Some days, I feel unstoppable—my mind is buzzing with ideas, my creativity is in full flow, and I’m ticking things off my to-do list like a productivity powerhouse.
Other days, my body refuses to cooperate. The deep, aching pain of fibromyalgia settles into my muscles, draining my energy before I’ve even had my first cup of tea. My ADHD brain jumps from one idea to the next, struggling to stay on task, while my body begs for rest.
Running a business with both fibromyalgia and ADHD is a balancing act. It’s learning to manage unpredictability, to work with my brain and body instead of constantly fighting against them. It’s knowing that some days will be wildly productive and others will be spent in recovery—and that both are okay.
The Challenges No One Talks About
Being an entrepreneur is challenging enough, but when you add a chronic illness and neurodivergence into the mix, it comes with a whole new set of struggles:
- Energy is not consistent. Some days, I can work for hours without stopping. Other days, I’m completely depleted after answering a few emails. I’ve had to learn how to pace myself and not push through at the expense of my health.
- Brain fog is real. There are moments when words slip away, when I stare at my screen, trying to remember what I was doing. ADHD means my thoughts are always racing; fibromyalgia means my brain sometimes feels like it’s wading through treacle. It’s an interesting combination.
- Routine is difficult, but necessary. ADHD craves novelty; fibromyalgia craves consistency. I’ve had to create flexible systems that keep me on track without feeling restrictive. Some days, that means adjusting my workload based on how I’m feeling rather than following a rigid schedule.
Finding a Work Rhythm That Supports Me
Over time, I’ve had to rewrite the rulebook on how I work. Here’s what’s helped me navigate the challenges of running a business while managing fibromyalgia and ADHD:
- Prioritising rest as part of my business plan. Instead of seeing rest as something I have to “earn”, I treat it as a non-negotiable part of my workflow. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t show up fully for Luna Selene.
- Using my ADHD to my advantage. My brain loves novelty and creativity, so I lean into that. When I feel inspired, I batch content, design, and brainstorming sessions so I have something to work with on lower-energy days.
- Listening to my body. If I wake up in pain, I adjust my workload. If I feel a surge of focus and creativity, I take advantage of it. The key is working with my energy instead of forcing myself into a rigid structure that doesn’t fit.
- Leaning on the right people. I rely on a lot of support from Katarzyna, and we lean on each other when things get overwhelming. We both bring different strengths to the business, and when one of us is struggling, the other steps in. Running Luna Selene together means I’m never carrying the weight alone, and that makes all the difference.
Balancing Our Strengths
One of the reasons Luna Selene works so well is that Katarzyna and I balance each other perfectly. Where I thrive in creativity, design, and big-picture thinking, she is incredibly skilled in structure, strategy, and execution. When my ADHD brain is overflowing with ideas, she helps bring focus and clarity. When she feels overwhelmed, I help bring fresh energy and vision.
We’ve learned to play to our strengths, to trust each other, and to know that we don’t have to do everything alone. It’s a partnership that allows both of us to lean into what we do best while knowing the other is there to support and uplift when needed.
Why Luna Selene is Personal
Luna Selene isn’t just a business to me—it’s a reflection of everything I’ve learned about self-care, resilience, and honouring my own needs.
When we created our product line, we weren’t just thinking about what looks good on a shelf. We were thinking about what truly helps people feel nurtured and supported, especially those of us navigating life with chronic conditions. We wanted to create small moments of relief—whether it’s a skincare ritual, a soothing tea blend, or a reminder to slow down and breathe.
For anyone out there running a business while managing chronic illness or neurodivergence: I see you. It’s not easy, but it’s possible. You don’t have to do it the way everyone else does. Build your own rhythm. Honour your body’s needs. Know that rest is part of the process, not a failure.
And most importantly—don’t be afraid to create a life and business that truly work for you.
