We recently connected with Summer McCune and have shared our conversation below.
Summer, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
As a former educator, creating a more inclusive youth means the world to me. It is my goal that my line of Awareness Jammies not only tell the medical stories of many but allow children to make meaningful connections by befriending total strangers. This line sets up a safe space to hold difficult conversations and to advocate on various diagnoses. Awareness matters on so many levels and children are capable of accepting other’s differences if they understand them.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a former Art Teacher who was faced with the difficult decision to resign from my teaching career of 8 years in order to care for my youngest. She then became the inspiration for my Awareness Jammie line of pajamas for my business, NolaBee. I was battling a bottle aversion and pediatric feeding disorder along her side; I was in an incredibly lonely place having to leave behind my dream job. A mother of 3 and turning to medical professionals for help yet continuing to come up empty handed. I then decided to be the support for anyone who may be facing the same thing. I yearned for answers and a shoulder to cry on and I now want to be that for someone else. No one should feel like they are alone. I decided to raise awareness for Adler and all others who may be battling another medical diagnosis. The line is a true work from the heart and each pattern is directly inspired by the face of the collection and the diagnosis. As the artist, each artwork/pattern is hand painted. I hope that children around the world connect to our buddies of NolaBee and are able to put a face with a diagnosis.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
That pivoting moment was when I decided to make my Awareness Jammie line and to tell Adler’s story to all. The idea of pajamas came from the fact that she survived off of solely dreamfeeding for several months of her life.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I believe anyone who can take lessons from their hardships and turn it around to help others is resilient. I put my trust in God and this is where he led me. Doing greater good for our world by sharing the stories that so many people have a lesson to learn from. These children deserve all of the spotlight and are walking heroes.
Contact Info:
- Website: nolabee.com
- Instagram: @nolabeemade
- Facebook: @nolabeemade
- Tiktok: @nolabeemade
Image Credits
Rachel Clesi Photography