From Interstitial Cystitis to Business Owner

by Brittney
(Texas)

I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (IC, a chronic condition of bladder pain and inflammation, also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome PBS)in December of 2008. At the time, I was only 18 years old and a senior in high school.

While I was relieved to finally have a diagnosis (I had been going to doctors for 5 years to find the cause of my pain), I had a hard time accepting it. There is no cure for IC. I had to change my diet and learn to manage stress.

At the age of 14, I had begun making my jewelry. It became an outlet for me. It was fun to do and a stress relieve.

I never really had any plans to start a jewelry business or any kind of business for that matter. It was never a goal of mine. My first year of college changed my thinking. I wasn't like other people my age. I had limitations, my body had limitations.

At one point I became so sick, I had to drop out of college. Since dropping out, I decided I really needed to focus on my health. I had only ever had two jobs since I was 18, and I couldn't handle them.

I had a hard time sticking to my diet, and just recently I have found out that I am gluten intolerant as well.

I knew I needed to find a job I could do at home. A job where I had complete control over the amount of time I worked, and, more importantly, a job that allowed me to still focus on my health.

In June 2011, I started Between 5th & 7th Fashion Accessories. I have never been more thankful for having such a hobby as jewelry making.

It has given me the chance to focus on my health and healing, while continuing to do what I love.

Brittney
Between 5th and 7th Fashion Accessories