After quitting her job to start her own business, a mysterious pain altered her life drastically.

Collette Beckett, a young entrepreneur from Chester, is facing a significant change in her life due to a serious health condition. Collette had been doing well with her clothing brand, Jet Black Clothing, which she started during the COVID-19 lockdown after pursuing her passion for sewing since childhood. She was 24 when she launched her business, initially focusing on festival-style outfits. This success allowed her to leave her job at a makeup counter and dedicate herself fully to her clothing line.

Unfortunately, everything took a turn for the worse in September 2023 when Collette began suffering from excruciating pain in her hip. The intensity of the pain was so overwhelming that she described it as something that could “take your breath away.” Initially thinking it might be appendicitis, Collette visited her doctor several times, but her concerns were continuously dismissed.

The pain left her reliant on a hot water bottle and painkillers to manage daily life. It became unbearable, leading her family to rush her to the emergency room. However, she had to wait six months for a colonoscopy, which only added to her distress. Eventually, she was able to secure a last-minute appointment, and it was there that she received a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease—an inflammatory condition affecting her digestive system.

Collette shared that the symptoms of Crohn’s can vary widely, but in her case, the primary issue was the severe pain. She explained how challenging it was to diagnose her condition since she only had pain without other apparent symptoms. Crohn’s disease is chronic and not curable, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms.

Coming to terms with her diagnosis has been tough for Collette. She expressed feeling a deep sense of loss for the life she used to have. Travel now comes with new considerations, including dietary restrictions and the need for medication. Collette reflected on how she grieved the thought that simple things like eating out could be complicated, as she might have to avoid certain foods that trigger her symptoms.

After her diagnosis, Collette started paying attention to her food triggers, discovering that red meat caused her the most pain. She had a painful experience after eating steak while dining with her family, which left her bedridden for three days.

Despite these struggles, Collette found some relief through medication. She described the difference as “night and day,” noting that since July, she hasn’t had significant pain episodes, allowing her to return to her usual activities. While side effects from her medication still occur, such as fatigue and occasional headaches, she manages these challenges better now.

Collette’s diagnosis has also impacted her business. Unable to keep up with the demands of hand-making clothes, she made the decision to shift Jet Black Clothing to a manufactured model, transitioning production to a factory. This shift is ongoing, but she believes it will help alleviate the pressure of managing all aspects of the business alone, from sewing to marketing and social media.

She feels hopeful about what the future holds for her designs and is excited to reach a broader audience. Overall, Collette is navigating her illness with resilience and adapting her professional life to accommodate her health needs, all while continuing to look forward with optimism.