She Strengthens

From Flare to Flourish: How I Built a Business While Battling Crohn’s Disease

As a Crohn’s disease warrior, I know firsthand the challenges of navigating a chronic illness while pursuing my dreams. But I’m living proof that it’s possible to thrive despite the obstacles.

A Journey of Resilience

My name is Natalie Suppes, and I’m the CEO of S&S Creative Media, a social media agency dedicated to empowering women business owners. But my journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t easy. I started my business in the midst of a severe Crohn’s flare, and later, during a global pandemic, while pregnant and dealing with postpartum anxiety.

Finding My Passion

After giving birth to my beautiful baby girl, I struggled to balance motherhood with my Crohn’s symptoms, which slowly began to resurface. But as I navigated the challenges of postpartum life, I discovered a newfound passion for social media marketing. I started documenting my journey online, and soon, friends reached out for help with their business social media accounts. This sparked a fire within me, and I knew I had to pursue this dream further.

Taking the Leap

I invested in a social media manager course, which felt like a significant risk at the time. But with the support of my husband, I took the leap and signed up. Within four weeks, I landed my first few clients, and my business began to take off.

The Reality of Living with Crohn’s

However, my Crohn’s symptoms didn’t disappear. In fact, they worsened, and I was forced to confront the harsh reality of my condition. I underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed inflammation in various parts of my colon and large intestine. The possibility of surgery loomed, and I was faced with the daunting task of finding a treatment that would alleviate my symptoms.

A Double Life

As my business grew, I found myself living a double life. On the one hand, I was building a successful company, hiring employees, and signing big clients. On the other hand, I was struggling to manage my Crohn’s symptoms, which left me exhausted, in pain, and frequently curled up on the toilet.

Finding Hope

Despite the challenges, I refused to give up. I started taking Entyvio, a medication that has shown promise in managing my symptoms. While it’s not a cure-all, it’s given me hope for a better future.

The Takeaway

My story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Having a Crohn’s disease flare doesn’t mean you need to put your dreams on hold. With the right mindset and support, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your goals. Remember, you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to, no matter what life throws your way.