Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Weaver
Hi Jen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In Spring 2022, I founded My Spoonie Sisters with the encouragement of a few close friends who believed in the importance of my voice in the chronic illness community. Though initially daunting, stepping into this space quickly became a passion as I began to forge meaningful connections and friendships. My journey has been fueled by a commitment to support others and amplify the voices of those who share similar experiences.
Today, My Spoonie Sisters has grown into a thriving platform encompassing a podcast, community, blog, Etsy shop, and a support group that a few of us moderate.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but I embrace challenges. My goal in creating My Spoonie Sisters was never about making money; it was about providing support for those struggling with their health and feeling isolated. Funding the podcast posed a significant challenge, which led me to start my Etsy shop as a means to support the endeavor. There have been tough moments where I felt like I wasn’t succeeding, but those doubts quickly fade when I see the messages in my inbox, reminding me that we’re making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the host of “My Spoonie Sisters,” I bring a voice to the often-unseen world of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, and many other chronic conditions. I am a volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation of Washington, AiArthritis, Cards 2 Warriors, a #RheumChampion for the Rheumatology Research Foundation, and a moderator for a Chronic Illness Mindset Support Group with the Cabana Health App. This work brings me joy as I serve our community and support those living with autoimmune diseases like mine.
Living with chronic conditions like RA and Psoriasis isn’t easy, but it’s taught me resilience, empathy, and the power of community. Our podcast aims to uplift, educate, and empower fellow spoonies everywhere through heartfelt conversations, personal anecdotes, and expert insights.
When I’m not behind the mic, you can find me advocating for chronic illness awareness, spreading positivity on social media, and sharing my journey towards holistic wellness. Together, let’s turn our struggles into strengths and our pain into purpose.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I wouldn’t typically describe myself as a risk-taker, but perhaps I am. Starting a podcast and consistently showing up for others requires a lot of courage, especially since I am quite a shy person in my personal life. It’s been a journey of stepping out of my comfort zone to make a meaningful impact in the chronic illness community. You need to put yourself out in the world to make changes and to make a positive impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracefully_jen?igsh=YzA0aHo0d3l4M3Y%3D&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: @GracefullyJen
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@myspooniesisters?si=51FpcQ-XUn7EK73i
- Other: https://myspooniesisters.etsy.com/
Image Credits
Jessica Hill Photography