Donor Story - Skyler Sutton

From the depths of adversity, a passion was born. My brother, once confined to his bed by a mysterious illness (later identified as one of California’s earliest cases of Lyme disease), found solace in the vibrant world of aquariums. The mesmerizing dance of marine life became his window to the world, sparking a shared fascination between us for saltwater ecosystems and their delicate balance.

This passion led us to establish a business dedicated to building and maintaining saltwater aquariums. We even ventured into retail, opening a store to share our love for marine life with the community. However, the journey was fraught with challenges, particularly financial constraints that hindered our growth.

Enter JFLA. Their generous loan enabled us to expand our inventory, attract a broader clientele, and enhance our store’s appeal. This support not only strengthened our finances but also instilled a newfound confidence in our venture.

As our business flourished, we realized its true strength lay in the community it fostered. Customers, partners, vendors, staff, and family were all united by a common bond. This sense of togetherness became the cornerstone of our success.

Building upon this foundation, we expanded further, acquiring and merging businesses. Each one was centered around a culture of love, respect, and positive energy. Today, we oversee multiple enterprises, all thriving on the principles we cultivated from our aquarium store beginnings.

Our journey has come full circle, and we are now proud to support others through donations to JFLA. We believe in empowering individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, creating a ripple effect of growth and prosperity within society. For this, we are eternally grateful to JFLA and all who champion the entrepreneurial spirit.