Entrepreneurs with Chronic Illness Who Built Thriving Businesses

Entrepreneurship is challenging enough without the additional complexities of chronic illness. Starting and growing a business demands long hours, consistent energy, and the ability to pivot through uncertainty—tasks that are tough even on the best days.

For individuals living with chronic conditions, the journey is compounded by the unpredictability of symptoms, medical appointments, and the need for rest and recovery. Balancing business growth with physical and emotional well-being can feel like an uphill battle.

However, three inspiring women, Sarah Stern, Meredith Mangold, and Melissa Bronstein, members of the Chronic Boss Collective (CBC), are demonstrating that success is achievable by honoring their health, strengths, and passions.

We are proud to highlight these trailblazing members who are not only building thriving businesses but also redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur living with chronic illness. Their stories are powerful reminders that resilience, creativity, and purpose can turn limitations into leadership.

Sarah Stern: Designing with Care and Purpose 

Sarah Stern founded With Care Creative, driven by her mission to make complex health information visually accessible. Living with serious autoimmune and mental health conditions, Sarah understands the critical importance of clear, compassionate communication in healthcare.

Her portfolio includes esteemed clients like the CDC, AARP, and Philips, alongside numerous patient advocacy groups and innovative healthcare startups.

Managing her own health has required Sarah to redefine traditional notions of productivity. She emphasizes the necessity of creating timelines that honor wellness, not just for herself but also for her clients with chronic illnesses.

“Health and wellness are often measured by whether you can function in a traditional workplace environment,” Sarah explains. “It’s hard to trust myself to chart my own path outside of that model.” The support and mentorship from CBC and Michelle Irving have been pivotal in helping her navigate the demands of entrepreneurship while maintaining her well-being.

For Sarah, running her business is about reshaping healthcare narratives: “I feel happiest when I can create timelines that take wellness into account—not just for me, but for my clients with chronic illness, too.”

Related Article: The “Accidental” 6-Figure Entrepreneur Phenomenon

Meredith Mangold: Empowering Healthcare Innovation Through Patient Experience

Meredith Mangold, founder of Empower Health Strategies, transformed her personal battle with severe ulcerative colitis, POTS, and EDS into a career advocating for patient-centered healthcare innovation.

Initially involved in patient advocacy, Meredith leveraged her lived experience to influence the development of patient-friendly digital health tools. Her expertise has made her a sought-after consultant in developing apps, telehealth platforms, and remote monitoring systems.

The path wasn’t easy—after years of severe health challenges, Meredith found strength and practical support through CBC. “Having support from CBC members like Lauren Perna, who helped me prioritize my health while growing my business, has been invaluable,” Meredith shared.

The community provided sound guidance, helping her establish boundaries, achieve certification as a Certified Patient Experience Professional, and quickly grow her business.

“Being part of CBC helped me navigate imposter syndrome and gave me validation that my expertise as both a patient and strategist is crucial in healthcare,” Meredith emphasizes. The collaborative network she cultivated through CBC—including partnerships with Sarah Stern and others—helped her overcome challenges, affirming the immense value of patient insight in healthcare innovation.

Related Article: Sleep Strategies for Women with Chronic Conditions

Melissa Bronstein: Supporting High-Achieving Women with Chronic Health Challenges

Melissa Bronstein, a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), established a virtual private therapy practice in Massachusetts tailored to high-achieving women managing chronic health conditions.

Diagnosed with POTS and endometriosis herself, Melissa’s personal and professional experiences deeply inform her therapeutic approach. Her practice uniquely addresses the emotional complexities faced by ambitious individuals navigating chronic illness.

Melissa highlights the critical need for therapists who deeply understand chronic health conditions, enabling her clients to feel genuinely supported without the emotional labor of constant explanation. Finding the Chronic Boss Collective (CBC) has been a game-changer for Melissa, providing her with a like-minded community of ambitious women navigating similar experiences.

Traditional online health support groups often felt overwhelming, but CBC offered a space where she could connect with other entrepreneurs who share both professional aspirations and an understanding of the realities of chronic illness.

“Being an entrepreneur means wearing so many hats at once, and having a community that uplifts and supports you makes all the difference,” she shares.

In addition to her private practice, Melissa is also a mental health writer and content reviewer for digital health publications such as Verywell Health and Health.com, expanding her impact beyond one-on-one therapy.

Her advice for other entrepreneurs with chronic conditions? Trust your own journey. “There are so many opportunities to compare yourself to others, but remembering that your path is yours—and that your needs matter—is incredibly important.”

Sarah, Meredith, and Melissa showcase the resilience and innovation achievable by entrepreneurs living with chronic illnesses.

If their stories resonate with you and you’re interested in connecting with a supportive community that understands your unique challenges, consider learning more about the Chronic Boss Collective and how it can empower your entrepreneurial journey.