Being a mom and a business owner while juggling a life-threatening condition like cancer can be physically and emotionally exhausting, but it’s possible to navigate through it all successfully.

How Moms Can Cope With Life-Threatening Conditions And Thrive In Their Own BusinessWhat Inspired Chelsey To Start A Business In Graphic Design (01:32)

Chelsey has been creative since she was little, and she started her career as an event planner. Event planning is a lot of work, and she didn’t want to do it all the time, so she took a different route.

She joined the Las Vegas Art Institute, where she got her Bachelor’s Degree in graphic design. After her graduation, she didn’t have any prospects, and she could only work for hotels or in an agency.

But since she had a newborn son, she decided to start her own business to be present at home in 2016. She says it’s her passion and her link to freedom.

She can go anywhere in the world and still do what she loves.

Chelsey’s Cancer Diagnosis And How It Changed Her Life (04:41)

Chelsey shares her journey, how she was diagnosed with Leukemia in January 2018 and how the experience changed her life. Initially, she thought it was something that would last a day, but it took her months to overcome in the hospital. 

This was overwhelming to her as a mom and a business owner, but she took one day at a time, and ultimately she was in control. Chelsey says that during her hospital stay, she learned to rely on herself and her power.

She went through alternative chemo as her levels were incredibly low, and after three monthly sessions, she was able to go on remission. She had a great team of supporters from her family and the medical teams. 

“If you brush up against death, you will definitely see your life differently if you make it to the other side.”

During her treatment, she had to put her business on standby as she couldn’t provide her clients the services that she had envisioned for them. However, in her final month of treatment, she started building the foundation of her business from the ashes. 

She started coaching with Stephanie Blake, and she was able to scale and revamp her business once again. Chelsey also shares how chemo changed how her body reacts to certain aspects of her life, such as fire and heat.

She also talks about chemo brain, her experience, and how she deals with it in her business today. To her, working with clients, hearing their stories, and creating a brand that allows them to stand out is her passion, and her chemo brain cannot stop her.

“Don’t take things for granted; grab the bulls by the horns and go with it; life is very short.”

How The Cancer Diagnosis Allowed Chelsey To Be A Better Business Owner (22:21)

Going through a life-threatening condition and making it on the other side changed Chelsey’s life. To her, being in remission and having a second chance allows her to be more present with her family and leverage the opportunities given to her to help other people. 

The experience has also helped her to structure her business in a way where she can take clients that she wants to work with. It has also enabled her to make her business work for her, giving her more freedom and time to vacation whenever and wherever she wants.

After remission, Chelsey’s desire is to work with everybody she wants to work with and help people by volunteering her time and working with a non-profit. We only live once, and life is too short not to do what you want to do.

Grab the opportunities and go with what your heart desires.

About Chelsey’s Companion Book (27:21)

Chelsey started writing her “Companion Book” during her hospital stay to help her overcome the mental struggle that came with the medication. The book is about her experience, what she expected from the process and her advice to people going through a similar situation.

Her motivation came from her unsuccessful search for testimonials from people who have gone through cancer treatment before. For now, her goal is to finish writing the book by the beginning of next year and self-publish it on Amazon and other platforms of choice. 

If you know someone who would be interested in this book, contact Chelsey on her website and let her know so she can share a copy with you.

Advice From Chelsey To Those Fighting Cancer (33:21)

Chelsey advises people going through a similar situation to be their own advocate when it comes to treatment and to ask questions. No question is stupid, but being silent can put you in a situation that can harm your treatment. 

According to Chelsey, people that work in a hospital can make an honest mistake so you always want to make sure that you’re standing up for yourself.

“Become your own advocate when it comes to treatment, ask questions; no question is a stupid question.”

Another piece of advice from Chelsey is that you should be kind to the nurses. They’re the ones who do all the work.

The doctors will come to check on you to make sure the medication has been administered as they ordered and leave. The nurses are the ones with you 24/7 during your time in the hospital. 

Everyone can have a bad day in the hospital, but being kind to your nurses will get you further than being unkind. Also, have a little bit of control; ask about your health status and know what your day will look like.

Have a goal for each day and keep yourself engaged to make the best out of your journey. 

Chelsey’s Experience With A Hospital Employee Who Went Above And Beyond (40:12)

Chelsey was assigned to a CNA when she got admitted to the hospital. She explains how the nurse went above and beyond by making her a tiara from hospital supplies that she treasures to this day. 

To her, nurses are amazing human beings, and we’re blessed to have them if we ever land in the hospital. 

“Be kind whenever you can and go above and beyond for others.”

CONNECT WITH CHELSEY COLLINS

• Website
• Instagram

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Chelsey’s Companion Book: If you know someone who would be interested in this book, contact Chelsey on her website and let her know so she can share a copy with you.
• Apply For A Scholarship
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