‘Samantha’s Sparkles’

A Shining Gem For Animals

By Nancy K. Crevier

Samantha Pettengill has found a way to unite two of her favorite things in life: animals and beading. Using proceeds from her beaded earring business founded two years ago, Samantha’s Sparkles, the 21-year-old donates regularly to local animal shelters.

“I hate seeing animals suffer,” said Samantha. “I volunteered at the Newtown Dog Pound while I was in high school, and I volunteer at DAWS [in Bethel]. I’ve seen animals not being adopted and it hurt my feelings to know that some animals don’t have homes,” she said.

“I like making stuff, too,” said Samantha, and believing that the beaded earrings that she makes with the assistance of her caregiver Rita Gallagher could generate an income that could provide a way to support animal welfare organizations, she marketed her crafts to local venues. The earrings made of semiprecious stones, crystals, and glass beads are now sold at Nails and Beyond in Bethel, the Newtown Nail Spa, and the Drug Center of Newtown.

“Samantha always loved crafts, and started making earrings as gifts for the family. She puts in several hours a week getting supplies together, and marketing and making the earrings with Rita,” said Anita Pettengill, Samantha’s mother.

“What people don’t realize,” Ms Pettengill said, “is how difficult it was for her to get to the point of doing beading. Her special needs make mastering fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination difficult. The whole gamut of running the business gives her confidence, too.”

Samantha came up with her own business motto, “Add some sparkle to your life,” said her mother, and it typifies her daughter’s attitude toward everything she does.

“I love my slogan,” said Samantha. “I think people should enjoy what they do and have fun with it.”

The earrings have sold fairly steadily, said Ms Pettengill, allowing Samantha to make fairly regular donations to shelters in the area.

“I would like to see other special needs people get involved and work with her,” said Ms Pettengill. “I would help them, help her, and they could make more jewelry.”

In the meantime, Samantha and Ms Gallagher continue to turn out nearly two dozen pairs of earrings each week, and add some sparkle to the lives of homeless dogs and cats.