Living a gluten free lifestyle can often feel like a challenging journey, but it doesn’t have to be one you navigate alone! That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new blog feature: Coeliac Superheroes. In this series, we’ll shine a spotlight on inspiring individuals who live with coeliac disease or are following a gluten free diet. Our aim is to create a supportive community where you can find practical tips, delicious recipes and heartfelt stories from those who truly understand the gluten free life.
To kick off our series, we are so excited to introduce Laura from Coelaic Sisters, who is a beacon of positivity and a source of invaluable support for the gluten free community. Through her social media and clothing brand, Coeliac Sisters, she shares her journey, relatability and beautiful apparel dedicated to those who are gluten free.
Introducing our first Coeliac Super Hero: Laura from Coeliac Sisters!
My name is Laura, I’m from Cambridge and I’ve had Coeliac Disease for about 9 years now! I have a degree in graphic design, and absolutely love animals. I’ve always had pets, and used to have a bearded dragon- which I thought was the coolest thing ever ( I think I was one of the only people who thought that though.. )
Describe your life prior to your Coeliac Disease diagnosis.
Prior to my diagnosis, I had a pretty normal life, with a side of illness every now and again which at the time was something I thought was completely normal! But other than that, I was your average shy, introverted girl!
How did you find out you had coeliac disease? Did you suspect it before hand?
Before being diagnosed with Coeliac Disease I really didn’t have a clue what it was. In fact, I only knew one other person with it, and never really paid enough attention to know what it was. My diagnosis came after about a months spell of feeling really sick after every meal I ate. It got to the point where I began to realise that it couldn’t be normal- and so at the age of sixteen I convinced my mum to take me to the doctors. I was really lucky with my diagnosis, purely as after listing my symptoms to my local GP he immediately identified that what I was experiencing were all symptoms of Coeliac Disease. And now looking back on it, these symptoms go back right the way to when I was aged six or seven.. thats a lot of what I thought were stomach bugs!
What advice would you give to someone who has recently been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease?
My advice to anyone newly diagnosed with Coeliac Disease is somewhat unconventional, but is honestly something that has helped me more than I can explain. And that thing is Social media. Social media is where I have been able to find food recommendations, amazing product alternatives, and even connected with a community of people who understand exactly what I have been going through. I always say that when anyone is diagnosed with Coeliac Disease, they should be referred to instagram, as it is a hub of gluten free ideas, and likeminded people!
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since going gluten-free? How did you overcome them?
Continuing on from the topic of new diagnosis, my most challenging times having Coeliac Disease probably all occurred within the first year of two of being diagnosed. Coming to terms with my own diet was one challenge, but what was far more challenging was explaining it to other people. I can remember one circumstance where I was in college, and the teacher had brought in cakes for everyone. As I was always really shy, I didn’t want to make a big deal out the fact that I couldn’t have one, but when they were passed around and it was my turn to take one, I didn’t expect to be questioned so much as to why I didn’t want one. Whilst my Coeliac Disease is nothing to be embarrassed of, I was embarrassed by the attention being all on me at that moment, and I just knew that even beginning to explain myself would be challenging!
Over time, my confidence has improved drastically and has helped me so much in those types of situations. Having Coeliac disease has meant I have had to become more confident explaining myself in certain situations, and from that my confidence has grown hugely.
Tell us a little about your brand Coeliac Sisters. What inspired you to set up your own business?
The story behind Coeliac Sisters is actually really simple, as I simply decided one day that I would love a t-shirt that referenced the fact I had Coeliac Disease. Before even realising there was such a large gluten free community online, I really wanted to meet other people who were in the same boat as me, and thought what better way to start a conversation than to have it on a t-shirt? I then posted about it online, and it turns out a lot of people also wanted a gluten free t-shirt, and so, the idea was born. The name; ‘Coeliac Sisters’, then came from this community aspect. I liked the idea that I could create a community, and be your fellow Coeliac Sister.. and so, I went from there!
How do you feel knowing you’ve grown a community around your brand? Have there been any pleasant surprises?
Although the idea of growing a community had always been something in the back of my mind, I’m not sure I ever fully believed that I would be able to do it, neither did I ever imagine I would have made genuine friends, met such lovely people, and worked with so many amazing brands. There have perhaps been too many pleasant surprises to list! Something that does stick out to me was the fact that I was waiting for a train a random station in London a few weeks ago, and a lovely group of girls recognised me from following me on social media and knowing about my little brand.. WHAT!
Describe your ideal gluten free breakfast, lunch & dinner.
I am a massive foodie, so I could probably answer this question in a thousand different ways. Being gluten free has certainly not affected my relationship with food in the sense that I still love it!
Ideal Gluten Free Breakfast
If I had to choose, I would probably have a typical english breakfast; eggs, mushrooms, bacon, sausages and beans. Perhaps a slice of gluten free toast too!
Ideal Gluten Free Lunch
For lunch I’d probably go for some sort of sandwich or wrap, a chicken and lettuce wrap is something I can never get bored of!
Ideal Gluten Free Dinner
And last but not least, I’d have steak and chips for dinner. M&S does a lovely gluten free peppercorn sauce!
Keep up with Laura!
A big THANK YOU to Laura for being our first ever Coeliac Superhero! If you’d like to keep up with Laura and Coeliac Sisters, you can follow her on Instagram at @coeliacsistersxo or visit www.coeliacsisters.com.
