Running a Business with Chronic illness | Christina Lucille

Christina Lucille owner of the Chronic Pop Shop joins us for a unfiltered account of what it's like to run a business when you are chronically ill. She talks about the realities of profit margins, fatigue, and social media algorithms.

Please note this Podcast is provided for general information only, it does not constitute as medical or professional advice. The views expressed by guests on this Podcast are their own, their inclusion in this Podcast is not an endorsement.

Intro and outro audio by podcast.co.

[Image description: The image has a light beige background with a pink and black design. On the left is a pink packing box with “Ready to Ship” written on the front in white. To the right, bold black text reads: “Running a Business with Chronic Illness” and below it in pink: “Christina Lucille”. Underneath is a pink play button and a soundwave graphic representing audio playback. At the bottom, there’s a circular logo showing a sky and tree image with the words “Alive with Chronic Illness” around the edge.]

Transcript

Elizabeth 

Hi, and welcome to Alive with Chronic Illness, a podcast dedicated to exploring what it's like to live with and not in spite of chronic illness. In today's episode, we are joined by Christina Lucille, owner of The Chronic Pop Shop. Well, thank you so much for joining me today, Christina. Did you want to get us started by telling us a little bit about you and your health journey? 

Christina 

Yeah, so, um, Where to start? That's a good question. I was originally diagnosed with like my first chronic illness officially when I was 20, like 19, 20 with endometriosis. And then a couple months after my first endosurgery, I want to say, I got diagnosed with MS. But I've actually had MS since I was a child. So I actually have pediatric MS and they did not diagnose me until I was 21. But when my When my MS specialist looked at my brain scans, she was like, Oh my God, like you've had this since you were at least like 12, 13. And then even looking back at my medical records, like we went over, they, we were pretty sure we had it. I had it when, since I was like, honestly, probably a toddler, just based off of all my health records and stuff. So those are like the main ones. You know, I've had like, you know, dysautonomia, which is caused from my MS. And I mean, just a bunch of other, not just I've been diagnosed with a lot. So, but those are like the two main ones that really bother me probably. 

Elizabeth 

But yeah, I mean, when you have more than one, isn't it? Because you have to think when someone asks that question, which are the main ones? Because I've got like a list, but I'm just like, which are the most troublesome ones? 

Christina 

Right. Yeah. I think people are most interested always in the MS. And then especially when I say like, it's pediatric, they're like, what? Right. And then the endo, because honestly, out of all my chronic illnesses, if I had to get rid of one, even over MS, it would be endo because of how painful it is. And then I have a colostomy bag because of my endo, you know, good stuff like that. Liver failure from my MS medication. I won't say which one though, because I don't like to freak people out. 

Elizabeth 

All the fun stuff then. 

Christina 

Yeah, yeah, exactly. And then, yeah, just like Hashimoto's. Oh, yeah, that one sucks. But, you know, not a big deal. 

Elizabeth 

Oh, it just really sucks. But it's fine. 

Christina 

Yeah. Yeah. No, it's just whatever. I mean, like, here's the thing. Hashi's is like, the one, the thing that sucks the most is gaining weight, like, just randomly. And I'm like, are you me right now? Sorry, I'm trying to like. 

Elizabeth 

I'm trying to behave. 

Christina 

I know, I'm trying to behave my best. It's really hard sometimes. 

Elizabeth 

No, it is difficult, isn't it, when you've got multiple conditions? And then I think that seems to be the case. I don't know if I've ever met anyone who just has the one diagnosis. 

Christina 

Yeah, they like friends. I always tell people, if you have one, no, you don't, because they all like to have besties. They all like to chat and like, you know, they're like, how can we screw up this person's life even more? They're like, let's do this to her today. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah, just having one isn't enough. That's just not enough of a struggle. 

Christina 

Yeah, exactly. No, they have to come in pairs at least. 

Elizabeth 

So when you're not managing all of those, you are also a small business owner, which is another challenging thing in itself. 

Christina 

Yeah, it's a lot. I don't like to discourage people or anything, but it is a lot of work. It's very tiring. I love it. Don't get me wrong. I love it. I love a good challenge. I thrive on it because I have ADHD. So yeah, I think doing all the different things and putting on all the different hats really helps with keeping me engaged. And yeah, I think I just like to struggle a lot. So yeah, I'm used to it apparently. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah, used to it at this point. So you just do the hard things. So what were your first, when you made decided that you were going to start a business, was there something that inspired you or something that made you want to go down the route of running your own business? 

Christina 

Yeah, so actually, you know, after I had my, one of my bigger relapses and I lost like half my vision at the time, I, you know, I couldn't go to my master's program. And, you know, I was just kind of like really, I don't know, depressed and overwhelmed. And there was just a lot of, you know, I just had a lot of appointments to keep up with. And I am a to-do list girl. I don't like planners. If you close it with like my ADHD and like my MS brain frog, fog, oh my God, frog, fog, I will forget it. I will just like, if it's closed, I'll leave it on my desk, never see it again, it doesn't work. But if I had something out for me, just sitting on my desk and I can tear it off. It just, it's always worked. But I always, I was looking for something that had to do with like health. I'm like, okay, I need like a notepad to help me with like health stuff like, you know, checking that I called my doctor and insurance and, you know, whatever else that I needed to do. So yeah, I couldn't find one though. There's like nothing out there. So I decided to create my own. And I, you know, I liked the idea so much that I'm like, you know what, I think I could sell these and like use these as, you know, or I could have other people use these as like, you know, to help them too. So I, you know, I kind of just embarked on an adventure and I learned a graphic design program and I made my own font. I was already an artist. to begin with anyways. Like I already started to do digital art. Before that, I was an acrylic artist and I sold and showed my artwork around my city. So I just kind of moved to digital art and then I created all my own things, you know, for the elements for the notepad to go into. And then, yeah, it just kind of, that's what took over and that's what inspired me to do it is basically being really overwhelmed by my health and yeah, just not knowing not knowing how to like handle everything. And then, you know, the disability to do list was born and then I have like the mini one with just like, you know, the checklist of like, did I call my doctor or like calling my doctor, like insurance, whatever. Right. And then, yeah, the disability to do list I made specifically for me to basically use while I'm in a relapse or flare up. And it's one that can be used every day or, because a lot of us are in flare ups every day, right? Yeah. So that's kind of what inspired me to do it. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah, and I like that. I like that it's just sort of opens. You, like you said, you don't have to open a book to look at it. You can just sit right next to you and you can just see it straight away and that it's really clear where everything is. I think that really helps just sort of narrow down. And even if you can't think of what you might need to do, sometimes that happens. And I'm like, what do I even need to do? It kind of gives you that reminder of what you might need to do. And Yeah, that sounds really cool. So what was it like going then from the transition between the art that you did before and then going and doing like graphic design? 

Christina 

Yeah, it was a big one. Because before I was like very abstract art, like just honestly screwing around with a paintbrush and just having fun with it. It was, it was a challenge for sure. I had to learn the artwork itself, like the digital element, that wasn't hard. It was like the design program and then also just learning about legally what you can use and stuff, right? So yeah, I just kind of was like, you know what, I want to own everything legally. I want to like make sure I, you know, can say this is all of mine and it's like copyrighted to me. So yeah, I just was like, you know, I'm just going to have to, you know, do this. And it took me a year. It took me a full year to finish my my disability to-do list. And then I started to do the, I call it my health stuff mini, because it's like, it's like a little mini notepad and it's just health stuff. So yeah, and then I did that one. That was my first one I think I printed because I was too scared to do the big one. 'Cause I was like, oh my God, that's a lot of money. And then, yeah, I think learning like the printing process too, for like paper goods versus just like a digital print was hard. And then I'm like, there's like weights, there's like paper weights. I had no idea. There's like different weights for paper and like quality. And I'm like, what is this, The Office? I don't know anything about paper. So that was a big... Yeah, I mean, just like the ins and outs of having a business, a stationary business was a lot to learn. And it was a lot of research, a lot of research, a lot of just teaching myself YouTube videos. I mean, basically, yeah, everything's like self-taught, which is great. I had nothing else to do anyways. So yeah, I think it's the hardest part was probably the research and learning how to do everything. And I'm still learning. So. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah, but you're doing really well. And I think what I love most is, like you said, you illustrate them all yourself and you can make them then exactly how you picture it. And I think that it does show and that originality really does show in all of the work that you do. 

Christina 

Yeah, And it was, yeah, it was a lot of fun to do. Honestly, I think my partner actually would be like, no, it wasn't. Because she would hear me like just cussing from the other room, like, what is this? You know, I would be like, what? It's, it was a lot. I do really like it. was, yeah, honestly, I can't believe it took me like a year, actually. Actually, it's about to be like a year since I opened the shop. So it was like two years in the making to do everything, the research, learning how to do everything, and then like putting it all together and designing. But yeah, I do like that I have control over everything and that I can, you know, make stuff how I want it to be. And even though I'm still I honestly am probably going to be redoing my lists to make it even better because I also just made new font, newer font like a couple months ago. So I'm like, I'm kind of like this for my list better. So, yeah, I mean, it is a lot of fun. 

Elizabeth 

No, it sounds it. I can imagine it is stressful, though. And like you said, your partner might not have the same view on it that you do. 

Christina 

Yeah. No, she's super supportive. Like, I think, I'm really, I don't know. I don't know if this is controversial or not, but I do. I mean, I'm, I don't know. I'm a pretty controversial person. I am sure you've seen my Instagram. But I do think that some, I think that a lot of people who have businesses are born sometimes with a business mindset or like, you know what I mean? Like they have, right? And I've done like, you know, with my artwork, I've done like a business before, but it's really just not like this on this like level, but I've definitely done stuff like that. I did other stuff too along the way and like social media marketing. And yeah, I think the most stressful part actually is the social media. So to all the business owners who want to aspire to be a business owner, you do have to have social media. Like there's no way around it. Luckily for me, I was already really good at Instagram. TikTok, I was learning. TikTok is still strange. And unless you got on it, unless you got on TikTok between the years of 2020 to 2022, Like it's a lot harder to, get stuff on there and out there. And also the algorithms for social media are constantly changing. I mean, oh my God, Instagram just redid one, redid the algorithm again at the end of May. And it completely screwed up like everything for me. Not everything, but just a lot of things. But I actually, what I ended up doing was I opened my shop technically last July. Um, but I knew that, like, I, I, it was, I still call it like my soft launch because I knew that I'm like, okay, I have to like really market the crap out of this. And thankfully with the psychology background, um, I think that also helped me a lot into knowing marketing stuff. My sister's also a marketer. Um, and I think just like, I don't know, like, yeah, Sorry, I forgot where I was going with that. But it definitely helped me a lot. Yeah. And then, yeah, I decided that I would just start with social media and I would not push my products until I had a base. And luckily for me, the social media kind of popped off the most. And I think it's because I design everything. But that was also super hard because I posted every day for six months. Oh, wow. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah, that must be very difficult. Did you design it then in batches or? No. 

Christina 

Oh my God, no, I am terrible. No, I was doing it like the night before. Like literally. Yeah, and it's, I, yeah, my friend, so Charlotte, also like chronicallychar on Instagram, she, it's funny, we were just talking a couple months ago about this, but like we, she like does it in batches and I'm like, how do you do that? Like how? But I think it's, you know, I'm kind of like, she can sit, I think we were talking, like she can sit down and like kind of bust them out a lot of the times. And then I don't know if it's like what it is. I can't sit down for like more than two hours to do it. I have to like get up, walk around, do other things. 'Cause yeah, it is a lot. I'm like, I, yeah. And I think like I do a lot of the illustrative stuff, right? So there's like some posts that take me way longer and some posts that take me way less. Unfortunately, the posts that take me way less are probably the most popular. 

Elizabeth 

Okay. 

Christina 

Yeah, I know. It's kind of depressing. It's always it always is how it goes, though, with artists like your favorite stuff and your favorite pieces are usually always like the least favorite things, right? It's just kind of how it is. I think the social media was probably the most challenging because of you know, how much you had a post to get, like, noticed and recognized. I think with that, though, it's like you have to kind of dive in to the community to really get to know it. And it's funny because I started out as like a way to market my shop, but actually, I actually became its own life, especially after January with everything that, you know, happened in the US. And then I'm like, I'm a really political, controversial person. I don't think I'm controversial. I just think I'm bold enough to say what I want to say and say what needs to be said. And I really think after I started to do more of the political stuff, that's really what I love to do, actually. And so now it's kind of like flip-flopped a little bit. And I'm like, I just really love to post. And yeah, just kind of like make political advocacy stuff. Yeah, sorry. I just kind of went on that ramble about that. 

Elizabeth 

Not at all. And I think that kind of shows the diversity of it and like the way that it evolved. Like initially you start off as a platform for your shop and then you actually saw, oh, I've got this audience, I've got this reach and I can use it for something that's positive. I can use it to advocate something I believe in. 

Christina 

Yeah. And you know what? That's when I started to make the stickers. And then that's when everything kind of really. started to have momentum and stuff, right, was like the stickers. And I think it was after I posted the disabled and angry graphic. That's when everything really started for me. And everybody really liked it so much that I made it into a sticker. And then that's, yeah, I just, I really started to sell in like February. So like, mind you, I've had the shop open since January, right? And I think I made some sales in November, actually, Clark, Clark was my friend and she actually bought one of my notepads and that was really sweet of her. And then I was like, does it count if it's my friend? But it does. I was like, that's really supportive of you. And then I had like a few other people buy from me in like November, December, in the beginning of January and whatever. But yeah, it wasn't until I got the disabled and angry sticker. That's like when everything kind of you know, came to. And then, yeah, I just started doing more graphics and more fun. Yeah, just like more fun art. And I think it's actually because I found my art style and it takes artists a while, right? And I think it took me a while to find like what I wanted to look like for my brand and what I wanted to achieve. And like, that's the other thing you have to really think about the overarching, like, what's my brand going to be about? What's my brand What's my brand's name? What's it about? What can I, you know, what's the message I want to send, right? And I think I just really came into my business and myself as a person, honestly, after the disabled and angry. And then I took it even further and did like a lot more controversial stuff. And I mean, it shouldn't be controversial, come on, right? And then did like a lot more graphics and like the harsh, I don't know. I really like a harsh black line. I really like the outlines of stuff. I don't like the girly. I mean, it's fine. I do like the girly. It's hard because I'm like, oh, I like everything so much. So, you know, when you're like, you have to really think about, okay, like what's like, right? And I want to be, I want it to be bold and stuff. So yeah. Sorry, I probably should have wrote a list down. I'm like, there's so much talk about like having a business like branding and yeah, and then like the themes and stuff of it. There's a lot. 

Elizabeth 

You've already covered those are really key bits. And I think particularly what you were saying about social media, because when you've got a chronic illness, like the social media side of it must be really challenging energy wise, potentially. If you're having like a flare up or you're having a bad day, how do you manage your social media on those days? 

Christina 

Yeah, I would say it is really hard. But I, yeah, don't be like me. That's what I always, don't be like me, because I will push myself. The way that I got my relapse and I couldn't get my master's degree was because I pushed myself way too much in my undergrad. And then I got a really bad relapse. And that was definitely on me because I was like, I have to get into my, like, you know, master's program. So I have to do really well. And so I'm so used to like pushing myself that I just kind of pushed myself through those first six months. And I mean, I posted when I had COVID and I posted like, Yeah, I kind of would put my health on the back burner and I will still. And it's here's I think the thing is, is you're going to do it no matter what you do when you have like a chronic illness and you're disabled and you have like a, you know, and you have a business like it's going to happen. I know it sounds like really like, but I know. And I think I just had to decide. I'm like, okay, well, what's my goal in life? And like, what do I really want to achieve? And I think I've learned that I would still do it that way. Maybe not with a college one. That one was I was insane. I that I was I drove myself insane. But I think that I think yeah, sometimes you just have to push yourself more and not I don't know. I don't want to say that to everybody that because I'm not it's not like a good idea, right? This is not like healthy, I would say. Right. And actually, I've learned to slow down a little bit. But the problem with that sometimes is like, when you slow down, you kind of get punished for it. So like, I was like doing really well. I popped off on Instagram. Instagram started paying me for like my posts and stuff. So I turned that on. Right. And then turns out not the best idea, by the way, because I'm like, oh, they were going to like cat me on views. And then like my followers became, less. And I know it sounds bad because like I'm an artist first and stuff. But basically when I slowed down, it kind of just felt like a punishment a little bit because when I slowed down, like the Instagram stopped, going so well for me. And the problem with me is like, if I'm not doing well on social media, I won't make a sale. So there is a immense amount of pressure for me to produce art and for me to like keep going. I honestly just recently started posting almost every day again, because I'm like, I like need to make a sale. It's the summertime. It's like the hardest. June is the hardest month to sell. June and July. Hardest month. I don't even know that because I wasn't even open last June. But I know that from the research and research is important, right? So I'm like, I really got to get going on this. And yeah, and then Instagram, yeah, like I said, change the algorithm. And so then I'm like, well, I can't, I can't take a break anymore. Like I was like, I was taking like longer breaks in between my posts to give myself more time. And I was definitely burned out. I 100% I'm like the queen of burnout and it's on me, like totally my fault. But I mean, it's hard because I'm like, even when my body is tired, I'm like, I have to keep going, right? So I actually have been better. I have been making stuff in bunches now. 

Elizabeth 

Good. That is what I'd like to hear, actually. I know. 

Christina 

Yeah. 

Elizabeth 

You're so tough on yourself. And you were saying, oh, it's totally your fault, but it's not. It's because the system operates in such a way that you have to keep producing things in order for it to keep your content being shown and to get that reach. That's not your fault. That's the system's fault. And it is frustrating that it's like that because to you as an artist, you're going out there, you're making all of these, which is really cool. And doing this on like day-day again now. And that takes so much time and so much energy and so much passion. But still, just to get it seen, it relies on an algorithm. 

Christina 

Yes. Yeah. And yeah, it, yeah. So that part is definitely, yeah, tough because yeah, like you said, the system, the way it's made and sorry, stuff. Oh my God. 

Elizabeth 

It's fine. I'm just going to have to learn how to beep things out. 

Christina 

Yeah, I was just thinking that. I mean, no, I feel bad. I'm so... 

Elizabeth 

I've never had to beat anything before. It's going to be an experience for me. 

Christina 

I'm so sorry. I know. I feel like, I feel like, you know, I've learned a lot, especially from my Instagram post. Like, I'm 28 now. And I... I'm the most confident I've ever been. And I think that even doing my business and my Instagram and stuff has really helped with that. And I'm very like authentic now. I'm very like too much myself so much. And so now I'm like, you know, just. I'm trying not to say it, right? But yeah, it's kind of hard for me to hone that in again because I'm like, you know, I don't know. My personality is kind of like a golden retriever anyways. The ADHD does not help, especially having hyperactive ADHD. Sorry, I'm going to take my pills. 

Elizabeth 

That's fine. 

Christina 

Take it like a shot. 

Elizabeth 

Best way. Good thing this is. Don't worry, we're not using the video. It's just the audio. 

Christina 

Yeah, I was like, is this a video? I'm like, maybe I should have gotten a shot glass. 

Elizabeth 

That would have been iconic. That's what you should do next. A little shot glass. Med shot glasses. Oh, I love it. Do that, please. 

Christina 

Yeah. You know what? I've been looking for new products to do, and I just have not... Man, you know what? Let's talk. Here's something we can talk about. The money. The money. Sorry, I'm like, 'cause that kind of goes along with the chronic illness and disability is like when you're disabled and chronically ill, how do I put money into a business, right? And like, it's so difficult because it's hard. I feel guilty, right? Luckily I have like a lot of support. I have a partner. I kind of had my savings. You know, say, I don't spend a lot of money on me anyways. I don't. I buy makeup once a year. I buy clothes like once a year. I'm very. I don't know. I just don't like things. So that helped a little bit. But, man, it's just so expensive to like, put your own money into your products. And you're like, well, I have to pay for the doctors and I have to pay for medical bills and prescriptions and then things like heating pads and extra things on the side, right? And so putting your own money into a business when you're disabled is really hard when you don't make money already. And over here, right, you guys have like PIP, right? And like, I believe like you can have PIP while you work too. And, and here over here, right? We don't get that. Like it's like, there's like no assistance when like if you can work, then you don't get any like help, right? Obviously you guys just had yours cut, which is things I won't say. Right. But yeah, and then it, and then also if you're on Medicaid here, Medicare, whichever one you're on, probably Medicaid for the younger. You are not allowed to make over a certain amount in a month, and you're not allowed to have more than $2,000 in your bank account, which I think the pound is more right now. So it's probably like, I would guess, like 2,300 pounds. 

Elizabeth 

I don't know. Yeah, so not very much. 

Christina 

Yes, exactly. Yeah. So it's not a lot. And we're not allowed to, yeah. So I mean, you, it's really hard to, right, kind of put like, yeah, put money aside and then put money into your products and everything like that, right? And I am, I don't actually have any disability and I did not want to be on disability because I am definitely the person that's like, A, I couldn't get on it. And I like applied two or three times and I'm like, I have MS. Why is it so hard, right? And yeah, just like a bunch of stuff happened and yeah, it was really hard. And then I'm like, you know what? I can't have more than $2,000 in my savings anyways or just all together. And I'm like, I don't want to because I'm like, I want to open my business and do this, right? So I kind of did it off my savings and everything that I had. And I lost a lot of money at first because when I got those first notepads, I made mistakes. And so I lost money on one of them. Right. Which is how I got my oopsie packs. Cause I'm like, well, I kind of get rid of these somehow. Right. And then, right. Yeah. And yeah, the cost of those, I think I make like, I think people would be surprised, but it has like oopsie as like two oopsie note, notepads, an oopsie sticker and like a freebie sticker I got. And plus on top of that, I think this is something that new people, new business owners and people who want to own a business, don't think about, but. you also have to think about the cost of goods, the cost of goods plus everything that you're shipping stuff in, right? So like my postcards are 43 cents right now because I got them in like a smaller bundle and you want to get them in bigger, but I didn't want to spend the money to get the bigger because then I'm like, oh, what if I don't sell these and you have to have the confidence? There is so much that goes into it, right? Right. Yeah. And then you have to add in like the bags that you pack them in and like the washi tape I even put on and everything else in between. And so those packs, I think I make about $3 off of probably. But it's better than nothing because I mean, those notepads were going to be a loss, right? And anyways, I mean, that is a big one is like, yeah, just like the money that you put into it versus the money that comes out of it is a lot. Oh my God, there's like so much that goes into it. I just started doing like my income reports and stuff and like, I think I had like 31 orders this month, 30 orders, which is the most I've ever had. And I made, I think $71 from it because I had to subtract the fees like from Etsy. and everything else in between. So I believe like my, the gross profit was probably like $330. And out of that, I made like 71. Yeah. Cause you have to, I mean, net profit, it probably would have been like 200 and something, but then with everything else in between that you have to subtract out. Right. So I mean, right now, I think I've put I'm not, I'm not as bad because I put my own money. It's not like I have a loan or anything, but I think I'm like negative 480. So, so I haven't made a profit yet. And yeah, it's funny. I think people think I'm doing a lot better than I am because of like, I have an Instagram following. I've had like 150 sales now on Etsy, which is great. And I am really grateful, right? And I think I am doing really well for like a business that's only been open for Um, a year next week. So yeah, I do think though a lot because I've, I've had a lot of people be like, Hey, if you want me to like, it's really sweet that people want to promote my product. It's really sweet of them, but I cannot give out product for free right now. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah. 

Christina 

And yeah, I've had like a lot of people approach me and like, it's really nice of them, but I'm like, guys, I'm not making money right now. I don't know how to tell you. Then I'm like, do I admit that? Like, you kind of don't want to admit it, right? You want to kind of play like the confidence and whatever, right? Because psychologically, I think psychology, people want to buy from somebody kind of that's doing well or like, not necessarily doing well, but you know what I mean, that has like a put together. You know what I mean? I don't know how to explain it, but. 

Elizabeth 

No, you explained it well, although you have to submit it here. 

Christina 

Yeah, exactly. Yeah, it's fine. I don't have any secrets from the world, which is probably not. Well, I do. I do have secrets, but I'm pretty open about everything. And honestly, I was really excited when you asked me to be on here because I'm like, I have been dying to talk about the business side of things because I think. a lot of people just like kind of have made assumptions about means and like in a good way. Like a lot of people are just kind of assumed like I was doing really well with it. And like, you know, I was like, you know, making a lot more money than I am, which honestly, I'm like, that's not a bad thing at all. And honestly, it was very nice, but I'm like, actually, I'm, it's not. But yeah, I think it's, yeah, I think a lot of people, I kind of have a lot of misconceptions of having a business, especially when you're disabled and chronically ill, right? Because there is like, I'm paying a lot more than just like my money. I'm paying with my health. Yeah. Right? There's a line for you. There's like the line that you can put out there on Instagram, man. I'm telling you, that's a good one. 

Elizabeth 

That'll be the main quote. 

Christina 

Yeah. Yeah. Don't have a business, it'll steal your soul too. But and I try to like make everything as like cheap as possible. Oh my God, I just lost. I just got my first order, like my my first international order. Sorry, Canada, you guys don't count. They are international, but you know, it's just above us. I'm in like Washington state, so it's really directly above me. But yeah, I mean, I just got my first international order to Switzerland and I was like, they paid like $24 for for like for shipping and I was like oh my God I felt so bad and that's how. 

Elizabeth 

Much they believe in your products that's how much they wanted them. 

Christina 

I know they bought like one $4 sticker oh and I was like oh my God like I it's so nice it's so like oh my God like that is but I'm like 24 I'm like. 

Elizabeth 

They really wanted that sticker. 

Christina 

I know. I was like, man, are you like a rich, disabled person? And I'm like, I was like, that is so nice of them though. I'm like, that was like, whoa. But I did lose money on that order because of like the Etsy fees. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah. 

Christina 

Because Etsy will charge you for like the shipping cost too, right? Yeah. And eventually I will move on to like my own website and stuff, but that is a whole, that's a whole different animal. And I'm, That's like, I'm going to have to build it all on my own and like learning that. And I'm like, oh my God, I don't really want to do that right now. So I'm starting out with Etsy, right? And then on one of my Canadian orders, actually I lost money too, because they bought like the one sticker. And I'm like, yeah, and unfortunately on Etsy, you can't, other countries can do this. Like I know in the UK and in Australia that Etsy sellers can make their own prices for international, they can change them for, right? And that's great because I think like, I think, I mean, that's fantastic because I do think that being able to charge a little bit more to intern, just because it does cost a lot to ship internationally and like just the fees that Etsy has, but US sellers are not allowed to do that. 

Elizabeth 

Okay, that's good to know. 

Christina 

Yeah. Yeah, yeah. And I think that's, yeah, there's like a lot of information. I don't think that there, well, I don't think that there's a lot of information specifically for like chronically ill and disabled people for like business to like, you know what I mean? Like listen to and like, you know, really understand like there's so much that goes into it, right? I don't want to discourage anybody though either, right? I don't want to be like, oh, it's all terrible. And like, it's a lot of, work and the because I feel like I have been that way. But it's really not. 

Elizabeth 

No, I think you're just being real about it because some people will go into it thinking, you know, it's maybe I don't know, they might have misconceptions. But if you're actually open about the reality is like you said, like you're pushing yourself when you should be taking a break because you need to try and keep up with it in order to access a system that's just not accessible. And having that reality and being aware of it before you go into it means you can just go in making a more informed decision. 

Christina 

Right, yeah. And I definitely think that like, it took, right, like I said, it took me two years to get to where it was to open the business because you do have to like do the research and really understand like where, you know, like if this is worth it for you in your house. Like is, and I had to make the decision of can I do this with my MS? And with the stress, even though I know MS is directly related to stress, right? Because stress will cause flare ups like most other chronic illness, autoimmune issues, right? But the problem with MS is I'm like, I can wake up one day and my legs won't work, right? And not that that's like a, sorry, I didn't mean to compare that, but you know, that's a pretty big, that's a pretty big trade off because I have woken up and my eyes do not. work together. And so I had to wear an eye patch, right? That's how I had half my vision. And like, it's still permanently damaged. Like if I look all the way over here, it's like completely double, which is crazy. So, you know, and then I risk the permanent damage being, you know, happening to my body or like, God, endometriosis flare. Like, I could not work in severe pain. Yeah. And that's hard too. So if I'm having an endo flare, if I'm not feeling well, if I'm too tired that day, you have to really push through those things. I have to be like, I'm tired, but not just tired. I'm fatigued, right? But I have to push through fatigue. And how do you do that? 

Elizabeth 

Yeah. 

Christina 

And when you do that, you risk a lot because I have definitely done that more than I would have liked to. And then there's, the relationship between being productive and being disabled and chronically ill. Like we can just exist to exist, right? But also like society pushes us, like, oh, you have to like do something in order for you to matter. Yeah. Right. And so then you feel like guilty, right? If you're not, if you're like, oh, like I gotta do, right? And so there's already this unhealthy mindset and bias, I think, that everybody has in our minds. even though we know like rest is productive and like I say those things sometimes and like, do I believe that though? I'm like an internal, like I do know that, but do I really believe it? Because I've been so brainwashed to believe that like my productivity really does matter. And, you know, I think that that's, God, yeah, the sacrifices you have to make when you have a business is insane, especially with health and The money, like I said, it's really hard because you have to really look at your finances and be like, can I financially do this? And not put myself into a hole, but also have enough money for like, if something happens medically to me, that'll be okay, right? And yeah, I think I get asked a lot to make like more products. And I know people are just like really excited and they love my art and I love that. I think that is the biggest compliment ever, but I definitely think there's a lot of pressure there because I'm like, oh my God, like I have to like produce these things or right. And then, I mean, I just spent $97 on stickers. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah. 

Christina 

Like for fit, right? I just on a hundred stickers that are coming in of my most popular because I and I decided I was like, okay, well, for Disability Awareness Month or Pride Month, I should have like a new product out, right? That I should be pushing and stuff and it's right. But then I was like, what, I financially can't do that. And I know that there's other small businesses out there that are disabled owned. Yeah. But they've been, they've definitely been way more established longer than me. And they've had like a lot more time than I have, but they put out products and stuff for this month. And I'm like, I just couldn't do it. Because I, yeah, it's really hard to, Yeah, it's a really hard decision because I'm like, that would have been great for marketing purposes and stuff. And sometimes I feel a little bit icky because I'm like, am I taking advantage of my audience though? You know what I mean? 

Elizabeth 

Yeah, but I think people who shop on your shop, they know. that like you're chronically ill and that you're doing this and it's like, it's your business and how, a lot of people, especially after listening to this, will know how hard it is and how much work you have to put in. And that's what it is. It's a business at the end of the day so that you can like support yourself. And it is tricky because I hate marketing. Like even for the podcast, I'm like, when I'm making posts, I'm like, yeah, I don't want to annoy people. How many posts should I put out? What if people get sick of hearing about the podcast? But I, and I love talking. And the good thing about having people on is actually, I love, I don't, I only feel that about myself. So I'm like, oh, I don't want people to get annoyed with me. But like, I'm, when I have people come on, I'm like, oh, this person is so amazing. I'm just so excited. I just want to share it with everyone. So that, you know, I don't really get with that type of marketing. But yeah, it is a tricky one, I think. a lot of people struggle with marketing and the way it feels, particularly when it's like your business, because it's sort of like you and you're sort of marketing yourself, almost like not like selling yourself. But in a different way than I felt when I've done like an employee job, I don't really feel the same way in that one. I think it is because maybe in society, we are kind of, most of us will work for a company and we'll essentially sell ourselves to that company to make that company money and make them profit. But then when you're doing it for yourself and you might potentially have more of the profit, it's a different feeling because it's not what we've been taught to do and not what the majority of people do. 

Christina 

Right, yeah, exactly. No, exactly like you said, like it is like, yes, you like really have to have the confidence to put yourself out there and to be like, hey, this is like my stuff. It's great, come and buy it, right? But also like, yeah, like you said with your podcast, like how much do you put out? How much are people annoyed? And I do, yeah, I do know, I try to have a healthy balance because I'm like, it's funny, TikTok loves my packing videos. They love when I do the packing videos and I get so many sales from off of TikTok. I don't do TikTok shop or anything. They come to my Etsy store, but they love the packing videos. And so, yeah, I do those a lot more on my TikTok, but on Instagram, I think people get annoyed sometimes. I'm like, Ooh, are people annoyed 'cause I'm like doing more videos instead of the art stuff. That's the other thing too, is like when you're an artist, When you're an artist that is doing, you know, having, I guess a business too, it's really hard because people follow me for the artwork and not always for my products. I would say probably 90% of the time, maybe there's 10% of people that follow me for my products, maybe. And there's probably a handful that follow me for both, right? I have a lot, but most of my sales always come from like great social media. But yeah, I think it is hard 'cause I'm like, how much do I fill out that I'm like, doing the packing videos, right? And then I'm like, yeah, it is very tricky because I'm like, I don't want to know anybody, but I also, you know, and I don't want to like falsely advertise myself because I'm like, I am an artist and I do put out artwork, but I also am a business and this is how I'm making money, right? And, um, yeah, the more, I mean, the more money I can make, the more products I can put out for people, right? And I I mean, there are so many ideas that I have coming out this year and I'm really excited about it, but nervous 'cause I'm like, am I gonna lose money out on this? And like, I do take a lot of polls for my audience of like what they wanna see, right? And so that helps. But yeah, it is kind of, it is kind of difficult to be like, here's my stuff, come in, get it. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah. And putting yourself out there and being like, he has a bit vulnerable with it as well, especially because it's all of your creation. 

Christina 

Yeah. And oh my God, I have rejection since sensitivity dysphoria from ADHD. And oh my God, is that real? Because I'm like, here's my stuff. And like, I made it and it put so much like heart and soul and money into it. And I'm like, are people gonna buy it? No, like, and it's so like, right. And I'm like, oh, But it's hard. It's a tricky one because I'm like, man, yeah, I'm being vulnerable is not my strong suit. I've been in therapy for five years because I cannot be. Six years. Six years. Oh my God. That's, I would say it's not depressing. I'm in therapy. It's really sad that I've been in therapy for the same. 

Elizabeth 

Just the same stuff like over and over. 

Christina 

Oh, yeah. Oh, my God. I just cried in front of my therapist for the third time in my life. And I love her. Hi, Maggie. Oh, she, yeah, she's definitely has. I'm like, it's just, I'm somebody that I have to have like absolute trust in my therapist before I even do anything. It's pretty terrible. But yeah, anyways, yeah, the vulnerability part is hard because you have to be like, like I said, you have to be confident in what you have. And if anything that I've learned, stick to your business plan, like stick to what you're doing at like the first time around, right? And like don't change it because of anything else or anybody else. So when you do this fear factor versus the confidence factor, it really changes the business. And I know because I lose money when I'm working out of fear versus when I'm working out of confidence. That makes sense. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah, actually, I love that. That really resonates. I think that's really powerful, actually, thinking about working from a place of confidence and creating what's authentic to you and what you believe in, not just trying to create what you think you should or you feel pressured to or what you think will be successful based on somebody else's success, creating your own. 

Christina 

Yes. Yeah. And I think that I've learned that a lot by-- I think even the ribbon post I do is probably my most popular art post that I've done. And the most stickers that I sell are my ribbons. And it's funny because I will first put out the artwork before I make the stickers. But I think next time what I'm going to do is I'm going to make the stickers and then put out the artwork. Because oh my God, if I would have just done that, I would have made so much more money. Because when those posts were popping off, people would have come and bought right from my store instead of waiting. two weeks for me to make the sticker and then the, you know, hype is already dead. So, I mean, there's like a lot of, you know, you kind of have to be, what's the word? You kind of have to be really, oh my God, what's the word? Like, wise about it. You have to really think about those things and really strategize. Like, what is my product that does really well? Like, you know, and then take the risk. Oh God. Risk taking is like, Hmm, that's the hard part, right? 'Cause that's the money that you're like, well, I need this for like my medical care, right? Maybe if something happens, right? So that's a risk by using it on your business. And I think for us, it's so much more of a risk because we have a lot more stakes, right? We have a lot more higher stakes, but I really do love, I really love making stuff for our community. I really believe in my list and I'm gonna be having more come out. Because I do really believe that it will help people, right? And I, like I said, like the closed book stuff does not work for me, even apps. I don't like apps. I've tried that. I'll use it for like a week. I'm pretty sure the ADHD girlies get it too. Whatever, you don't have to have ADHD to get it, but like, man, I will like use it for a week and then it's done, like bye, 'cause you can close it, right? And even like the notifications are annoying to me. There's an alarm going, I'm going to turn it off and then forget that it went off and then, do something else. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah, and even if the notification's on the front of my phone, it's like, it's been there so long, I just, it doesn't even exist to me anymore. It might as well just be a wallpaper. I just completely. 

Christina 

Yes. Oh my, yeah. Oh my, that is so mean, yes. I totally get it because I'm like, oh my God, this is like, And then it gets like overwhelming because I'm like, there's so many notifications. Now I feel pressured. I have to go do this. And then I demand avoidance with the, right? And so demand avoidance is like, I'm not going to go do that thing now because I'm going to avoid, right? Because I feel pressured. So yeah, it just like creates this whole, right? So like with the apps and like the closed books, right? There's nothing else. And so I really believe in my product because I know that it works well. And Um, I used to do this all throughout college and it was the only thing that works. I did not use planner, just the straight up. It's on my desk, it'll work. And even for like brain fog, oh my God. So if I have it out on my desk, right, and I'm having like a bad fatigue day, you know, at least it'll be there for me to remember, right? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I don't know, I think like, yeah. There's a lot of people that were like, well, why don't you find an app developer and do that? And like I said, I stuck to my business plan. And I'm like, no, I really think that there needs to be physical. Because some people, yeah, are good with apps and some people can do the planners, but there's nothing out there for people who need it all the time, right? Yeah. Who's like sending out. So yeah, I think sticking to your plan of what your idea is for your business and your why is always the most important. And that's always what gets me even when I'm fatigued to like keep going, right? Because I love, yeah, like I said, I love what I do for the community. I love making artwork and connecting. I love talking to everybody in the comments and like, let's like be mad together. Like let's be, you know? And yeah, I think it's so wonderful that like, I've been able to do this for the community. And like, I got my first message the other day and she was like, I bet you get these all the time. And she was like, I just want to thank you. This isn't tooting my own horn or anything. I just think it's just so sweet. And she was like, I just want to thank you for like the posts that you make and stuff. And like, you know, I feel less alone about it and whatever. And I'm like, oh my God, that is so. And I was like, again, I'm like, I think people think I do like a lot better than I do, right? And like, I don't know, I don't wanna say like, no, you're the first one, 'cause I'm like, does that sound like a loser? She was the first one. Yeah, she was one that, she's like the first one that's like said that and I'm like, that is so sweet. Like that was like really touching to me and something I'll never forget. Yeah. Right? And like, I mean, yeah, the money part of the business is great, but I also really like, I really like to help people. Right? And that's why I was going to psychology too, right? And so I knew I needed to do something that was like advocacy and helping others. And so I think that that helps too is like, yeah, remember like the why of why you started when things get hard. And I think I'm the type of, I think I'm really lucky 'cause I'm a disabled person who has a very loving, supportive family. and a very loving supporting partner. I have great friends. I have a roof over my head. I have, you know, everything I could need. So, you know, I think creating products and artwork to give back is like something I feel like I can do because I'm in I'm in a much better position than a lot of other people and I'm really grateful for that. Yeah, so I just want to, you know, Put that out there too. 

Elizabeth 

And I think we do is really powerful. I know you keep saying that you feel like maybe you're really controversial, but I'm gonna have to look at your Instagram again. 'Cause I feel like it's mainly just stuff like disabled people should have equal rights. They should have access to medical care. That's not controversial. That's just like human rights. It shouldn't be controversial. 

Christina 

No, it's not. No, I always feel like it is because I think it's because it's not said enough. Like I think the disabled and angry stuff is like probably, I would say, Like I've popped off. I think, I don't know if, you know, anyways, so I think people, I hope people don't think I'm always angry all the time. Yeah, it's not controversial. A lot of the stuff that I say, I feel like should not be, but I definitely think it's just stuff that we haven't really been able to say as like people with disabilities before, right? Oh my God, I've been watching the protests for PIP. And man, the UK really knows how to throw a protest because I'm like, man they're freaking awesome like they're like laying down like I said this is what's going to happen we're going to die right and I'm like that's fantastic I'm like I freaking love a good protest um yeah I feel like you know I think like the disabled community should be become a lot more bolder and chronically ill you know um I think that we should just be a lot more bolder right and um say things that haven't been allowed to be said, like disabled and angry, why can't we be angry? And it's not even angry about having the diagnosis because I think that's what always people assume. It's about, you know, like society's not made for us and there's a lot more to be angry about than being diagnosed with an illness. Usually it's not the illness, right? So yeah, I definitely think, I think like, yeah, there's just a lot of things that haven't been said yet. So I like to either be, I do, I do like to either be the first one that says it or not the first one. Sometimes I see people talking about it on like threads, like the Instagram threads. And I'm like, can I make this into artwork? Because I think that that's so powerful. Right. Right. And yeah, I think that that's kind of, that's actually kind of how the direction of my shop is kind of going is more so into the, disability advocacy. And of course, like making the products to help people kind of manage their illnesses and whatnot. But also like, you know, like, why can't I like I have a lot of products that have cuss words on it. 

Elizabeth 

Have you got any key takeaways that you would give to someone who's chronically ill and is thinking about starting a business? 

Christina 

I think the advice I would give is like to research everything and like just make sure that you have a plan in place and that you know what you're risking and the cost of everything going in and coming out. And really think about if you can do this with your health. Like is your health going to be at stake, too much of a stake in order for you to do this business? Or are you able to do both? I think take risk. If you're going to do it, I think you should just do it and take the risk to do it and be confident in what you're doing, right? And just really believe in what you have. And yeah, definitely think about everything though, like I said, and really make that plan. Because I think the more you plan and prepare and you really think about what you're doing, the more intentional you're going to be and the more successful you'll kind of be with the business and be able to, know, market it and put it out there in the community. I would say connect with the community is a big part. And really, yeah, don't skip on social media and connecting with your audience, because I think that's a huge, I think that's, it's a very big part of it is, right, whatever you're trying to accomplish, you're probably if you're doing it directly for chronic illness and disability community, then, right, then you should really hone in on that. I would say probably just Just really know who your audience is going to be. And it doesn't have to be obviously, it doesn't have to be targeted towards the disabled, chronically ill community. You can do any business you want. You can even like being a hairdresser, I don't know, selling different types of products. I would just say really connect with whatever audience you have. And yeah, I mean, don't take it too far. But you, right, get a flare up and you're not able to pay your medical bills, so. 

Elizabeth 

Yeah. 

Christina 

I don't know. Is that good advice? 

Elizabeth 

Yes. Definitely don't take it too far and don't give yourself a flare up is very important. Very, very important advice. And thank you so much for coming on today. I really appreciate your time. 

Christina 

Yeah, of course. I loved it. It was a lot of fun, a lot of information out there. I hope it wasn't too much. Having a business is challenging, but I promise it is fun. 

Elizabeth 

To learn more about Christina and the Chronic Pop Shop, check out the links in the description. And as always, thanks for listening. 

Please note this transcript is automatically generated and many contain errors.