Dyslexia: Positively Unique!
October 8, 2015
Dyslexia Awareness Week 2015: Day 4
Thursday 8th October 2015.
Allow me to introduce to you to the third of my seven, 2015 fabulous dyslexics!
Each dyslexia awareness week (starting last year) I intend to feature 7 of my favourite inspirational dyslexics from the past year: I ask them a set of questions (slightly adjusted depending on age and occupation) to which they provide the answers. My aim? Well it simply to inspire and raise awareness about us dyslexics and about dyslexia!
My fourth local inspirational dyslexic is full of talent, passion and determination! and in all honesty since meeting her just over a year ago (and I’m quite sure she doesn’t realise this) that she is truly inspires me, when i think of this lady I always smile and in a exceptionally good way I am filled with calm, hope and a belief! – Thank you Lindy!
Lindy Smith
Positivly Unique!
Name: Lindy Smith
Age (optional): 51
Business name: Lindy’s Cakes Ltd
A brief description of what you/your business do/does: I am a highly creative multi-award winning cake designer. I am also a best-selling international cake decorating author, with my much anticipated fifteenth book ‘Simply Modern Wedding Cakes’ being published next spring. I have over 24 years experience within the sugarcraft industry. My passion is for design and colour which I love to share with my students and readers from around the world. My company, supplies, via it’s online shop, quality cake decorating products including my own ranges of sugarcraft cutters, cookie cutters and cake decorating stencils. My latest venture is launching myself back into the world of luxury wedding cakes, which is incredibly exciting.
Location: In the beautiful South Shropshire Hills
When did you find out you were dyslexic?: When I was growing up the word dyslexia wasn’t used as it is today. I knew that I wasn’t like other children, I found it incredibly difficult to learn to read and spelling was impossible!! At junior school I was tested and given extra help but it wasn’t until I was older that the word dyslexia was mentioned by one of my maths teachers. At the time I was extremely good at maths but my teacher, in front of the whole class, wanted to know if I still had dyslexia!!! Of course I had dyslexia, I just didn’t know the word!
How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?: Not at all surprised!
What difference has it made, if any, to your life since you found out you are dyslexic?: Despite all the struggles that go with being dyslexic and there are many, I see having dyslexia as a huge bonus, it’s what makes me different, what makes me stand out from the crowd, it is why I can think outside the box and have so many creative ideas. My brain doesn’t work in the same way as others, so I often have the competitive advantage. Dyslexia has made me who and what I am.
What advice would you offer to other dyslexics?: Embrace dyslexia, it makes you special. Play to all your strengths and use it to your advantage. For the tasks you find difficult or dread, ask for help or find alternative ways and remember dyslexia is nothing to do with intelligence.
What do you do to relax/hobbies?: I have a gorgeous golden retriever whom I walk everyday. I love my garden and find it the perfect way to switch off and relax. I like to read good books curled up by my log burner and ever since I was young I’ve been interested in photography.
Your website & business contact details:
www.lindyscakes.co.uk
Anything you want to add?: Dyslexia runs in my family, my mother and grandmother, although never tested, are/were dyslexic and my son was found to be dyslexic when he was 16. It has made a huge difference to him, he’s been given computer hardware and software to help, and most importantly, extra time in his exams. He’s currently in his third year of uni doing Chemical engineering – I’m a proud mum!
Today being day 5 of the 2014 Dyslexia Awareness Week it gives me great pleasure to introduce you tomy next inspirational and another of my favourite dyslexics; Nicola Rust, she is creative, positive and proactive!
Name:
Nicola Rust
Age (optional):
31
Business name:
In The Shed
A brief description of what you/your business do/does:
I am a graphic designer as well as a dreamer, believer, optimist and creator. Yes, I do actually work in a shed, and I am joined everyday by my adorable Chihuahua Boo.
I work with clients small and large, local and international on a range of design projects including magazines, invitations, brand identity and corporate literature. My work varies from very corporate work to very pretty and much more crafty and I am planning to launch my own range of invitation designs very soon.
Area you live/your business is based:
Shrewsbury
When did you find out you were dyslexic?
When I was 20, at University. I had been browsing through a magazine and stumbled upon an article about ADHD. As I often do with magazines, I read the pull out boxes first before committing to the whole article. It contained a checklist of symptoms to see if your child might be ADHD, and there I was at the age of 20, sat in my halls of residence ticking most of them off. I joked about it with my tutor one afternoon, and having previously mentioned to him I felt I was struggling to understand some of the literature we had been given, he suggested I might be dyslexic.
How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?
Finding out felt like a relief, an answer. It hadn’t been obvious before as I didn’t really know or understand what dyslexia actually was. It made sense when somebody explained. Looking back, there were habits, traits, and sometimes mistakes, which at the time I just brushed off. I would never have thought they would be related to dyslexia. I have always felt different to others. Even though I would brush off certain traits as just being me, there was something inside that still bugged me. Not knowing why I felt different to others. Now it started to make sense.
Like anything though, I couldn’t just accept dyslexia was the answer and leave it at that. Just because there was a name I could attach to some of my behaviours, I needed to understand what that meant and why it happens? I went on to research more about what dyslexia is, and have since grown to understand how it affects me.
What difference has it made, if any, to your life /business since you found out you are dyslexic?
Rather than dyslexia make a difference to my business, I actually believe that running my business has had a really positive impact on being dyslexic.
I have found that by having the control and flexibility of running my own business, it has considerably improved skills that I previously found difficult because of dyslexia. I used to find some of my dyslexic traits such as poor time keeping, organisation, time management really challenging. Running a business has meant I have found and developed my own ways of improving these skills and have noticed a huge improvement in how I plan and manage my time both in life and in business.
What advice would you offer to other dyslexics?
My biggest piece of advice is to be aware of how you refer to dyslexia. Whether you refer to your own experience of dyslexia or to someone else’s, some word choices can be very negative and therefore damaging to confidence and motivation.
Words have a very powerful influence on how we feel, and certain words can be very negative and disabling.
For example, referring to dyslexia as a ‘problem’ is very negative. Yes dyslexia does have its challenges of course, but I believe that calling it a ‘problem’ can be harmful. I have heard many people refer dyslexia as a problem, for example I have heard parents say “The problem with my child is…” in relation to their dyslexia. I believe that can have a really negative impact on how dyslexia is viewed both by the parent and the child.
Dyslexia is a different way of thinking. Dyslexia is neither better nor worse. It’s just different. Of course it has its challenges, and yes they may be difficult. But I truly believe that dyslexia should not be referred to as a ‘problem’. It is a different way of thinking and therefore creates a need for a different way of learning.
Another example of words that can have an negative impact are words such as ‘struggle’ or ‘can’t’. For example, if you say you struggle with something, you will struggle with it, or if you say you can’t do something then you won’t. A good replacement is to change the word ‘struggle’ to ‘challenge’. What could have been a ‘struggle’ now becomes do-able. It may not be easy, but it is achievable and much more motivating.
This was some of the most powerful advice I was given and has totally changed the way I talk about dyslexia now.
What do you do to relax/hobbies?
I love walking my little dog Boo. She joins me every day in the shed, and it is a great escape from sitting at the desk to get out and take her for a walk.
Anything you want to add?
The best book I read, and one of the easiest, mainly because it made sense, is The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald D. Davis. It explained how the dyslexic brain behaves differently and why all those little habits and traits I had, such as being clumsy, being late for school (often) and irritating others with my legs shaking uncontrollably under the desk, are connected. It was a series of light bulb moments as I read each chapter, certainly worth a read to find out more.
Your website & business contact details:
http://www.in-theshed.co.uk
Eli’s Note:
If you would like to read more about Nicolas experiences with Dyslexia, please feel free to have a read of her blog “Thinking Differently?”
http://in-theshed.co.uk/blog-item.php?id=26
Eli’s top 7 favourite dyslexics – 2014 Dyslexia Awareness Week
November 6, 2014
Welcome to my blog …i know, I don’t post anything for ages then you get one a day for seven days!
Today i would like to introduce you to the lovely Clare, a bright, bubbly, freindly, kind and inspirational dyslexic, whos answers to my questions i hope will help to inspire you on day 4 of Dyslexia Awareenss Week!
Name:
Clare Mason
Age (optional):
25
Business name:
Nutshell Bridgnorth
A brief description of what you/your business do/does:
Nutshell Bridgnorth is an online ladies boutique. We attend various shows, markets, events and Girls Nights with our accessories. We stock beautiful Italian Leather handbags, Scarves, Jewellery and other ladies accessories.
As well as running Nutshell Bridgnorth, I am also an Independent Social Worker.
Area you live/your business is based:
Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
When did you find out you were dyslexic?
My final year at university (2010) following my tutor picking up points in my assignments that indicated that I was dyslexic.
How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?
When being informed I was dyslexic I think things started to fit into place as to why I struggled with certain tasks. I felt frustrated that this hadn’t been picked up/recognised earlier so that I could have benefited from more guidance and support, rather than having to struggle through college and university, especially with written assignments.
What difference has it made, if any, to your life /business since you found out you are dyslexic?
Finding out that I am dyslexic has answered some of the questions to why I do things in certain ways.
What advice would you offer to other dyslexics?
Don’t feel silly or stupid and certainly don’t let it hold you back!
What do you do to relax/hobbies?
When not working I enjoy spending time with my dogs. I enjoy attending dog shows and participating in team displays for The Good Citizens Dog Scheme. I have been part of team displays with my dogs at Crufts for a number of years which I feel is a great achievement.
Anything you want to add?
Your website & business contact details:
Website: http://www.nutshell-bridgnorth.co.uk
Facebook: ‘NutshellBridgnorth’
3 of 7: Eli’s favourite inspirational dyslexics Q&A’s for 2014 Dyslexia Awareness Week
November 5, 2014
Thank you for visiting my blog, today i would like to introduce you to another favourite dyslexic of mine, the lovely Rosie …
Name: Rosie Beswick
Age (optional): 56
Business name: Rosie Consulting
A brief description of what you/your business do/does: Business Consultancy and Market Research
Area you live/your business is based: SHREWSBURY
When did you find out you were dyslexic? Put a name to my ‘problem’ in 2011
How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?
Angry as I realised all my life people had either ignored (parents and some teachers) or put me down as lazy or stupid. I just thought I had an inability to take stuff in despite having an IQ of 150
What difference has it made, if any, to your life /business since you found out you are dyslexic?
I stopped feeling guilty, so core confidence improved, but still would like to improve my memory etc. I want to read books and actually enjoy or finish. Lot of catching up to do.
What advice would you offer to other dyslexics?
Think something wrong? Don’t accept being dismissed but go and find out. No child coming through now, should be missed!
What do you do to relax/hobbies?
Walk, listen to audio books, listen to music, spend time in countryside
Anything you want to add?
Don’t blame yourself, but do not use it as a hide behind. You need to admit you have it and work hard to find ways to get around or get help. I have found many ways to work around but if I had known earlier I would have been reading books now. I am told too old to relearn but not so sure! Computers are the best tool ever. Before modern computers my life was 100% harder, right when I was building my career.
Your website & business contact details:
http://www.rosieconsulting.com
01743 8849972
rosie@rosieconsulting.com
Eli’s Note:
Rosie is also part of a group of fabulous ladies (Rosie, Kelly & Leigh) who set up run a ladies networking group, called Network With Style, based in Shrewsbury in Shropshire. over teh last 8 years they ahve inspired and supported countless local busienss women, and raise money for a charity called Headway at christmas their events each year. – we thank you x
Eli’s top 7 favourite dyslexics – 2014 Dyslexia Awareness Week
November 3, 2014
Elizabeth is celebrating 2014’s Dyslexia Awareness Week, by inviting 7 of her favourite dyslexics to answer the following questions.
Posting their responses to her questiosn here over the coming week … in the hopes that they will inspire you as much as they have her!
Name:
Denise McGowan
Age (optional):
45 (in 2 weeks time!)
Business name:
Evanji Limited
A brief description of what you/your business do/does:
Specialists in the ancient Arabic Art of hair removal by hand sugaring. We teach others how to perfect this skill, along with having courses in all beauty and holistic therapies. Those without a beauty background can start a new career or add to what they already do. The sugaring element is a friendly franchise enabling us to help and support them to grow a business. We manufacture the sugarpastes, providing them internationally.
Area you live/your business based:
Live in Market Drayton but business is nationwide and international.
When did you find out you were dyslexic?
A year ago.
How did you feel when you found out you were dyslexic?
It answered a lot of questions about why I see things differently to others or have a different learning style. Having previously been a secondary school teacher it also made sense of why I have very adaptable learning and teaching styles. I had put my coping strategies down to a head injury, when in fact they were due to dyslexia.
What difference has it made, if any, to your life /business since you found out you are dyslexic?
I am able to identify my coping strategies and apply them more effectively. I can look at for technologies that will be able to help me, and people! I am not so hard on myself for not ‘getting’ certain things and do now ask for help if I don’t understand something…rather than thinking I should be able to understand it!
What advice would you offer to other dyslexics?
Anything is possible so don’t let other people set your boundaries! If you want to achieve something there is always a way if you talk to enough people.
What do you do to relax/hobbies?
Hmmm…I am a bit of a workaholic! I used to teach textiles and glass so I now do these as a hobby, making clothes from bras to ball gowns. I also make glass panels/windows and lamp shades. I enjoy going to the gym and love learning…so I am currently studying a level 3 national diploma in Marine Biology…Why? I am constantly asked…because I can!
Anything you want to add?
Never be embarrassed or worried about having a ‘label’ it’s kind of special as not everyone gets it…and not everyone will ‘get’ you…but that’s their problem!
Elizabeths Comments:
Denise recently won the Outstading Peronal Achevement Awards at the Biz mums 2014 Conference & Awards!
If you want to find out more about Denise & Evanji Limited please visit her website http://www.evanji.co.uk or you can text/call her on 07967 491845 and you can also follow her on twitter @evanjiSugaring
5th Birthday
January 31, 2012
January 31, 2012…
As I sit at my desk I am thinking back eight years and thinking of the research, discussions, idea storming, planning, dreaming and hard work that I have put into reaching 5 years of The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant being in business, and I smile as I realise that today is The DDC’s 5th Birthday and that tomorrow is the 1st day of my 6th year!
I vividly recall my visit to Priorslee Tax Office on the 31st January 2007, full of nerves and excitement they must have thought me slightly mad as I pronounced that I have come to notify them that I was officially self employed!
My very first client was a neighbour of the tax office, RICOH UK also in Priorslee; I was called in for consultation and to work with an employee, a fabulous lady who they were keen to help. Next client it was the Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering (D C A E) based at RAF Cosford here I was asked to build and deliver a bespoke training programme for 400 of their trainers. Since 2007 The DDC clients have included both corporate & private clients alike, be they schools, colleges, training agencies, parents, individuals, Academy’s, local fire service and many more.Services provided to date include training, teaching, staff development awareness, tuition sessions, one-to-one specialist tuition, dyslexia screening tests, Mears Irlen screening tests, consultations and advice & guidance and much more.
I would say the joint first place for job satisfaction is the Dyslexia and SPLD Awareness training that I deliver; the Gestalt moments, the moments where the penny drops and the people I’m training or teaching suddenly realise and start to believe and understand; what dyslexia is, how it effects their students, trainees or employees and then, the realisation that I was serious, when I told them that dyslexia really wasn’t about – reading, spelling & writing! Those moments are why I started The DDC. They are amazing moments!
The other joint first place is my work with individuals, the 1:1 specialist SpLD tuition that it is my privilege to provide. Exhausting work but so worthwhile, I get to work with the most amazing people. People who the compulsory education system is sadly letting or has in one way or another let them down, is failing or has failed them. These individuals who demonstrate a passion and determination with a thirst to learn and achieve that is second to none, are an absolute pleasure to work with! It is testament to their abilities that they learn so much in the short time I work with them.
A warm sense of achievement fills me as I reminisce over the last five years. All that has been achieved, all the people who have been enabled, trained and made aware that dyslexia isn’t about reading, writing and spelling! Then a jolt of realisation that this work is not finished, with approximately 30 before I reach retirement age, then makes me nauseous but exhilarated, as much as I did 5 years ago when starting The DDC … 30 years… I start to wonder the possibilities of how much more could be achieved in 30 years? How many more people can I reach, train and enable in that time …WOW now 35 years that really would be an achievement!
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