Gwen Duda is a visual artist located out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada where she paints abstract expressionistic acrylic, oil, and mixed media works while employing eco-friendly studio practices with what spoons she has in a day.

Gwen has been dealing with chronic health issues on and off throughout her life. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and S.E.I.Ds – Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease in her mid-thirties and last summer was hit by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The act of painting itself has been healing and being back in the art business and studio aids in her continued recovery from PTSD.

Here’s what we discussed in today’s episode:

• Managing your energy
• Finding inspiration from other Spooniepreneurs
• Healing through art
• Finding your passion

Connect with Gwen
Website: http://www.gwenduda.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/gwendudartstudios
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GwenDudaStudios/

Connect with Nicole

Website: http://www.spooniepreneur.net

Instagram: @spooniepreneurpodcast

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/spooniepreneurcommunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wnicoleneer/

Email: nicole@bloomadminservices.com

In today’s episode, I am getting real about what it is like to be an entrepreneur while dealing with a flare-up. Nothing about this process is pretty, but I am sharing my tips on the best practices you can have in place to keep your business running smoothly.

What we talk about in this episode 

• Comparing flare-ups to grief 
• Dealing with frustration with my body, mind and everyone else 
• The importance of having systems & procedures to keep your business afloat during these times 
• How a team or partner can save your business 
• My new FB community for Spooniepreneurs. facebook.com/groups/spooniepreneurcommunity 

Connect with Nicole 

Website: http://www.spooniepreneur.net

Instagram: @spooniepreneurpodcast

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/spooniepreneurcommunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wnicoleneer/

Email: nicole@bloomadminservices.com

On today’s podcast, I’m interviewing Sarah Walsh, a Spooniepreneur with a portfolio career. She has a coaching business, works a PT job as a teaching assistant in a secondary school, and provide marketing support for a business coaching startup. All while living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

Here’s what we discussed in today’s episode 

• How to show up for other people when you’re having a bad day 
• Difficulties in promoting your business with chronic illness
• Dangers in comparing yourself to others 
• Importance of having a support network 

 Connect with Sarah 

Website: https://www.sarahwalsh.london/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachsezza/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachsezza

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachsezza

Connect with Nicole 

Website: http://www.spooniepreneur.net

Instagram: @spooniepreneurpodcast

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/spooniepreneurcommunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wnicoleneer/

Email: nicole@bloomadminservices.com

Paige Wolf an author, publicist, and advocate dedicated to creating meaningful progressive change locally and globally. Paige is the author of Spit That Out! The Overly Informed Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy Kids in the Age of Environmental Guilt and the owner of Paige Wolf Media and Public Relations, a PR firm focused on mission-driven clientele. Paige’s latest project is phillytweens.com, a resource for parents and kids trying to navigate the city and the world. Paige regularly appears on television as a green living expert and writes about green living, parenting, and activism for several publications. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, two children, and American Hairless Terrier.

Here’s what we discussed in today’s episode 

• Dealing with misdiagnosis 
• Finding a balance with physical activity, work, and family 
• Advice for persons with chronic illness to become entrepreneurs 
• The importance of those struggling to reach out 

Connect with Paige 

Website: http://www.paigewolf.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigewolf/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaigeWolfPR

Twitter: https://twitter.com/paigewolf

Connect with Nicole 

Website: http://www.spooniepreneur.net

Instagram: @spooniepreneurpodcast

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/spooniepreneurcommunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wnicoleneer/

Email: nicole@bloomadminservices.com

Hey everybody, I am so thrilled that you’re here for this first episode of the Spoonipreneur Podcast. On this episode, I’m sharing my story with you so you can see the ups and downs of what it looks like to build an online business while living with chronic illness and what my life with chronic illness looks like. 

Here’s what we discussed in today’s episode: 

• Being diagnosed with chronic illness 
• How my health & burnout led to me building a business 
• The ups and downs of being an entrepreneur with chronic illness  

Connect with Nicole 

Website: http://www.spooniepreneur.net

Instagram: @spooniepreneurpodcast

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/spooniepreneurcommunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wnicoleneer/

Email: nicole@bloomadminservices.com

Andrea Kane, is a pilates instructor, massage therapist and coach living with Rheumatoid arthritis. She’s an amazing example of how you can build a business that relies on your body even when experiencing chronic health issues. 

Here’s what we discussed in today’s episode 

• Andrea’s health journey 
• What you may misunderstand about Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Doing physical work with Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Importance of having a positive outlook

 Connect with Andrea 

Website: https://www.andreakane.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerfulandrea/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveboldlywithoutapology

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-obPIxEA4oMUP4KrqQ8Oww/

 Connect with Nicole 

Website: http://www.spooniepreneur.net

Instagram: @spooniepreneurpodcast

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/spooniepreneurcommunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wnicoleneer/

Email: nicole@bloomadminservices.com

Hey, I’m Nicole Neer, an Online Business Manager and owner of Bloom Administrative Services, a digital support agency providing done for you services to small business owners. 

Today, I am starting my podcast with a look at what a Spooniepreneur actually is. The entrepreneur part is pretty self-explanatory. But a LOT of people don’t know what a Spoonie is. In this episode, I dive into what it looks like to be a Spoonie and where to connect with others! 

Here’s what we discussed in today’s episode: 

• What is the Spoon theory?  
• How it looks to live with chronic illness 
• Learn about the Spoonie community and how to be involved!