Lynsey is a single mum, businesswoman, and lives with a muscle wasting condition. Finding it increasingly challenging to find workplaces that suited her accessibility needs, she decided to set up her own business. Now thriving in her career and motherhood, she shares her journey to this point, and how her openness to find creative adaptions has allowed her to find success.
“Finding creative adaptions has allowed me to juggle being a mum and running my own business.”
Day-to-day life is full of creative adaptations for me. Some are small, like having a slightly higher bed for my son so I can get up after reading bedtime stories. Others are bigger, like having an adapted car with hand controls so I can maintain my independence. Every outing, every task, every decision requires planning. But that’s just life for me, and I’ve learned to get on with it. The one thing that proved almost impossible, though, was finding an appropriate workplace.
Finding an accessible workplace felt like I was asking for too much
Before starting my own business, I worked in an office that met my accessibility needs. The building had no steps, a disabled toilet, and there was a car park within the building, which was great as I can’t walk on my own outside due to the risk of falling. But after being made redundant, I struggled to find another workplace that was truly accessible. With all of Edinburgh’s historic beauty, comes a lot of inaccessible, listed buildings that can’t be adapted.
“I’ve always wanted to run my own business, and the frustration of these barriers gave me the push I needed to step out of my comfort zone and do it!”
It was terrifying at first, but four months in, I’m loving it and am reaching milestones I had hoped to achieve after a year.
Starting my own business has given me more autonomy over my condition
One of the best things about being self-employed, is I have complete control over my work. That would be a bonus for any mother, but it also means I can listen to my body more. A big part of managing my condition involves me eating healthily and exercising. I make sure I block time in my diary three days a week to do exercise, whether that’s a swim, walk, or Pilates. Working from home also saves me energy as it’s far easier to move around a house that’s already adapted for my needs.
As a virtual assistant, my days are spent supporting clients with tasks like email and diary management, business development, project management and marketing support. I also go to networking events to grow my business, which is great as I still get that face-to-face interaction. And if a venue isn’t accessible? I simply don’t go. I choose where and how I work, and that kind of freedom is priceless.
Juggling my business and motherhood
I have an amazing son who is my world, but being a disabled mother has its challenges.
“The hardest part isn’t parenting itself but dealing with environments that aren’t built for disabled parents.”
When my son was a baby, I had to find a pram with the highest seat possible so I wouldn’t have to bend down. His highchair had to be sturdy and adjustable so I could lift him out. Although things are a little easier now he’s seven and more self-sufficient, the environment around us has now become our biggest problem.
His school wasn’t accessible when he first joined so that was an issue for me, but they were open to listening to how they could improve, and I can now access the school. My son is mad about football and plays five times a week. That involves a lot of standing and walking across uneven grass pitches, which requires planning and more creative adaptions. I take a folding chair to matches and get there early so I can park nearby. I’m not good in the cold (which is challenging in Scotland) as it really affects my ability to walk, so it’s important I stay warm. Thermals, hand warmers and foot warmers have become my best friends, and I’ve invested in good outdoor wear so I can almost always go and watch.
Being self-employed is great as I can simply start later and work into the evening if I’m feeling extra fatigued from making memories with my son the day before.
Barriers can be an opportunity
Of course, running your own business is hard work, but so worth it for me. The highs of self-employment are truly high, and I’m excited for what’s next. My goal is to grow my business into a team of skilled virtual assistants, supporting purpose-driven businesses that create positive change for people and the environment.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from having muscular dystrophy, it’s that barriers don’t have to stop you. You just have to find another way forward. And that’s exactly what I plan to keep doing.”
