Never in a million years did I think an invasive breast
cancer diagnosis would lead to a career change and a reinvention of my career
path. After looking at my own mortality and surviving surgeries, 6 rounds of
chemotherapy and 7 weeks of radiation I was fearless. I used my survivorship to
spring board to reinventing myself.
My cancer treatments threw me into menopause with drenching
night sweats. I was familiar with wicking clothes from the gym and the slopes
and trails but I could not find anything comfortable and soft and good looking
for sleep. After my health and energy returned I started my own company making
beautiful high performance wicking sleepwear for women. I did not know anything
about clothing production, pattern construction, sample making or running an on
line store. I did know that my company would represent my mission to help other
women get a better night sleep and my values to support other local businesses,
and to give back to breast cancer research.
I had worked for over 25 years in pharmaceutical sales and
management. I reinvented myself to the CEO of my own company culling the best
practices from my experiences with these Fortune 500 companies. I recognized a
market niche, a market void and launched my company with me at the helm!
I often ask myself if I never had cancer would I still come
to this same point in my life? The answer is no. I think my career reinvention
to a new venture was spurred by a need; a need to physically get a better night
sleep, but also a need to make a difference, to have a career legacy. I have a
box full of cups and plaques and awards in meeting sales objectives, in leading
a division to exceed sales goals and such. As time passes I can’t recall, or
care what was so important about a product launch in 1998 versus 1996!
Now I have a box full of letters and copies of emails from
customers telling me how my product has impacted their life for the better.
They are sleeping better and they are feeling better because they are better
rested because they are wearing my company’s sleepwear! This box tells the
story of my reinvention. This is the story of how I personally took my cancer
survivorship experiences and turned them into a thriving company that is my
professional legacy.
I proudly join this post to a Blog Hop on reinvention from
Generation Fabulous!
26 comments:
Love hearing how your company started. What a great reinvention story!
Thanks Joy!
So many stories begin with a difficult time and turning that around. Your story was very inspirational and I know is an important one for many breast cancer survivors to hear!
I am absolutely envious of your ability to turn a negative into an empowering and lucrative positive. I'm still figuring out how to put links in my text. I would love to read a step-by-step on how you executed your transition? And made a successful business.
Thanks Pam. I am forever linked to the breast cancer community but also to women entrepreneurs!
Thanks Shannon. I think part of my successful business plan is about setting realistic goals and holding fast to my values for my company.
LOVE this -- I think that is the amazing thing about being a woman now. So many chances to change/reinvent/ and doing everything we want.
In your case - it is the best ever because you ended up helping others!
Rachel,Thanks!Maybe as women we wear so many hats reinventing ourselves is just a new hat?
Talk about turning lemons into lemonade--that's an inspirational tale.
Hi Haralee, I found your website from the Generation Fabulous Blog Hop and I'm so glad I did. Your reinvention story is very inspiring and certainly a reminder to us all that every cloud has a silver lining AND that when one door closes another one opens! And just think of all the benefit you are offering to so many other women....very inspiring. Keep up the amazing work! ~Kathy
Thanks Carol, I am the queen of lemonade!
Thanks Kathy for your kind words!
Talk about turning a bad thing into a good one - you really did it! How terrific it must feel for you to be able to make so many women feel better. What a great story.
Thanks Sharon. It really is gratifying when I hear back from my customers. Christmas is a hoot when I get partners shopping and they call to ask questions and are sometimes a bit clueless but following a wish list!
Terrific! Sharing!
Haralee, you really did take adversity and turn it on its heel. What an inspiration you are! Your ability to take a negative and turn it into opportunity carries with it powerful lessons for all of us.
Thanks Chloe for your kind words.
I think products developed by people who actually need them have such great authenticity. It's so great that you found a way to ease the path of others traveling behind you. My best to you.
What a wonderful story, it is incredible how sometimes the hardest experiences do provide the springboard to a career you can be passionate about. Also the bonus is your company helps people! Looking forward to checking out your products too!
Thanks Karen. You hear the word 'authenticity' more with other categories/businesses than mine. I am so pleased you used it because we really are the real thing. My models are all cancer survivors and their daughters, and we give a percentage of every sale to breast cancer research.
Elin thanks for reading, commenting and please check us out!
While I'd never wish cancer on anyone, I've heard many stories about it truly inspiring a positive change in direction for many women and men. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Beverly. A life altering situation does enhance some reflections.
II think it's so powerful when we are able to embrace ALL that has gotten us to where we are.
Kudos!
what an inspiring story. it's so great when we [we women, that is]
can use all the tools we've learned along the way to reinvent or restart ourselves and our careers. The feedback must be the best part.
Feedback is great and rewarding. I appreciate yours!
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