How Melissa Pepers Creates Businesses That Have Never Existed Before with a Chronic Illness

In this episode I’m joined by JL Keez, a passionate advocate for those experiencing eating disorders, as someone who has experienced one herself. JL has now built a business JL Keez Anorexia Unlocked, where she is a Certified Reality Therapy Counsellor, Author and Speaker. We dive into: The medical advice given to JL when diagnosed with anorexia nervosa What reality therapy entails How unresolved feelings in your childhood store within your body How JL now helps other people with eating disorders Connecting with people who ‘get it’ About JL JL Keez is a passionate advocate for those experiencing eating disorders, as someone who has experienced one herself. After a 9-year battle with anorexia that started when she was just 15, JL Keez went on to develop chronic fatigue, migraines, depersonalisation, OCD and suicidal depression. Keez describes her journey as one where she continually seesawed between despair and hope due to the frustration and pain that she experienced during her recovery process. Today, JL Keez has recovered from all but the depersonalisation and the odd migraine.  For her, joining the entrepreneur world was inevitable. She has used her experiences with anorexia and other associated conditions to build a business JL Keez Anorexia Unlocked, where she is a Certified Reality Therapy Counsellor, Author and Speaker. Connect with JL on Instagram @jlkeezanorexiaunlocked Visit JL’s website: http://www.jlkeez.com.au/ Connect with A Chronic Entrepreneur on Instagram @achronicentrepreneur Visit A Chronic Entrepreneur: https://www.achronicentrepreneur.com/

In this episode I’m joined by Daryl Elliott Green, a police officer turned professional speaker living with PTSD, who has taken a horrific situation and turned it on its head to inspire and help others. We dive into: How TWICE SHOT came to life Who Daryl helps with his professional speaking business Keeping a routine for your mental health Not caring what other people think of you How Daryl manages his PTSD About Daryl Daryl Elliott Green narrowly escaped death whilst on duty as a police officer in 2000, when he was ambushed and shot in the face and shoulder. He had years of on-going maxillofacial reconstruction surgery, however remained in the police force throughout that time. Fifteen years later, he was awarded a 12-month speaking scholarship by PSA, which led him to start TWICE SHOT®, his full time professional speaking business, where he has taken a horrific situation and turned it on it’s head to inspire and help others. Connect with Daryl on Instagram @twice.shot Visit Daryl’s website: https://twiceshot.com/ Watch TWICE SHOT - Film (6 minutes) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQGO0Rx88mg Connect with A Chronic Entrepreneur on Instagram @achronicentrepreneur Visit A Chronic Entrepreneur: https://www.achronicentrepreneur.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by Justine Martin. Justine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2011, and is now a professional artist, art wellness teacher, author, and resilience consultant and speaker - aka an absolute powerhouse. We dive into: Time being the most precious commodity we have Finding purpose in making art Doctors telling Justine she’ll never work again Justine representing Australia in olympic weightlifting and powerlifting The wellness team Justine surrounders herself with Listening to your body and trusting your gut when you need more answers About Justine Justine Martin is a professional artist, art wellness teacher, author, and resilience consultant and speaker. Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2011, her successful corporate life was turned upside down. She has since battled three primary cancers at once and since then has overcome a long list of medical conditions. Entrepreneurship came naturally to her as she broke free from her “survival mode” in order to achieve the big dreams and goals that she set for herself.  It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with her chronic illness that the entrepreneurship path truly took on its full meaning in Justine’s life. As Justine mentions in the episode, listen to Arrival - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta1xxgf7RVY Connect with Justine on Instagram @resiliencemindsetjustinemartin Visit Justine’s website: https://www.justinemartin.com.au/ Connect with A Chronic Entrepreneur on Instagram @achronicentrepreneur Visit A Chronic Entrepreneur: https://www.achronicentrepreneur.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by Sayali, a hypnotherapist and body coach, empowering busy women through her business, Mind Body Hope. Sayali shares her journey of becoming blind in both eyes and the determination to fight for her diagnosis. We dive into: How Sayali came to call Australia home Feelings of unworthiness within chronic illness Going through a self love and acceptance journey Why organ donation is so important Sayali’s journey to being able to see again Unexpected resilience levels Overcoming daily challenges About Sayali Sayali Apte probably wouldn't have become an entrepreneur if it wasn't for her chronic illness. When she was 23, newly married, and working as a business consultant with a bright future ahead of her, she was involved in an accident which ended up leaving her blind in both eyes. But Sayali was determined to find a way to see again and turn her seemingly dire situation on it's head. Now, she is the proud and passionate founder of Mind Body Hope - where she has a mission to empower 10,000 women with the skills and strategies they need to confidently reclaim control of their physical, mental and spiritual health through hypnotherapy and health coaching. Read on to learn more about Sayali Apte's inspiring story. Connect with Sayali on Instagram @mindbodyhope And coming soon: www.mindbodyhope.com Connect with A Chronic Entrepreneur on Instagram @achronicentrepreneur Visit A Chronic Entrepreneur: https://www.achronicentrepreneur.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by Ilana K, a kinesiologist who has gone on a long health journey since her early childhood. Since hitting “rock bottom” and having to completely upend her life to focus on recovery, Ilana’s career has taken a full 180 degree shift from being in the corporate finance industry as a financial analyst, to now practising kinesthesiolopgy where she helps people reclaim their health, wellbeing, inner joy and sparkle for life. We dive into: What kinesiology really means and how to become a kinesiologist Going for working from an energy company to now transforming energy for people Listening to your body and understanding what it needs Finding energetically aligned people along your healing journey Outsourcing in your business to support and conserve your energy Connection in a post-covid world About Ilana Ilana is a Kinesiologist, energy coach and mentor (reiki & more), yoga and meditation teacher, wholefood lover, entrepreneur and has 12+ years working in the corporate world as a CPA accountant. Ilana helps women and children (& some men), shift their zest, vibes and energy so they can live authentic, content and happy lives. Through her own health journey with chronic fatigue and auto-immune disease, Ilana truly believes that slowing down life, finding moments of stillness, living in the now and listening to your body's inner wisdom and intuition are truly the biggest assets in life. Connect with Ilana on Instagram @ilanak.kinesiology and Facebook Visit Ilana’s website: https://ilanak.com.au/ Check out The Energy Shift Podcast Connect with A Chronic Entrepreneur on Instagram @achronicentrepreneur Visit A Chronic Entrepreneur: https://www.achronicentrepreneur.com/

Kere Baker is one of those humans who has an infectious personality, optimistic soul and wholehearted approach to life. She has built a lifestyle and a life, alongside multiple chronic illnesses: including PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid cancer, and some incredibly hard moments. These moments are hard to put into words which is why we’ll leave it to Kere to share her story in the way that feels right. Alongside these challenges, Kere founded Loobylou Candles – some of the most gorgeous candles going around – and underground ARTspace. She was nominated for a GALA Ethical Award in 2018 for her I AM…MORE THAN THIS range which donates all profits to the Leukaemia Foundation. Discover Kere’s story below and check out Loobylou Candles online to get your dose of deliciousness. Visit Kere's Website: loobylou.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loobylou_candles/ Visit A Chronic Entrepreneur: https://www.achronicentrepreneur.com/

Melissa Pepers describes herself as ‘a business designer and a futurist.’ She’s the founder of Bonbo – where she makes businesses that have never existed before. Melissa shared her story with us and how she’s practising self-love, self-care and letting go of the idea that she has to prove anything to anyone. Melissa has a metabolic myopathy which is a metabolic muscle disorder which can result in muscle weakness, severe pain and exercise intolerance. She also has interstitial cystitis. Melissa has carved out a life that allows her to look after herself while also crafting a career she loves. Visit Melissa: https://bonbo.co/ https://www.instagram.com/bonboau/?hl=en Follow A Chronic Entrepreneur:  https://achronicentrepreneur.com  https://www.instagram.com/achronicentrepreneur/

Amanda Campbell personifies the term ‘entrepreneur’. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 24, it wasn’t until she turned 29 and had an MS attack that left her paralysed, that she began to redefine who she was and live life on her own terms. Since then she has launched a number of successful businesses, all with the mission of helping others live full and healthy lives. She is an avid learner, having completed a number of degrees and working as an accredited sports kinesiologist, and works as an ambassador for MS Limited. She now works as a resilience trainer and keynote speaker (amandacampbell.com.au), and is the founder of Bend Like Bamboo – one of Australia’s leading sports kinesiology practices. She shares her story and journey to where she is today on the podcast. Follow Amanda Campbell: amandacampbell.com.au bendlikebamboo.com https://www.instagram.com/amandacampbell_speaker/ https://www.instagram.com/bendlikebamboo/ Follow A Chronic Entrepreneur: Achronicentrepreneur.com https://www.instagram.com/achronicentrepreneur/

So many people diagnosed with Chronic Illness have a moment where we decide that the disease won’t beat us, that it will no longer be the story the defines us. Instead, it becomes part of our story. It is also the part of our story that leads to so many wonderful adventures that perhaps we wouldn’t have had if it weren’t for our Chronic Illness. Today’s Chronic Entrepreneur is Susanne Gervay, a prolific children’s author whose books deal with many of life’s challenges including bullying, inclusion, humanity and refugees. Susanne certainly has a gift with words, and her long list of chronics and life experiences have assisted her in writing books that deeply touch and connect with children and adolescents.  You can find out more about Susanne by visiting her website: https://sgervay.com/  Read her ACE feature from 2018: https://www.achronicentrepreneur.com/blog/a-chronic-entrepreneur-susanne-gervay?rq=susanne%20gervay 

Tyla Hodgson is a badass entrepreneur who is familiar with pain; she deals with Ulcerative Colitis, Endometriosis and Chronic Kidney Disease on a daily basis. This, however, hasn't stopped her from starting two successful businesses. She is the founder of Oh My Vibes - a self love company all about changing the convo around women’s pleasure  - their aim is to leave you feeling empowered to enjoy, explore + celebrate yourself. She is also the Founder + Branding Consultant at Wise Funnels - a digital marketing consultancy that partner startups to build their marketing systems and develop their growth strategies. In this episode, Tyla talks with Dara about what inspired her to create a vibrator company, and how she has structured her business to work with and around her chronic illnesses so that she can thrive as a successful entrepreneur.