my career with Cutco Cutlery, selling over half a million dollars in knives and kitchen accessories and running a District Office at 19. When my son, Jordan, suffered a traumatic brain injury at birth and started having seizures at 18 months, I knew I needed a career that offered flexibility to support him. In 2013, I became an Area Director for the N2 Company, launching five magazines, including Special Needs Living in November 2020.
Jordan’s challenges pushed me to seek solutions and support, leading to the creation of Special Needs Living. I wanted to help others on similar journeys, turning my pain into purpose. We’ve been successfully running the Indy edition for over three years, expanded to Akron Canton, Ohio, and my hometown in Michigan, with our first issue there in July 2023. I’m thrilled to announce that Amy Masser is bringing our magazine to Maryland.
EMBRACING THE NAME CHANGE:
We are excited to expand our reach with the nationally recognized name Uniquely You. We learned that in some areas, the term “special needs” can be considered offensive, so we chose Uniquely You to celebrate each individual’s unique qualities. This new name better represents our mission to shift perspectives and appreciate what truly matters.
A MESSAGE TO MY KIDS:
TO MY BELOVED CHILDREN, JORDAN, JAYLIN, AND JADE: You are the reason I am who I am today. Your presence in my life is a gift, and I am so thankful to have you by my side. I can’t wait to cheer you on every step of the way.
A SPECIAL THANKS:
TO BRIAN: Thank you for being the man I’ve always prayed for, loving me and my kids, and providing such security in our lives. I am grateful for your support and excited for our future together.
OUR COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTERS:
Thank you to our partners, contributors, and the entire Uniquely You team. Your dedication makes this magazine possible. Together, we celebrate incredible individuals and provide essential resources, connections, and opportunities.
REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY:
Special Needs Living was launched during COVID, allowing me to work from home around my kids’ schedules. It hasn’t been an easy journey, especially while navigating a divorce, but I’ve learned the importance of finding solutions and persevering. The support and community I’ve found have been invaluable, helping me to show up as my best self.
Special Needs Living Magazine soon to be Uniquely You in the next issue, is a monthly publication curated by individuals and families within the Special Needs & Disability Community. Our magazine features personal narratives designed to inspire, connect, and instill hope in others facing similar challenges. Supported by our generous sponsors, this invaluable resource is provided free of charge.
At Special Needs Living/Uniquely You Magazine, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling. Sharing personal experiences not only fosters connection but also empowers individuals and families to navigate their unique journeys with confidence and resilience.
Thank you to each of our magazine staff members on our Uniquely You team page who put in so much time to help make this magazine possible each month. It has been lovely to hear the ripples of impact that SNL/Uniquely You has offered. If you have a personal story to share, a milestone or event to submit, an idea or if you would like to donate to help us get additional copies out into the community of those who are looking for valuable resources, information, community and support please check out the link below
Links below to view past Issues, share stories, milestones, accomplishments, resources, Advertise/Partner, Contribute or sign up to get Uniquely You
Indiana https://linktr.ee/community.stories
Michigan https://linktr.ee/snlmichigan
Thank you to everyone in the community who shares our magazine each month with your community. Thank you to the N2 Company, the design team, digital team, and Uniquely You team for your efforts in publishing this magazine each month. Lastly thank you to my friends and family for never giving up on me and for always encouraging me to do my best through all the challenges. Thanks for allowing me to be all of whom God created me to be.
Through Uniquely You, we aim to continue making a difference, celebrating unique stories, and creating ripples of impact in our communities. I am honored to share this journey with you and look forward to the many blessings ahead.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many in the Special Needs Community.
WITH GRATITUDE, Jamie Olson
Founder / Area
Director / Publisher
Special Needs Living Magazine / Uniquely You Indy & Detroit/Metro Jamie.McCabe@ n2co.com
