Interview With Amber, Owner - The Jurassic Mom, LLC
PERSONAL JOURNEY
WIDD Network: Can you share more about your journey of coping with chronic illness, including the challenges you faced and the strategies you developed to overcome them?
Amber: I’ve had migraines since I was a teenager and as I got older they got worse, but I was always able to navigate having a traditional 9-5 job.
In 2014, we were told the house we were renting was being sold and we had to move, at the same time it was tax season and I worked for a tax attorney helping to run 2 offices, so stress was consistently very high. Also, found out my mother may have breast cancer and had to wait for the results. My mom had surgery to remove the lump the weekend we had to move so I couldn’t be with her. Due to all of this happening all at once, the pain started to become debilitating and husband found me at my desk staring off into the distance. When he tried to talk to me I was stuttering and unable to complete full sentences. That started a 2 year journey of being in horrible migraine pain, speech and balance issues, sensitivity to light and movement, vomited every day, living in a dark room and sleeping 18-20 hours a day. My boss kept having people call me at home to train them while I was sick and couldn’t speak and ultimately let me go while on disability.
We tried filing for disability and lost. We appealed and lost. We went to the judge and lost because they sent my file to a doctor that has never met me claimed I could use a jackhammer and lift 50 lbs above my head which was not true.
Our strategy was developed over several years since this started finding the right doctors, the right medication, the right puzzle pieces. It took several years, but eventually I was able to get healthy enough to start living again and enjoying time with my family.
I joined the PTA at my kids elementary school to start getting healthy and my stamina back for possibly going back to work and getting back into society, making friends, doing things outside of the house. I took on the role of Hospitality Coordinator for the PTA helping with school events. I then added running the annual talent show, helped to revamp the school’s garden, was hired as a substitute proctor in October 2019.
Now, my kids are older and no longer at that school, but I still work there as a substitute proctor, as well as still run the annual talent show. I also am a background actor for TV and movies that allows me to work with my current health schedule.
EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS
WIDD Network: How did your experience with chronic illness impact your career trajectory and your ability to hold traditional employment?
Amber: Before 2014, I was able to sometimes work 2 jobs, seven days a week. After everything happened in 2014, I could not hold a job due to being sick and health conditions were moment to moment. Even to this day, if I chose to try, I would not be able to hold a traditional part time job or full time job due to health conditions changing day to day, or week to week.
WIDD Network: What adjustments did you have to make to accommodate your health needs?
Amber: We stopped making plans. We lost half our income so there was high financial strain. My mom moved in to help take care of me and my kids to allow my husband to be able to continue working at his full time job now that he was the sole provider.
My husband had to make an adjustment about me using alternative treatments like medical marijuana, daith piercings, and migraine surgery (nerve decompression) which all 3 had a major impact on my recovery and still does.
INSPIRATION
WIDD Network: What inspired you to start your own company, The Jurassic Mom, LLC?
Amber: My mom had 2 strokes, my children were diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety and Depression issues and needed more of my attention at home. So I needed to find a job that I can do anytime and anywhere because I want to contribute financially to our household.
WIDD Network: How does your business model accommodate your health condition and provide you with flexibility?
Amber: It’s a non traditional job that allows me to work on my own schedule.
WIDD Network: Can you tell us about some of the key lessons you've learned along the way as a business owner and advocate for others coping with chronic illness?
Amber: It doesn’t happen overnight and doesn’t have to be perfect. Need perseverance and determination and a great support system to not give up.
WIDD Network: How has your journey shaped your perspective on resilience and perseverance?
Amber: If you have the right motivation, there’s nothing you can’t do. You might be doing it half asleep or in a lot of pain, but in the end it is worth it.
WIDD Network: As a mother of two ADHD/Autistic teens, how do you balance caregiving responsibilities with managing your own health and running a business?
Amber: (Jokingly) I would say I’m a Cirque du sole plate spinner, but sometimes I’m spinning everyone else’s plates and don’t spin my own. Then, my husband sees me eating a lot of ice and grabs my “plate” and throws it back into the mix and reminds me that I can’t take care of everyone else properly if I don’t take care of myself.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS
WIDD Network: What advice would you offer to other mothers navigating similar challenges?
Amber: You’re not alone. Don’t forget about yourself. Grab that coffee with friends. Make time for yourself. Find a support group. It’s ok to cry, it’s not a weakness. Take it one day at a time.
When I wanted to give up, my husband would always say “it’s only temporary”, “you are better today, than you were 1 year ago, you’ll be better 1 year from now than you are today.”
WIDD Network: What attracted you to join the Women in Digital Marketing & Design (WIDD) Network, and how has been part of this community impacted your personal and professional life?
Amber: Women need to support other women and it was great to find a group that we can build each other up and help support each other on our journeys.
WIDD Network: As someone who has faced challenges related to chronic illness, what are your thoughts on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, particularly for individuals with disabilities or health conditions?
Amber: This is a hard question to answer. There are so many people with disabilities and chronic illnesses that want to work, but the normal traditional jobs (9-5) we are not able to maintain. We may need flexibility and accommodations, and those type of jobs look for dependability with may be difficult depending on your condition. It’s not necessarily fair to that employer if the job you are being hired for requires that type of schedule, but at the same time we still have drive, ambition and the skills to be valuable to that employer.
WIDD Network: Can you share some of the most significant life lessons you've learned throughout your journey of coping with chronic illness and building your own business?
Amber: I’m still a good mom. I’m still a good friend and I can still contribute to my home. By having my own business, I lost some of the guilt I had inside. It was freeing and impowering to work harder for my business, while still allowing myself grace on my bad days.
WIDD Network: What advice would you give to other women who may be going through tough times, whether it's related to health challenges, career setbacks, or personal struggles?
Amber: Try not to stress. Keep working towards your goals. Make smaller goals that are more achievable instead of one big goal. Remember you can do it.
WIDD Network: How can they find strength and resilience in difficult circumstances?
Amber: Look within. Remember, you are not perfect so of course you can’t expect everything to work perfectly. Remember to give yourself grace, give yourself time and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If something doesn’t work out the way you want, don’t take it as a failure. It’s a learning experience.
WIDD Network: Who inspires you?
Amber: My family.
WIDD Network: What’s your favourite quote?
Amber: It’s not your words, it’s your actions that define you.
Connect with Amber on LinkedIn
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