Building Success | How a Teenager is Turning an AVM Diagnosis into a Successful Lego Business

Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast

Welcome Samuel Benifield-Chivore

In this episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast," Alycia Anderson speaks with Samuel Benifield-Chivore, a remarkable teenager living with Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). Diagnosed at age three, Samuel has undergone numerous surgeries and therapies but continues to thrive academically and personally.

Samuel, an honor roll student and the creative mind behind Samuel's Bricks, shares his journey of adapting to his disability and finding new ways to excel. His mother, Benita Benifield, a Global Retention Marketing Manager at Etsy, joins the conversation to discuss her advocacy efforts and the importance of family support.

Key Takeaways:

✨ Overcoming AVM and adapting to new challenges

👪 The power of family support in achieving goals

🔧 Turning hobbies into successful ventures

🗣️ Advocating for oneself and pushing through doubts

Samuel says...

"No matter your disability, you can still achieve greatness if you set your mind to it." - Samuel Benifield-Chivore

Bonus content

Samuel highlights the importance of finding new interests after being unable to participate in physical sports. He describes the joy of being cast in the school play "Grease" and how he adapted his role to fit his abilities. Samuel also shares his future goals, including continuing his education, growing his business, and advocating for others with disabilities.

Connect with Samuel: Samuel's Bricks on Etsy | Follow Samuel on Instagram

Connect with Alycia: Feedback | Instagram | LinkedIn | Book Alycia for Speaking | Book Alycia to Train Your Employees in Disabling Ableism | Alycia’s DEI Micro Learning Video Series

Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let's go.