Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena.
Hi Lena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am originally from Ukraine and have lived in the USA since 1996. I am lucky to live in sunny California with my husband, my mom and our German Shepard Faro. I have had chronic Lyme disease and CFS/ME for many years and have to use a wheelchair. It’s been a very difficult journey trying to regain health. About six years ago, I was going through an incredibly difficult time with physical and emotional health and my caregiver suggested I should start an Instagram page. I have always loved fashion and dressing up even during my worst days. Since starting my fashion page, I have been able to connect with so many amazing people from all the world. And since last year, I am using my page to raise awareness about invisible illnesses. I hope more people understand about daily struggles of so many people out there.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My health is my main struggle. It has been incredibly difficult to be able to create content for my Instagram page while being so sick. In addition, gaslighting from medical community and from so many other people is incredibly defeating.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I believe fashion is a universal language. We are able to communicate who we are in the way we dress. And I am not talking about brands but about personal style. I have always loved color even though many people made fun of me over the years. But it is who I am. I wear colorful outfits because it makes me happy. So many people have messaged me how seeing my posts brings happiness to their daily life. And that makes me so happy. Through fashion and my page, I am able to talk about being chronically ill, my struggles and hopes and dreams. I am incredibly thankful for all my followers who support my passion every day.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My amazing mama! She takes most of my pictures with my phone and have been incredibly supportive since I started my Instagram page. She is also my biggest cheerleader in my health journey.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.LenasWorld.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panthere_instyle/
