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Four months ago I found out that I suffer from celiac disease.
This means that I am highly allergic to gluten {found in wheat, rye, barley} and it makes me severely sick. Gluten also hides in spices, beauty products such as lipsticks, and medications.
This was a blessing and a curse. Now, I could finally feel better, but I had to give up my favorite foods and beauty products.
Through this entire process, I’ve been able to take some of the lessons I learned and apply them to running a creative business. And, I thought I’d share them with you:
1. You can do a lot with a little.
For those who don’t know, I’m also vegan by choice. I’m not going to get into the moral reasons of why I chose a vegan lifestyle, and I’m not going to try to convert you. I tell you this, because many people who suffer from celiac disease heavily rely on things that I don’t eat such as meat and cheese.
This means that I don’t have a lot to choose from on regular basis. Try going into most restaurants and finding something on the menu that is vegan and gluten-free. It’s not easy. However, I’ve learned that I can do a lot with a little. I can go into a restaurant and come up with something that isn’t on the menu. I’ll take a veggie dish at a Chinese restaurant, leave off the sauce, and add gluten-free soy sauce, and I’ve got dinner.
I can also do this with my creative business. Instead of getting hung up on what I don’t have, I try to focus on the stuff that I do have. For instance, I don’t have a professional photographer taking my product photos, but I do have a really nice camera, access to photography information, and the ability to take my own photos.
2. Don’t let one hiccup ruin everything.
Have you ever eaten gluten-free bread? If not, I’ll save you that lovely experience and tell you that it tastes like burnt marshmallows. This was one of the first gluten-free products that I tried, and I experimented with every type of bread they offered at our local health food store. I couldn’t imagine a world without bread, because I’m a carb lover. Ask me to give up meat. No problem. Ask me to give up bread. I might hurt you.
This was a major setback for me, and I put off trying a lot of other gluten-free products for weeks, because I thought they’d all taste bad. Finally, I put on my big-girl pants and tried other gluten-free and vegan products like cookies and pasta. And, they weren’t so bad. Now, I actually like a lot of them.
I’ve also let small hiccups discourage me from moving forward in my creative business. At the beginning, any technical issue would result in me throwing my hands up and declaring that I couldn’t possibly run an online business, because I don’t like the technical part. Now, I have a membership site that I built by myself from scratch. It was possible—I just needed to believe that it was possible and take a deep breath whenever I experienced a hiccup.
3. Play and experiment—and have fun while you do it.
I’m still at a point where most meals are experiments. I had never cooked or baked with gluten-free ingredients before January. At first, I was overwhelmed. I felt like I had to learn a new language. I couldn’t even make my standbys: spaghetti and beanballs, chickpea cutlets, or bean burritos. My husband was amazing, and he told me that I needed to look at it differently. He encouraged me to play and experiment and not worry about the meals that don’t turn out quite right.
I try to look at new things in my creative business the same way. Learning how to take really good product photos felt overwhelming at first, but I gave myself time every week to play with my camera. And, every week my photos got better and better.
Everybody goes through the same growing pains when they’re starting new businesses, but I’ve come to realize it isn’t about the stuff you have to do—it’s about how you think about it. Do you groan and complain or do you allow yourself space to play and experiment?
I am not sure if it is the mix of the personal with a great lesson but I really like this post. I can relate to so many points; a hiccup effecting the next step, feeling horribly ill after eating grains, using what you have, and putting on your big girl pants (my favorite!).
I have been working through your blogging program and listening to Laura Roeder on the need for wordpress. I am really comfortable where I am but I accept I need to make changes and try something new. I know it needs to be done so I am doing it in small steps.
Now if only I can make sure my followers move with me…
Thanks Erika. I’m glad you could relate.
If you move your blog/website, you’ll probably lose some followers. However, the people who really care about your stuff and want to stay updated will move with you as long as you make it clear to them how to do it. And, those are the people that you should really care about anyways. The others probably aren’t engaged and wouldn’t buy your stuff anyways, because they’re not your target market.
Dear April, I completely relate. I’ve some health troubles too and what you’re describing in this post happens many times.
Focusing on what we have and can do instead on what we don’t, is surely the key.
Your words and what you experienced touched me, but also gave further motivations to be strong and go on and on and on!
A hug!
Hey Irene. Thanks for the hug 🙂 Right back at ya!
Being able to move past the pity party stage and focus on all the good has really helped me transition and feel more empowered.
What a great post April! Very insightful, informative, & encouraging!
I really liked what you said in your third point…or really what your hubbie said…about the way you think about things or thinking about things differently. Our mindset affects our moods & therefore our actions. If we think negatively about something then we won’t enjoy it & we won’t be productive. There’s a time for everything & it’s best to make the most with what you’ve got at the moment. It won’t always be the same.
Thanks April!
Thanks Meagan!
Yep, changing the way you think about the situation makes all the difference.
Lovely post! Thanks for making a comparison I wouldn’t have thought of! Sometimes the most direct path is blocked so you have to look for the sneaky way to get to the same place. Lost of good lessons here! 😉 Thanks!
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was fun to write and to think about the comparisons!
April– what a fantastic post! You really have the perfect attitude to take on what life throws at you! I was diagnosed with celiac 8 years ago and know how hard it can be in the beginning! If you ever need any tips or recommendations, feel free to email me– sometimes its nice to chat with someone who knows just how you feel!
Rock on!
Thanks Nina! I might just take you up on that–it does take a lot of adjusting…
Rock on! You’re a total inspiration!
(partly because, you tell us all that it’s not too hard… just keep trying and experimenting. We can all do that!)
Best wishes!
Thanks Stacey!
I know a girl that has the same decease since she was a baby. She suffered a lot because no one knew what she had (years ago was very rare and even to find gluten free food was a challenge).
Now she’s in her twenties and work as a professional cook!
Thank you for sharing this with all of us, April.
Hey Marta,
I can relate. I’ve been sick for years without understanding why…thankfully, I now know how to avoid the stuff that’s making me sick.
I love that you know someone with celiac disease who’s a professional cook. That’s awesome.
April,
Staying positive and facing challenges head on have obviously gotten you where you are today! This is the best outlook to have, and I am learning to do the same:) I find that almost every week I make a silly mistake or find something else I over anaylize and need to change. But every week my biz is getting better and improving.
And just like the many others like me who are not alone in working hard on turning my dreams into reality, there are millions who have felt the same as you and that is why happily there are TONS of gluten free stuff on the market:)
Thanks for the inspring post April!
Thanks for sharing Erin. It’s so easy to get caught up on the mistakes and small changes…and forget to focus on the improvements and small successes. I wish you all the best!
I definitely do my fair share of moaning and groaning. I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease three years ago, which causes me chronic back pain and can definitely make running a crafty business on my own a challenge. It’s frustrating to have those days where I can’t get up and create new things for my shop, but I am learning to allow myself the space to explore my creativity and expand my brand without necessarily working on new products. That’s a work in progress though. 😉
Thanks so much for sharing your story, April. It’s truly inspiring to me!
Isn’t it so hard to take breaks when your body is telling you that you need a break? I’ve gotten better and better at paying attention to the signals that my body gives me–but I used to do a horrible job of that. I love that you’re trying to do things that don’t require you to make new products when you aren’t feeling up to it.
Fantastic post, April! Your lessons learned apply to so many people for so many reasons! I help run a minstry. My battles are with gluten and dairy sensitivity, hypothyroid, and a neurological condition. Like you, I’ve allowed these things to waylay me, but just temporarily. Your husband gave you the best advice ever, look at things in a different way, a new perspective.
I love this post! thanks for sharing, and keep sharing!!!
You’re welcome Cindy. Yeah, I got pretty lucky with my man 🙂 He’s a keeper!
Love this advice! I know that if I focus too much on what I envy, I only get stressed out. Taking a ‘timeout’ for myself is what I have to do sometimes. Yesterday I took the whole afternoon away from my computer, went outside, had some popsicles and played soccer with my 4-year old. I was able to come back with some fresh ideas, that I probably wouldn’t have if I had stayed in that frame of mind.
Oh yeah, we all need timeouts sometimes.
I took this past Friday and weekend off to go out of town to celebrate my nephew’s 2nd birthday, and it was so nice to take a break and spend time with the people who mean the most to me. I came back to work refreshed, energized, and more inspired.
Great post! I’ve been gluten and dairy free for 3 years now (allergies to both) and it’s definitely been up and down, lots of trials and frustrations and money spent on experiments to replace some of the foods I loved. In the end, life is MUCH easier when I focus on the good things. And that means not banging my head against a brick wall over and over trying to make something taste the same as the gluten equivalent, and just having something completely different instead – something that works, is easy, and perhaps even more enjoyable. We do tend to focus on the negative things in life, the things that aren’t working, and forget to focus on what IS working.
Thanks Tania. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone…and that I actually know people in my online world who also suffer from a gluten allergy.
I used to get frustrated when I couldn’t make my signature dishes taste the same–now, I focus on the stuff that I can make.
” Instead of getting hung up on what I don’t have, I try to focus on the stuff that I do have.” I need to print that out and paste it on my office wall, except I don’t have an office…or a wall…or any real set space. See?! I really need to remember that message and focus on what I do have!
LOL….Print it out and tape it on your bathroom mirror instead 🙂
Kudos to you for finding ways to eat both vegan and gluten free, I can’t even imagine how hard that must be! And you are totally right, little lessons we learn in other parts of our lives, can often be brought into small business light as well. 😉
Thanks! It can be difficult at times–but it’s doable 🙂
Hi April ,
First of all, kudos ! Being a vegetarian, I applaud anyone who can do this ..being a vegan is
tougher. I like the analogy between the food and business. Its true, we always want what we don’t have . Working with what we have makes us use our resources lot more and in more creative ways. We don’t realize it unless we give it a go.
I always enjoy reading your posts . Thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge !
Thanks Lakshmi. My husband and I have definitely become more creative since we stopped focusing on the items we can’t use and started focusing on the stuff we can. Going to the farmer’s market and trying new things has become exciting and fun!
Hi April,
I can absolutely relate to this story, since I too, have Celiac Disease! And thanks to you, I’m moving my blog, and getting more interest in my work all the time.
Who says a wonky immune system has to stop us from living? Not me. Clearly not you, either 😉
*blessings*
Nat
Pea. Ess. If you’d like to ask me about Celiac Resources, I’m more than happy to share what I know ~ take care of you!
Amen Natanya!
I really enjoyed this article. I love that you are encouraging people to see creative ways around their roadblocks both in their personal and professional lives. I’ve a number of friends that have to avoid gluten so I’ve learned a lot about cooking without it.
Your blog is lovely 🙂
April
Thanks April! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Dear April,
Your blog is very good. I also enjoyed hearing you speak at the etsy conference several months ago. i have had celiac for many years. I went to culinary school years ago and if you need help please feel free to contact me. I live in Annandale,Va. You have some wonderful farm markets near you in the summer. Make use of the wonderful produce. Udi’s bread is not a bad choice,particularly the multigrain one. Go to Elana’s Pantry Website and About. You may find recipes there that will help you. Keep trying.Best of luck to you. Robin
Hey neighbor! I love the farmer’s market…my husband and I try to go every Saturday. I’ll try the Udi’s bread–thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Thanks so much April,
I’m definitely guilty of letting one hiccup put me in an “I’m useless at everything” mood. This morning almost turned into one, so thank you for your inspiration to see things differently.
Sarah
Yay for realizing that you must almost went there–but you turned it around!
Hi April, it’s good to hear you sound so positive. I do not have celiac’s but I’m gluten intolerant and have been off it for a few years. In fact my health was so bad, I was forced to give up my IT job as I was too sick. But the good thing is, that is why I started my Etsy shop and now have so much fun creating! Life works in strange ways.
BTW have you tried quinoa…it’s a wonderful Gluten free grain full of protein and can be prepared in so many ways. I love it.
It’s so interesting how life turns out. One door closes and another opens.
I have tried quinoa…sometimes I enjoy it and other times I can’t stand the texture/consistency.