Ep.233 How Speech Therapy and Aphasia inspired an Etsy Side Hustle with Sami Wong

In this insightful episode, Alexa chats with Sami Wong, a speech and language pathologist who helps clients navigate communication challenges such as aphasia. Sami shares her personal journey into speech therapy, inspired by her late father’s recovery from a stroke, and explains what aphasia really is, and the role music and singing can play in therapy. We also dive into Sami’s creative side hustle—her successful Etsy shop where she sells educational anatomy prints for SLPs and voice professionals.

Whether you’re a singing teacher, therapist, or simply curious about language, the brain, and communication, this episode will leave you inspired and informed.

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

2:36 What is aphasia?

5:18 What is neuroplasticity?

7:46 Can you recover from aphasia?

9:53 Compensatory communication activities for aphasia

11:10 Music & aphasia

13:46 What should singing teachers know about the work of an SLP?

15:06 Setting up a side hustle

21:07 Advice on creating an Etsy shop

23:46 Sami’s gift to you

About the presenter HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Melodic Intonation Therapy

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.211 Learning Vocal Anatomy through Mindful Colouring with Eimear McCarthy Luddy

GET SAMI’S PRINT WITH THIS BAST DISCOUNT CODE: BAST10

ABOUT THE GUEST

Sami Wong is a speech-language pathologist based in the Pacific Northwest, specialising in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and helping clients build confidence, independence, and connection. She recently completed a Ph.D. in Education and Leadership, focusing on return-to-work research for individuals with communication challenges.

Inspired by her father’s experience with aphasia after a stroke, Sami is dedicated to advancing awareness and rehabilitation for communication disorders. Alongside her full-time role, she runs Speech+Language, a small business offering free resources, study aids, and digital prints for SLPs and care partners.

With a background spanning media, fashion, finance, and education, Sami blends creativity with clinical expertise to empower others and advocate for people with aphasia.

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website

Instagram: @samiwong_

Etsy

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