westie81

Apart from getting to a point where I felt so low about myself being on benefits, my sisters partner was diagnosed with terminal Cancer. It made me realise that I was alive but scared of living. The sunglasses had actually been something I'd always wanted to do. I designed fashion products as a hobby (never thinking I could do anything with them). I wore boring black sunglasses a lot to avoid eye contact with people. Plus because everyone wears black shades, everyone just blends in. But then when I started getting outside I decided I didn't want to hide any more. So I started sketching really bold designs. Seeing as employment was not really an option, I decided to take the leap and start a business of my own

It was instant panic. My whole body fell apart and I couldn't hold on to a single thought except 'run away as fast as you can'. It was very intense and very exhausting. It honestly felt like I was dying.

Well the sunglasses industry is worth a great deal. I believe its about $3.5 billion worldwide. They are a great fashion accessory, as well as a necessity for good eye health during sunnier times.

Does it help to be an extroverted salesperson? Some of the best sales people I have met are not extroverts at all. It helps to be confident in your product. It also helps to be able to communicate effectively. Yes you do need to go outside of your comfort zone to some level, but I'm no extrovert and I've managed fine :)

I love my life now. Its an amazing feeling to combat a phobia and realise everything your mind was telling you was actually not true at all. I love experiencing new things now. It feels like I'm making up for lost time.

I am certainly a stronger person. I go out and get what I want now. If someone stands in my way then I go do it any way. Its better to try and fail than to not try at all.

I have a lot of the classic Aspergers traits which have obviously affected my experience of the world. For example I find facial expressions quite difficult to read, I tend to take things quite literally (so sarcasm can go over my head a bit). I am also hyper sensitive to sound and touch. For example I hear all sounds at once and struggle to filter or concentrate on things. So in a room with lots of people talking I can't focus on just one conversation, I hear everything (including ambient noises like the fridge humming, the clock ticking and footsteps walking back and forth). I tend to walk around listening to music because it drowns all other sounds out.

I find it difficult to get to know people, even though I want to! I can take over a conversation about myself and my interests (I have been told many times!). Its not all bad though. I have adapted and I'm always working on improving myself.