Running A Business With Multiple Sclerosis with Nicky Merrick
Nicky Merrick helps people who sew run successful businesses so they can earn money from their talents. Additionally, Nicky is a podcast host, a blogger, and a disability advocate.
How Nicky started her business journey
Nicky started her journey in business 15 years ago as a photographer. She started the Pink Giraffe photography company, which focused on event photography in the UK.
When she got married, she and her husband started a nightclub business. However, the business was not viable the way they wanted it to be and they decided to close it down. To listen more, go to [01:40].
When her multiple sclerosis journey began
When Nicky was thirteen years, she experienced difficulty moving her legs and coordinating them with her brain.
During her twenties, the symptoms of the condition went into remission. However, when she was 30 years, the problem re-emerged. To hear more, go to [03:39].
How she discovered she was pregnant and had multiple sclerosis within 24 hrs.
When her legs’ nerve condition re-emerged, she was sent for an MRI. Before the MRI results came out, she went for a pregnancy test.
Within 24 hrs of receiving the positive pregnancy test results, the MRI results came back and she found out that she had a swelling in her brain. To hear more, tune in at [04:01].
Her new business venture in Lincolnshire, UK
At [05:32], Nicky shares about the business she was doing after moving back to Lincolnshire. She was running a cleaning business company and a t-shirt printing company.
Additionally, she changed her Pink Giraffe company from event photography to selling baby clothes.
How she got into the costume-making business
Her friend asked her to make a dancing costume for her daughter. People liked the costume and asked her to make more costumes for them.
This made her get into the costume-making business. To listen more, go to [06:35].
Her diagnosis with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
Over the years, Nicky’s condition progressed, and she was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The progression of her condition made her start using a wheelchair. To hear more, tune in at [07:08].
The changes she had to undertake when she started using the wheelchair
When Nicky started using the wheelchair, they had to make changes in their house. They got a wheelchair lift and a caretaker to assist her with her work.
Additionally, because of her condition, she stopped making the costumes and pivoted her business model. To hear more, go to [07:54].
How she began developing courses to assist others in the sewing business
Since she could no longer make the costumes, she decided to help people running sewing businesses become more skilled on the business side.
With her vast business knowledge, she started developing courses to assist those struggling with their sewing business. To listen more, go to [08:17].
Her new business course, ‘Start Your Sewing Biz In A Day.’
At [08:50], Nicky shares about her new business course, ‘Start Your Sewing Biz In A Day’. The course focuses on helping people who want to start a sewing business. To hear more about the course, tune in at [08:50].
How her kids assist her in business
Even though it’s not to a great extent, her kids have been of help to her in business. Her two daughters assisted her in the cleaning company when there was a staff shortage.
Additionally, they helped her take care of her son Zed when he was young. To hear more, tune in at [12:50].
“You overcome it just by getting along with it; you just crack on.”
How she manages motherhood in a wheelchair
Nicky shares that motherhood in a wheelchair hasn’t been easy as people often judge her when she is out with her son. To listen more about how she manages motherhood in a wheelchair, go to [14:30].
Nicky also shared how her diagnosis has made her son more compassionate and responsible. To hear more, tune in at [15:45]
How does she manage to stay positive in life?
Her experience with temporary paralysis when she was a teenager changed her perspective on life.
Since then, she decided to appreciate and enjoy every opportunity in her life. To listen more, go to [18:36].
What she has learned from running a business with multiple sclerosis
When Nicky was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she struggled to overcome the condition. However, she has learned that one overcomes it by getting along with it. To hear more, go to [21:23].
Nicky’s working schedule
At [22:49], Nicky shares what her working schedule looks like. Because of her condition, she doesn’t book regular appointments. Moreover, she only works when she is able. To listen more, tune in at [22:45].
CONNECT WITH NICKY MERRICK
- Website
- YouTube
- To join The Pink Giraffe Sewing Business Community Group
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