Entrepreneurs Thriving with Chronic Conditions: Meri Hannon
Written by Meri Hannon, Founder & Photographer of Meri Lee Photography
My Journey with Migraines and Pain
It took years to get properly diagnosed with chronic migraines and to find the right medication that could help ease my symptoms. There’s nothing worse than being completely incapacitated by a migraine, feeling nauseous, and unable to keep my eyes open. It doesn’t just affect my business; it impacts my entire family. When a migraine hits, we need to rearrange everything—my husband has to adjust his work schedule, and we need to find childcare coverage for our kids. Thankfully, my parents live in our in-law apartment and help us out. When they say ‘it takes a village,’ they’re absolutely right.
Adding to the challenge is my back pain, which started in 2010 when I was diagnosed with herniated discs. I went through physical therapy and monthly injections, and now, in the fall of 2024, I’m back in PT, attending weekly chiropractor visits, and starting injections again as my latest MRI shows more disc herniations. There are days when I feel utterly defeated and would love nothing more than to stay in bed and feel sorry for myself, but as a mom of five and a business owner, that’s not an option.
I’m learning to take things day by day and to give myself grace when I need it.
To anyone else navigating the challenges of chronic conditions, I encourage you to listen to your body and advocate for yourself. I’ve met many women who, like me, bury their struggles and power through with a smile. This isn’t sustainable. We need to prioritize our well-being so that we can truly show up for our families and our businesses.
My Professional Journey
I always knew I wanted to run my own business, but it wasn’t until my first son was born in 2012 that my passion for photography truly blossomed. I began to dream of turning this passion into a profession and even started drafting a business plan.
It took 11 years and three more babies before I finally took the leap to start my business, and now it gives me the flexibility to raise my kids and provide for my family, all while doing something I love. Creating everlasting memories for families to cherish is not just my job, but my passion, and I’m so grateful to be able to share it with others.
My chronic conditions have undoubtedly affected my business. It can be discouraging when a flare requires me to shuffle sessions around or put on a smile and work through pain. I’m not one to disappoint, so I often push through even when migraines or severe back pain make it challenging. Thankfully, I’ve been lucky to have understanding clients who support me through the tough times.
What It Means to Be a “Chronic Boss”
To me, being a “Chronic Boss” means having a community of warriors who support and uplift each other. We may face our own battles, but together, we are stronger.
In sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others living with chronic conditions to never let their health stop them from pursuing their passions.
To all the women out there, keep showing up for yourself, and don’t let your conditions dictate your life. You are in control, and you can overcome these challenges!
Meri Hannon is the Founder & Photographer of Meri Lee Photography, a family photographer here to help you capture the little moments and make big memories. She offers maternity, newborn, milestone, first-year shoots, and family photography to clients in the Boston area. When she isn’t taking your photo, you can find her spending time with her family on the south shore.
