From Cancer to Clean Living: One Mother's Entrepreneurial Journey

What happens when your world completely transforms in a single week? For Gwen Gardner, founder of Simply Chicking Clothing, that pivotal moment arrived over 20 years ago when she received news of both pregnancy and breast cancer within days of each other. Rather than surrendering to fear, Gwen made a powerful declaration: "There is no way that I'm going to die while I'm creating life."This episode takes us deep into Gwen's remarkable journey of healing, transformation, and entrepreneurship. As she researched how to support her body through cancer treatment while nurturing a new life, Gwen discovered what she calls "the dirty secret" of conventional cotton - that it's treated with seven of the most carcinogenic chemicals known, many originally developed as war-time nerve agents. This revelation sparked a passion for creating truly clean, organic cotton baby clothes that would be safe for the most delicate skin while bringing humor and heart to eco-conscious parenting.Gwen's practical wisdom shines throughout our conversation as she shares how she built a business as a single mother with limited resources. From creating childcare co-ops with friends to making the most of early morning hours (what she calls "the six o'clock club"), her strategies offer hope to anyone juggling multiple priorities while pursuing their passion. Most powerfully, she reveals how building community helped transform her natural shyness into confidence, joining multiple networking groups and creating connections that sustained both her business and spirit through challenging times. Whether you're facing health challenges, considering entrepreneurship, or simply trying to live more intentionally, Gwen's philosophy that "confidence parallels vulnerability" provides a refreshing framework for moving forward with courage, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.For more Divas That Care Network Episodes visit www.divasthatcare.com