Blake's Story

Blake B. Shelley is an author, speaker, creator, and entrepreneur whose work is centered on helping people overcome limits and live creatively. Through writing, speaking, social media, and hands-on maker work, he encourages others to persevere, grow in faith, and build a meaningful life even when the path looks different than expected.

Blake was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months old as a result of a lack of oxygen at birth. Cerebral palsy affects his movement, fine motor skills, and speech, making everyday tasks more challenging. From an early age, Blake learned that while disability can create real obstacles, it does not define a person’s value, purpose, or potential. With the support of his family, community, and faith, he developed a mindset of perseverance that continues to shape every part of his life and work.

A major source of strength in Blake’s journey has been his faith in Jesus Christ. Although he grew up in church, his faith became personal during high school through deeper involvement in youth group and Young Life. There, he found not only spiritual grounding, but also a strong community that encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone, take risks, and live life more fully.

That confidence carried Blake to George Fox University, where he attended on scholarship through the Act Six Leadership Initiative and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries. During his college years, he developed a deeper passion for serving the disability community and encouraging others who face physical, emotional, and personal barriers.

Over the years, Blake has served through speaking, mentorship, disability advocacy, and leadership roles, including work with Young Life Capernaum in Portland, Oregon. His experiences in ministry, advocacy, and entrepreneurship have all contributed to the message he shares today: that challenges can become tools for growth, purpose, and impact.

Blake is the author of Breaking Chains, a book about resilience, faith, and overcoming the things that hold us back. He is also the founder of Breaking Chains Foundation, a nonprofit focused on storytelling, coaching, and empowering people, especially youth and individuals with disabilities.

In addition to his speaking and writing, Blake runs Estacada Laser & Apparel with his sisters, where he combines creativity and entrepreneurship through custom apparel, laser engraving, DTF printing, and maker-based production. This side of his work reflects his belief that creativity can be a powerful way to overcome limits and build something meaningful.

Today, Blake shares encouragement, disability perspective, faith, and maker life with a growing audience across social media, including TikTok and Instagram. Whether he is writing, speaking, creating, or building, his mission remains the same: to help people overcome limits and live creatively.