Some days I feel like I’m running a marathon with my heart pounding out of my chest—except I’ve barely made it to the kitchen. That’s life with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). If you know, you know.
Running a business with POTS is a whole other rodeo. Between the brain fog, fatigue, dizziness, and trying to manage symptoms while raising kids, it's not always pretty—but it’s mine, and I keep showing up.
Here’s how I manage it all (and what I’ve learned along the way):
🥤 1. Electrolytes Are My Best Friend
I keep electrolyte packets everywhere—my purse, my car, my store. I drink half my body weight in ounces of water every day, and I stick with clean options that won’t spike my blood pressure or crash my blood sugar.
🧦 2. Compression Socks & Crate Time
Yes, even in the Texas heat, I wear compression socks when I have to be on my feet a lot. It helps prevent the blood from pooling in my legs. If I feel symptoms coming on, I sit down, put my legs up, and let my nervous system chill for a minute. Sometimes, business has to pause so my body doesn’t crash.
🧠3. Brain Fog Is Real—So I Plan Around It
I try to schedule the hardest tasks for mid-morning, when I’m the clearest. I keep lists, set timers, and work in batches—blog content one day, photos another, marketing posts when I have the mental energy. I’ve learned to stop beating myself up for not doing it all at once.
🥗 4. Food Is Fuel (and Sometimes My Trigger)
I had to completely change the way I eat—no more pepperoni pizza or heavy carbs that send my heart rate skyrocketing. I stick to high-protein, low-carb meals that are kind to my blood sugar, liver, and digestive system. I meal prep simple, toddler-approved meals to stay on track even when life gets chaotic.
🧊 5. Cooling Off to Keep from Crashing
Mini waist fan, misting water bottle, ice water face dips—I don’t care if I look ridiculous. When my body starts to overheat, everything else goes sideways. Cooling down quickly is one of the best tricks I’ve found to calm my nervous system.
🛍️ 6. Events, Online Orders, and Fighting for My Dream
My storefront isn’t always open right now. I’ve been focusing on events across Texas and doing everything I can behind the scenes while managing my health. But I am still working—I’m always open online, and I take local appointments, too.
I want my customers to know: I may not always be physically present, but I’m always fighting to keep this dream alive.
I’m constantly learning, researching, and educating myself—because I will find answers. I will get stronger. And I will make it to Vegas this December. I’ve come too far to give up on that dream now.
đź’Ş 7. Grace, Grit, and Getting Back Up
Some days I can’t do it all. I’ve had to learn to give myself grace. Rest is not weakness—it’s strategy. And asking for help? That’s not quitting. That’s surviving.
I’ve built Double Bar S Western Wear around my limitations, not despite them. Because there are other women out there—mamas, business owners, fighters—just like me, who need to know they’re not alone.
🤠Final Thoughts:
Living with POTS while running a business is like trying to ride a bull with one hand tied behind your back—but I’m still holding on. I’m still building. And every day I show up is a win.
If you’re fighting something invisible too—keep going, sis. There’s still room for your dreams.