Business With Chronic Illness: Women Entrepreneurs Navigating Burnout & Autoimmune Conditions

If you’ve ever felt like you were just trying to hold it all together… this episode is a soft landing.

Whether you’re navigating grief, chronic illness, trauma, or life just isn’t turning out the way you imagined, this is a conversation about what happens when you’re no longer okay, and the blueprint for “moving on” doesn’t fit your reality.

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Amanda Guin a compassionate emotional intelligence coach, trauma-informed educator, and woman who has lived through unimaginable loss. Amanda’s story includes the death of her infant daughter, the suicide of her husband, years of endometriosis and chronic illness, and still… she continues to grow, serve, and show up with heart.

But she’s not here to tell you to “push through.”

Instead, she shares something powerful:

Inside this episode, we explore what it looks like to:

• Reimagine what healing can mean after grief, illness, or loss
• Allow growth to unfold even when you feel stuck or exhausted
• Let go of the pressure to “be okay” and create space for duality
• Build a life and business that honors your pain and your potential
• And most of all remember that you’re allowed to take your time

This episode is a gentle invitation back to yourself.

To pause. To breathe. To remember: you’re not behind, and you’re not broken.

• Your capacity looks different than it used to
• You’ve lost someone or some version of yourself along the way
• You’re rebuilding slowly and quietly, unsure of what’s next
• Or you’re just tired of pretending you’re fine…

This conversation is here to hold you.

You don’t have to do it all.

You don’t have to rush.

And you don’t have to “cope” the way the world expects you to.

Dr. Amanda Guin is a trauma-informed emotional intelligence coach with a Doctorate in Community Care & Counseling, a Master’s in Public Health, and multiple certifications in youth mental health and suicide prevention. Her work blends research, lived experience, and emotional wisdom to help people heal through grief, find purpose again, and grow through life’s hardest transitions.

Learn more at growwithpurposecoach.com

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Have you ever wondered how someone builds an entire haircare brand without any outside investors while navigating cancer, health challenges, and life constantly interrupting their plans?

In this episode, I’m talking with Lynn Power, founder of Masami, a clean haircare brand built from the ground up. Lynn shares her journey of launching and growing multiple businesses while dealing with:

✨ A cancer diagnosis that changed everything

✨ The reality of building slow when fast growth wasn’t possible

✨ Learning to pivot her dreams when life didn’t go as planned

✨ Why traditional “success” metrics can actually sink your business

✨ How to build a business that works for your life not the other way around

💛 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why chasing big retailer deals or traditional success metrics can actually hurt your business and how to decide what growth is worth pursuing

✔️ How Lynn built Masami and other brands without investors by leveraging community and partnerships

✔️ Why slow growth and redefining success became her path to resilience and how you can apply the same mindset when life interrupts your plans

If you’ve ever felt like your health, capacity, or life circumstances keep you from growing your business the way you want to, this conversation will show you that you’re not behind you’re just building in a way that honors your reality.

💛 Connect with Lynn:

Shop Masami & save 15%

Check out Power Beauty Collab

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Loved this episode? Leave a review: https://www.craftedtothrive.com/reviews/new/

Products We Love + Special Guest Gifts → Want to support the show and treat yourself? We’ve created a quick-access list of products I personally use and love, exclusive savings from podcast guests, and other gems that can help you live well and do business with chronic illness. Explore our faves + savings here!

Subscribe HERE to Chronically Profitable, A free exclusive weekly email series designed for creatives and women with chronic illnesses. You'll learn how to make a liveable income with your hobbies, professional skills, and innate talents by building a successful online coaching business with simple strategies that work for you, even on flare days, and feel better living with chronic illness.

To Start and Grow A Creative or Service-Based Business with Chronic Illness, Book A Free Sales Call With Nikita Here.

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In today’s episode, we’re exploring a question so many women with chronic illness as entrepreneurs may avoid asking themselves:

Is denial about your health keeping my business – and your life – stuck or even limiting my growth?

I sit down with Diane Hinds, an entertainment publicist, creative producer, and author, who opens up about how denial shaped her early years living with sickle cell disease and how it nearly cost her everything. She shares why pushing through was her default, how it impacted her health and career, and what changed when she finally embraced her limitations.

We talk about:

🔹 How denial shows up as overworking, over-serving, and ignoring your body

🔹 Why slowing down isn’t failure but a powerful choice

🔹 The surprising connection between embracing limitations and creating sustainable business success

🔹 Navigating family, identity, and career with a chronic condition

🔹 Finding joy in what you do when your body feels like it’s working against you

If you’ve ever felt like your health is holding you back from your purpose, or you’re tired of pretending everything’s okay when it’s not, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Diane: https://www.dianehindswrites.com/

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Anne Perry
• Radio 1
• BBC
• Essex Radio

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Loved this episode? Leave a review: https://www.craftedtothrive.com/reviews/new/

Products We Love + Special Guest Gifts → Want to support the show and treat yourself? We’ve created a quick-access list of products I personally use and love, exclusive savings from podcast guests, and other gems that can help you live well and do business with chronic illness. Explore our faves + savings here!

Subscribe HERE to Chronically Profitable, A free exclusive weekly email series designed for creatives and women with chronic illnesses. You'll learn how to make a liveable income with your hobbies, professional skills, and innate talents by building a successful online coaching business with simple strategies that work for you, even on flare days, and feel better living with chronic illness.

To Start and Grow A Creative or Service-Based Business with Chronic Illness, Book A Free Sales Call With Nikita Here.

Join & Follow Nikita & our Community Channel on Instagram

Send Me A Text & Share Your QA's or Thoughts

Join The Free 5 Day Audio Series - Rooted Sales

Loved this episode? Leave a review: https://www.craftedtothrive.com/reviews/new/

Products We Love + Special Guest Gifts → Want to support the show and treat yourself? We’ve created a quick-access list of products I personally use and love, exclusive savings from podcast guests, and other gems that can help you live well and do business with chronic illness. Explore our faves + savings here!

Subscribe HERE to Chronically Profitable, A free exclusive weekly email series designed for creatives and women with chronic illnesses. You'll learn how to make a liveable income with your hobbies, professional skills, and innate talents by building a successful online coaching business with simple strategies that work for you, even on flare days, and feel better living with chronic illness.

To Start and Grow A Creative or Service-Based Business with Chronic Illness, Book A Free Sales Call With Nikita Here.

Join & Follow Nikita & our Community Channel on Instagram

In this episode, we dive deep into the essence of what it means to thrive amidst chronic illness and entrepreneurial challenges. Nikita Williams takes us on a reflective journey, celebrating the podcast's 200th episode by sharing her evolution as both a person and a business owner. The conversation is rich with insights on the power of vulnerability, the necessity of community, and the unique ways women with chronic illnesses can redefine success. Nikita emphasizes that while the road has been anything but straightforward, it is the commitment to growth and self-discovery that has allowed her to flourish. She encourages listeners to embrace their narratives and reminds us that our differences are what make our stories powerful. This episode serves not only as a personal milestone but also as a source of inspiration for anyone navigating the dual challenges of health and ambition.

Drawing from personal experiences and the latest research, we delve into the profound impact of working with chronic illness in entrepreneurship. This episode is all about shifting the narrative around how we approach business as women living with chronic conditions. We discuss the importance of recognizing that our health should dictate our work style, not the other way around. By challenging the status quo of 'always being on,' we encourage listeners to embrace their unique rhythms and to create business growth and business models that accommodate their health needs.

The conversation includes strategies for reconnecting with one's passion and purpose in business, ultimately leading to more aligned and successful ventures. We also introduce our new initiative, 'Rooted Sales,' designed to help our community rediscover their strengths and craft sales strategies that feel authentic and natural to them. As we wrap up, we invite everyone to join us on this journey of transformation, where we prioritize both personal well-being and professional success.

Takeaways:

• Navigating chronic illness while starting a business requires tailored strategies that prioritize health and well-being.
• Many traditional business models are not designed to support the unique needs of entrepreneurs with chronic conditions.
• Embracing your individuality and personal story can significantly enhance your business's appeal and effectiveness.
• Burnout is a common challenge for entrepreneurs with chronic illness, but it doesn't signify personal failure, just the need for a different approach.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Harvard Business Survey
• SBA.gov
• Psychology Today

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Loved this episode? Leave a review: https://www.craftedtothrive.com/reviews/new/

Products We Love + Special Guest Gifts → Want to support the show and treat yourself? We’ve created a quick-access list of products I personally use and love, exclusive savings from podcast guests, and other gems that can help you live well and do business with chronic illness. Explore our faves + savings here!

Subscribe HERE to Chronically Profitable, A free exclusive weekly email series designed for creatives and women with chronic illnesses. You'll learn how to make a liveable income with your hobbies, professional skills, and innate talents by building a successful online coaching business with simple strategies that work for you, even on flare days, and feel better living with chronic illness.

To Start and Grow A Creative or Service-Based Business with Chronic Illness, Book A Free Sales Call With Nikita Here.

Join & Follow Nikita & our Community Channel on Instagram

If you’re navigating chronic illness, burnout, or just done with hustle culture—but still want to grow a profitable, purpose-driven business—this conversation is for you.

In this episode, I’m joined by podcast strategist Isabella Sanchez Castañeda for a deep dive into how long-form content like podcasting is becoming essential for business growth in 2025. We explore how podcasting supports sustainable marketing, deeper visibility, and better client attraction, especially for coaches, creatives, and service providers who are tired of short-form content that doesn't convert.

Inside this episode, we talk about:

• Why podcasting is a low-pressure, high-connection strategy for coaches and consultants
• How long-form content builds trust, nurtures leads, and supports mindset shifts
• Why content fatigue is real (especially for neurodivergent and chronically ill entrepreneurs)
• The 3 I’s of effective long-form marketing: Intention, Intimacy, and less Interruption
• How to align your marketing with your energy, capacity, and values
• Why podcasting creates a coaching-like experience that converts without constant selling
• How to shift from fast growth to slow, aligned, and profitable growth—without burning out

Whether you're a business coach, a creative entrepreneur, or a mission-led founder navigating chronic illness or fatigue, this episode will help you rethink your content strategy through a more human, powerful lens.

🎧 Tune in and discover how to grow a coaching or service business in a way that truly supports your body, your goals, and your impact.

• Follow Isabella on IG: @isamedia.inc
• Learn more about The Longform Lab

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Loved this episode? Leave a review: https://www.craftedtothrive.com/reviews/new/

Products We Love + Special Guest Gifts → Want to support the show and treat yourself? We’ve created a quick-access list of products I personally use and love, exclusive savings from podcast guests, and other gems that can help you live well and do business with chronic illness. Explore our faves + savings here!

Subscribe HERE to Chronically Profitable, A free exclusive weekly email series designed for creatives and women with chronic illnesses. You'll learn how to make a liveable income with your hobbies, professional skills, and innate talents by building a successful online coaching business with simple strategies that work for you, even on flare days, and feel better living with chronic illness.

To Start and Grow A Creative or Service-Based Business with Chronic Illness, Book A Free Sales Call With Nikita Here.

Join & Follow Nikita & our Community Channel on Instagram

If you’ve been told that lead generation means pitching constantly, being visible everywhere, or following a one-size-fits-all funnel strategy… this episode is going to feel like a deep breath.

In this solo episode, I share the most powerful (and overlooked) way to grow your audience, build trust, and attract aligned clients — through the sustainable and soul-led path of community and collaboration.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach as a coach, creative, or service provider living with chronic illness, I’ll share how to use your hobbies, professional skills, and innate talents to build visibility and create genuine relationships that convert — without pretending, burning out, or pushing beyond your body’s limits.

You’ll walk away with:

• The #1 mindset shift that makes collaboration sustainable
• How to attract aligned leads using your actual interests (not just business strategies)
• A simple weekly rhythm for connection, even if you only have one good hour a week
• Real-life examples of how I grew my podcast and audience without paid ads or constant posting
• Gentle journal prompts to help you turn your personality into your magnet

This episode is a gentle nudge to do things differently — and proof that you can generate leads from a place of alignment, joy, and rest.

Connect With Me

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Loved this episode? Leave a review: https://www.craftedtothrive.com/reviews/new/

Products We Love + Special Guest Gifts → Want to support the show and treat yourself? We’ve created a quick-access list of products I personally use and love, exclusive savings from podcast guests, and other gems that can help you live well and do business with chronic illness. Explore our faves + savings here!

Subscribe HERE to Chronically Profitable, A free exclusive weekly email series designed for creatives and women with chronic illnesses. You'll learn how to make a liveable income with your hobbies, professional skills, and innate talents by building a successful online coaching business with simple strategies that work for you, even on flare days, and feel better living with chronic illness.

To Start and Grow A Creative or Service-Based Business with Chronic Illness, Book A Free Sales Call With Nikita Here.

Join & Follow Nikita & our Community Channel on Instagram

Thinking about leaving your 9–5, but chronic illness makes it feel impossible?

In this honest and empowering episode, I sit down with Liz Carmines—business owner and social media strategist—who shares her personal journey of navigating pain, brain fog, and burnout while working in corporate…and how she knew it was time to leap into full-time entrepreneurship.

We talk about the guilt of “not doing enough,” the emotional cost of looking fine when you're not, and the surprising things that made the transition feel safer and more doable.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What happens if my health flares up and I can’t keep going?” or “Can I really run a business with this body?” — this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why corporate flexibility isn’t always enough when you’re in pain
• How chronic illness shapes our fears around financial and emotional stability
• What to do before quitting to transition smoother
• A way to structure your business for peace of mind, not just profit
• The healing power of agency, boundaries, and building a team early
• Mindset shifts that help when fear or impostor syndrome creeps in
• What to consider now if you want to leave your job later

Whether you’re side hustling with limited energy, stuck in guilt loops at work, or just craving more freedom on your terms, this episode will make you feel seen and supported.

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Support the show

Loved this episode? Leave a review: https://www.craftedtothrive.com/reviews/new/

Products We Love + Special Guest Gifts → Want to support the show and treat yourself? We’ve created a quick-access list of products I personally use and love, exclusive savings from podcast guests, and other gems that can help you live well and do business with chronic illness. Explore our faves + savings here!

Subscribe HERE to Chronically Profitable, A free exclusive weekly email series designed for creatives and women with chronic illnesses. You'll learn how to make a liveable income with your hobbies, professional skills, and innate talents by building a successful online coaching business with simple strategies that work for you, even on flare days, and feel better living with chronic illness.

To Start and Grow A Coaching or Service-Based Business with Chronic Illness, Book A Free Sales Call With Nikita Here.

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In this episode of Business with Chronic Illness, I’m unpacking the unseen, unspoken emotional workload that so many of us carry before we ever open our laptops or talk to a client. From managing symptoms in silence, to performing “fine” for others, to overthinking how we’re perceived — this episode is about the labor that never makes it on our to-do list, but deeply impacts every part of how we run our businesses.

I’ll share personal stories, client moments, and the powerful mindset shifts that have helped my clients reclaim their capacity, set true boundaries, and build businesses that actually honor their health — not compete with it.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why your emotional labor counts (even if you don't see it, if no one else sees it)
• How the invisible cost of “being fine” shows up in pricing, planning, and perfectionism
• The real reason you’re tired — and why it’s not your fault
• A simple question to help you design your business around your actual capacity
• How to build in space for recovery, without guilt or shame

🔗 Resources & Next Steps:

• Research mentioned in this episode - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6430278/
• 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Business with Chronic Illness
• 💬 DM me the word GENTLE or Thrive on Instagram to learn about Chronically You & Profitable — my program for building a sustainable coaching business with chronic illness.

✨ I use HoneyBook to simplify client onboarding, automate my calendar, and keep my business flowing—even on low-energy days. Check it out here to save 50%.

Send Me A Text & Share Your QA's or Thoughts

Support the show

Loved this episode? Leave a review: https://www.craftedtothrive.com/reviews/new/

Products We Love + Special Guest Gifts → Want to support the show and treat yourself? We’ve created a quick-access list of products I personally use and love, exclusive savings from podcast guests, and other gems that can help you live well and do business with chronic illness. Explore our faves + savings here!

Subscribe HERE to Chronically Profitable, A free exclusive weekly email series designed for creatives and women with chronic illnesses. You'll learn how to make a liveable income with your hobbies, professional skills, and innate talents by building a successful online coaching business with simple strategies that work for you, even on flare days, and feel better living with chronic illness.

To Start and Grow A Coaching or Service-Based Business with Chronic Illness, Book A Free Sales Call With Nikita Here.

Follow Nikita on Instagram
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Your voice might be trying to tell you something—and it’s not just about being hoarse or tired after a long day. In this episode of Business with Chronic Illness, Nikita reconnects with vocal vitality coach Brienne Hennessy to explore the surprising signs your voice could be sending you about your energy, alignment, and burnout levels.

If you’ve ever lost your voice before a big launch, felt drained after a short client call, or brushed off vocal changes as “just allergies” or a “normal side effect” of your chronic illness—this one’s for you.

Together, we dive into:

• How voice issues can be an early red flag for burnout (before you even realize it)
• What it looks like to trust your intuition—even when it’s inconvenient
• The subtle difference between pushing your voice vs. tuning into it
• Visibility, resistance, and why showing up doesn’t always mean being “louder”
• Letting go of “business as usual” and creating a more sustainable rhythm

Brianne shares how our voice is both a tool and a mirror—and when we listen closely, it can guide us toward better health, alignment, and confidence in business.

🎧 Listen now to catch the signs early and protect your most underrated business asset: your voice.

🛠️ Resources Mentioned:

• Book a voice screening with Brienne Hennessy
• Grab the Voice Emergency Kit
• Follow Brianne on LinkedIn

Send Me A Text & Share Your QA's or Thoughts

Support the show

Loved this episode? Leave a review: https://www.craftedtothrive.com/reviews/new/

Products We Love + Special Guest Gifts → Want to support the show and treat yourself? We’ve created a quick-access list of products I personally use and love, exclusive savings from podcast guests, and other gems that can help you live well and do business with chronic illness. Explore our faves + savings here!

Subscribe HERE to Chronically Profitable, A free exclusive weekly email series designed for creatives and women with chronic illnesses. You'll learn how to make a liveable income with your hobbies, professional skills, and innate talents by building a successful online coaching business with simple strategies that work for you, even on flare days, and feel better living with chronic illness.

To Start and Grow A Coaching or Service-Based Business with Chronic Illness, Book A Free Sales Call With Nikita Here.

Follow Nikita on Instagram
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