Entrepreneurs Thriving with Chronic Conditions: Keisha Greaves

Written by Keisha Greaves, CEO/Founder of Girls Chronically Rock

My journey with chronic conditions began when I was in graduate school, and I started noticing unusual symptoms like frequent falls, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. At first, I brushed it off as stress or fatigue, but as the symptoms worsened, I knew something was wrong. After a series of tests, I was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), a rare and progressive muscle-wasting disease.

My Journey with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

Receiving the diagnosis of LGMD was life-altering. It felt like the ground had shifted beneath me. I was overwhelmed with fear, uncertainty, and sadness. Coping with the diagnosis was not easy. I had to accept that my life would be different from what I had envisioned. I went through a period of denial, followed by anger and frustration. However, I realized that I had to face this challenge head-on. I started seeking support from friends, family, and others living with similar conditions, which made a world of difference.

Treatment and daily management of my condition have been ongoing processes. I’ve had to make significant adjustments to my lifestyle, including using mobility aids and focusing on self-care. Finding the right balance between pushing myself and respecting my body’s limits has been key to maintaining my independence and quality of life.

Today, my diagnosis impacts every aspect of my life, but I’ve also found purpose in it. It led me to entrepreneurship, and I’ve become an advocate for disability awareness, using my platform to inspire others and push for greater inclusivity in fashion and beyond. My journey has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve learned to embrace my condition and use it as a driving force to make a difference in the world.

Related Article: Embracing Self-Worth as a Chronic Boss

Navigating Work with a Disability

My professional journey has been a blend of passion, perseverance, and a deep desire to make a difference. It began long before I knew where it would lead, but looking back, every step has been essential in shaping who I am today.

Initially, I pursued a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising because I’ve always had a love for fashion. I was drawn to the idea of creating clothing that allows people to express themselves and feel confident. I envisioned myself working for a major fashion brand, but life had other plans.

When my diagnosis turned my world upside down, it forced me to rethink my future and how I could merge my passion for fashion with the reality of living with a disability. I had to come to terms with the fact that my physical abilities would change over time. Tasks that were once simple, like walking, standing for long periods, or even typing, became increasingly challenging. This required me to adjust not only how I worked but also the type of work I pursued.

One of the biggest challenges was managing fatigue and physical limitations while still being productive and pursuing my goals. I had to learn how to listen to my body, pace myself, and prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. This meant working from home more often, creating a flexible schedule, and using assistive technology to help me with daily tasks.

My condition forced me to rethink my career path. Initially, I imagined myself working in a traditional fashion design role, but as my mobility decreased, I realized that I needed to find a way to continue my passion for fashion in a way that accommodated my needs. Instead of working for someone else, I became an entrepreneur, which allowed me to design a work environment that suited my abilities.

Read More: Tips for Airport Travel with Chronic Illness

My Path to Entrepreneurship

Rather than letting my condition define me or derail my dreams, I decided to use it as a catalyst for change. I realized there was a significant gap in the fashion industry when it came to adaptive clothing—clothing designed for people with disabilities. This realization sparked the idea for Girls Chronically Rock, a brand that empowers and celebrates people with disabilities through adaptive fashion.

Founding Girls Chronically Rock was both a personal and professional turning point. It allowed me to combine my love for fashion with my experience as a woman living with a chronic condition. My goal was to create stylish, comfortable, and functional clothing that empowers people with disabilities to express themselves confidently. I wanted to challenge the stigma around disability and show that fashion can be inclusive for all bodies.

Building Girls Chronically Rock has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, from designing and manufacturing clothing to marketing and advocacy. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at events, collaborate with other brands, and raise awareness about the importance of adaptive fashion.

The Highs & Lows of Entrepreneurship

Running my own business has been both empowering and challenging. On the one hand, I have the flexibility to work when and how I need to, which is crucial given my condition. On the other hand, being an entrepreneur comes with its own set of pressures and responsibilities, and there are days when balancing it all feels overwhelming. However, my passion for adaptive fashion and disability advocacy keeps me motivated, even on the tough days.

In some ways, my chronic condition has also been a source of strength in my work life. It has given me a unique perspective and a deep sense of purpose. I understand firsthand the challenges that people with disabilities face, which drives me to create products that make a difference in their lives. It has also taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of surrounding myself with a supportive community.

Overall, while my chronic condition has certainly impacted my work life, it has also opened up new opportunities and inspired me to make a positive impact. It has been a journey of learning to balance my health with my ambitions, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

No matter where you are in your career, remember that your voice, your talents, and your contributions are valuable. Stay focused on your goals, be kind to yourself, and keep striving for the success that feels right for you.

What “Chronic Boss” Means to Me

To me, being a Chronic Boss means embracing my identity as a woman living with a chronic condition while also owning my power, purpose, and leadership in the world. It’s about redefining what it means to be successful and showing that chronic illness doesn’t diminish your ability to achieve great things—in fact, it can fuel your drive to make an even greater impact.

I see my experiences not as limitations, but as strengths that have shaped me into the resilient and determined person I am today. My chronic condition has taught me how to persevere, and I carry that strength into everything I do. I lead with purpose and use my platform to advocate for others.

In essence, being a Chronic Boss means embracing my whole self—my strengths, my struggles, and my passions—and using all of it to lead, inspire, and make a difference. It’s about proving that living with a chronic condition doesn’t limit your potential—it can empower you to achieve greatness in ways you never imagined.

Today, Girls Chronically Rock is more than just a fashion brand; it’s a movement that advocates for disability inclusion and empowerment. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to my passion. It has also reinforced my belief that everyone deserves to feel confident and represented, no matter their physical abilities.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing Girls Chronically Rock, expanding its reach, and exploring new ways to bring adaptive fashion into the mainstream. My journey is ongoing, and I’m committed to making a lasting impact in both the fashion industry and the lives of people with disabilities.

---