Designing for Accessibility with Sam Angell

Sam Angell’s story isn’t your typical rags-to-riches tale, it’s better. It’s about passion, resilience, and designing a life on your own terms. 

For young entrepreneurs looking to carve their own path, Sam’s journey from a supermarket job to running a thriving design business is proof that sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you create for yourself.

The Accidental Entrepreneur

Like many young people fresh out of high school, Sam wasn’t entirely sure what the future held. A creative at heart, she found herself studying architecture but quickly realised something was missing. Working a regular job in a supermarket, she craved more creativity, autonomy, and purpose.

So, instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, she made one. Sam leapt into the world of graphic design, teaching herself the skills she needed and slowly building a freelancing career from the ground up. 

What started as a side hustle soon grew into a full-fledged business, proving that passion and persistence can take you far, even when you don’t have it all figured out from day one.

Flexibility: The Ultimate Entrepreneurial Perk

One of the biggest advantages of running your own business? Flexibility. And for Sam, this isn’t just a bonus, it’s a necessity. Living with multiple disabilities means that traditional nine-to-five corporate life simply wasn’t an option. Instead, Sam created a business that fits around their life, rather than forcing their life to fit into a rigid work schedule.

With medical appointments and treatments often taking up parts of the day, the ability to work in a way that suits their needs has been invaluable. Some days, work starts in the afternoon. Other times, the best ideas flow at 9 PM. And that’s the beauty of being your own boss, you get to design a life that works for you.

Designing for People, Not Just Aesthetics

Graphic design is often seen as a technical craft, with pixels, colour theory, and brand guidelines. But Sam approaches it differently. Her focus isn’t just on making things look good; it’s about making sure designs truly work for the people engaging with them.

Coming from a background of lived experience with the healthcare system, Sam understands how crucial accessibility is. She’s passionate about ensuring designs are human-centred, thinking deeply about how people interact with brands, services, and products. Whether it’s choosing readable fonts or considering how a website functions for someone with disabilities, Sam prioritises inclusivity, something the design industry desperately needs more of.

Overcoming Challenges: The Power of Adaptability

Running a business is never a smooth ride, and Sam has had her fair share of challenges. Managing both business and health can be overwhelming, but instead of fighting against it, she’s learned to work with it.

A game-changer? Hiring an admin assistant. Outsourcing tasks like invoicing and scheduling allows Sam to focus on what she does best, designing and growing their business. Her advice for other entrepreneurs: don’t be afraid to delegate. You don’t have to do everything yourself, and the most successful businesses are built by teams, not solo efforts.

Staying Productive (Without Burning Out)

Every entrepreneur struggles with productivity, and Sam is no exception. But instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, she’s learned to adapt to her energy levels. Some days are high-energy, perfect for tackling big projects. Other days require a slower pace, with journaling, to-do lists, and calendar planning helping to keep things on track.

Most importantly, Sam reminds us that it’s okay to rest. Productivity isn’t about pushing yourself to exhaustion, it’s about working smarter, not harder.

The Future of Design in Health and Wellness

Looking ahead, Sam hopes to see more inclusivity and human-centred design in the health and wellness industry. Whether it’s designing spaces, creating digital content, or branding health-focused businesses, she advocates for asking real people what they need, rather than making assumptions.

From accessibility-friendly branding to designing medical products that actually consider user experience, Sam is part of a new wave of designers who prioritise people over profit. And as more businesses catch on, the industry is bound to shift towards a more inclusive future.

Final Words for Young Entrepreneurs

For those looking to start their own business, Sam’s biggest piece of advice is simple: never stop learning. Whether it’s about your industry, your audience, or even yourself, the ability to adapt and grow is what will set you apart.

Not every entrepreneur follows the same path, and that’s okay. Some dive into university, while others teach themselves from YouTube. Some stick to a strict schedule, while others find their rhythm in unconventional hours. The key is to find what works for you and run with it.

Sam Angell’s journey is a reminder that success isn’t about fitting into a mould. It’s about breaking the mould entirely and building something uniquely yours.

Connect with Sam Angell:

You can find Sam Angel at her website. 

Highlights

• 00:56 Sam Angel's Background and Business Journey

• 02:09 The Flexibility of Running a Business

• 03:20 Evolving Approach to Graphic Design

• 05:13 Passion for Health and Wellness

• 09:08 Challenges and Overcoming Them

• 11:40 Staying Productive and Managing Energy Levels

• 14:37 Designing with Accessibility in Mind

• 20:07 Final Tips for Young Entrepreneurs