Why the Name- What is a Spoonie?

In the chronic illness world, a Spoonie can refer to:

  • Someone living with a chronic illness, and so has a limited amount of spoons (energy) to use each day.
  • The amount of spoons/energy a task requires, can be vary even within hours, and so too can the amount of spoons we start with each day.

(Not every chronically ill person uses this term for themselves)

What does being a spoonie have to do with my business?

As someone with several chronic illnesses, I understand the frustration and exhaustion of a world where accessibility is often an afterthought, if it's considered at all.

Accessibility benefits everyone, and especially belongs at the forefront of every product, process, and design.

What can accessibility look like in my business?

Full Ingredient Transparency

including info on an ingredients usage as needed)

Allergen Conscious Products

Allergen conscious formulation, particularly for allergies that often are not considered (i.e. not using coconut, or shea butter due to its relation to latex)

Mobility Friendly Packaging

I always consider mobility and dexterity limits and fluctuations when choosing packaging and in direct product design when possible

Examples:

  • Grip tape on the bottom & sides of jars & tubes,
  • Oval & Squared tubes & bottles to minimize rolling away when possible
  • Using package filler that doesn't make a mess requiring bending to clean up
  • Testing bracelets over wrist braces to have larger sizes
  • Offering magnetic clasps and specialty made clasps for bracelets and necklaces

Sensory Info in Product Descriptions

Descriptions & Comparisons for

Scent

  • i.e. light citrus, and strong floral

Weight

  • i.e. lightweight ear cuff that doesn't weigh ear down

Touch

  • i.e. soft & smooth wool blend that's not scratchy but does get fuzzy after a few washes

Size/Fit

  • i.e. semi loose adjustable fit that lets you still fidget with the beads on the bracelet

How did this all start?

Despite always being a creative, it wasn't until about 14yrs ago that I started actively using that creative energy to cope and pass time during treatments. At the time it was primarily fiber arts that captivated and inspired me to adapt knitting and crochet into something accessible for me.

Over the years, this has quickly expanded into other art styles and industries as my needs and abilities have shifted via the progression of my chronic illnesses.