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Starting Gastro Girl: A Mission Born From Purpose

When I first started Gastro Girl, it was just a blog—a small corner of the internet where I could share information and connect with people who were suffering in silence. Back then, digestive health wasn’t a topic anyone was talking about openly, despite how deeply it affected so many lives.  I wanted to create a space where people could find answers, feel less alone, and know

I couldn’t have imagined the path it would take me on. Evolving Gastro Girl along with my business partner, wasn’t just about building a business—it was about creating something that could make a real difference. At its core, Gastro Girl was born from a desire to connect, educate, and empower those navigating the often-overwhelming world of digestive health. What I didn’t realize then was how much this mission would test and transform me.

In the early days, I poured everything I had into making Gastro Girl a trusted brand—emotionally, financially, and creatively. I was also facing challenges in my personal life, including a traumatic and life-changing divorce.  At times, it felt like the odds were stacked against me. I doubted myself, made mistakes, and experienced moments where success seemed out of reach.

But here’s the thing about adversity: it has a way of teaching you what you’re truly made of. Every setback became a lesson, and every failure shaped the resilience I needed to keep moving forward. I learned how to ask for help, to pivot when things weren’t working, and to stay focused on the bigger picture even when the day-to-day felt overwhelming.

The truth is, there were many sacrifices along the way—personal, professional, and financial. There were moments I wondered if I’d ever get to a place where I felt truly successful. But through it all, I held onto the belief that the work I was doing mattered—that Gastro Girl mattered.

The Emotional Side of Founding a Mission-Driven Business

The rise in interest around digestive health was exciting, but it also brought unexpected challenges. Many conversations with companies entering the space felt more competitive than collaborative. Navigating this environment often left me questioning whether I was doing enough or if Gastro Girl could stand out in such a crowded field. It was a humbling experience that forced me to confront my own anxieties and fears.

As a founder, I’ve faced many moments of self-doubt, feeling like I wasn’t living up to the vision I set out to achieve. Anxiety often crept in, fueled by the pressures of building a business during personal upheaval, financial strain, and an ever-changing landscape. There were days when I felt like a failure, unsure if I could keep going.

One of the hardest parts of this journey was staying openhearted and giving in a space that often felt dominated by competition. Collaboration has always been at the heart of what I do—it’s what Gastro Girl was built on. But in an increasingly competitive environment, it was difficult not to feel vulnerable or discouraged. My natural inclination is to work together, to create something better with others, and to support the shared goal of helping patients.

At times, my openness and willingness to share felt mismatched with the competitive nature of the industry, leaving me questioning whether collaboration and mutual growth were truly possible. While there were moments of sadness and defeat, they fueled my determination to stay true to my values and keep pushing forward.

What drove me—what still drives me—is listening to patients and healthcare providers. Hearing patients share their struggles, their resilience, and their determination to find answers reminded me why this work matters. Their experiences reflected so many of my own fears and challenges, and they strengthened my commitment to creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

At the same time, listening to healthcare providers’ challenges illuminated how much work still needs to be done. Providers are doing their best within a complex and often fragmented system, and their dedication inspired us at Gastro Girl to build bridges between patients and providers—ensuring that conversations lead to better understanding and care.

These stories weren’t just inspiring; they were a call to action. They reminded me that every piece of content, every tool, and every connection through Gastro Girl could make a difference. The resilience of patients, the dedication of providers, and the hope for true collaboration continue to push me to show up, even on the hardest days, and to keep striving for a mission that truly matters.