Blog

Birmingham businessman Shezad Nawab tells us how being an entrepreneur was a childhood dream, how he’s bridging the gap between deaf and non-deaf businesses, and why his dad has always been his greatest mentor.

Christine Bowyer-Sopp tells us how making scented things became her therapy after her stroke, the challenges of living with vertigo, and why finally getting her degree at the age of 58 is her greatest achievement.

Marcus Mason-Williams is a multi-talented artist. His business, Cool Art 2021, showcases his passion for wildlife and nature and is influenced by his autism.

Jaki King of If Everyone Cares CIC tells us how her community maps are changing the way people can find and offer support, about her experience of receiving diagnoses later in life, and about the A to Z of positive thinking.

Lee Chambers of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing tells us about how spending time in a hospital bed helped him hone his vision of what he could contribute, the challenges of having invisible disabilities, and why disability is a beautiful world of colour.

Ed Hollands of DrivenMedia tells us about how a traffic jam gave him the idea to start his own business, his experience of appearing on Dragons’ Den, and why he doesn’t consider himself to be disabled.

Michael was born with Downs Syndrome and vision impairment. He always wanted to own his own business and in 2018 set up COALPIT Welsh cakes. Read about how his business has helped the local community, competing for Team GB, running the London Marathon and being one of Mencap's Myth Busters.

Jenny Blyth has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and fibromyalgia, alongside chronic pain and chronic fatigue. She founded her business, Storm in a Teacup, in October 2014 after realising she could no longer cope with the physical issues that come with working in an office.

Amanda was diagnosed at the age of 52 with autism spectrum condition (ASC) and attention deficit disorder (ADHD). She founded her business, Outside the Box: neurodiverse coaching and mentoring, in November 2021. She uses a variety of empowering tools and other strategies to coach and support neurodivergent people.

Stephanie has bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hips, which means her hip sockets didn't develop properly when she was a baby. The back of her hip sockets are missing, so they move about and slip out of the sockets. At 24, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and suffers from anxiety and depression due to the continual pain. Stephanie set up a virtual assistant business and is known as an Architect of Efficiency and Productivity Guru.

Funmi Lawal tells us how a stroke at age 35, left the righthand side of her body completely immobile. In 2018 she founded ClipKnix which designs and sells patented front-fastening underwear for women that removes the need to bend or stretch.

Following a diagnosis of Epidermolysis Bullosa, Vie Portland founded a Community Interest Company called VieNess, Discover You, Love You in June 2019. She teaches self-esteem and confidence to children, young people, and vulnerable women. She is an author of two children’s books and one book for adults, all designed to help people of all ages, live happier, kinder, more confident lives.