Jenni Prokopy is a Babe first, and someone with chronic disability issues second. That’s why this young, hip woman with fibromyalgia started a site called ChronicBabe.com to connect with others like herself, including other women with disabilities.
The bright orange and hot pink let you know you’ve clicked on the right place for this media-savvy writer and speaker. Check out the articles on relationships, job interviews, what to eat, questions for a Babe.
We had a few questions for the self-avowed “hottie” creator of this super-fun site ourselves, and Jenni took time to tell us about how ChronicBabe began and her plans for the future.
DB: How did you get started with ChronicBabe? Did you have help?
JP: I started ChronicBabe.com as a way to share some of the ideas I have about living well in spite of illness. I thought it would just be a little blog, but before it was even "live" (we were still in design phase) we had hundreds of visitors, so I knew right away it would be bigger than I expected. I've let it grow organically ever since. My good friend Matt Mayes (http://www.stoptimestudio.com/) donated tons of time to design the original site. Eventually I hired him as my official web developer/designer because I needed so much more of his time. He is truly a partner on this project!
DB: What kind of feedback have you gotten so far on ChronicBabe, and how long has it been up?
JP: We have a robust readership, with whom I interact daily - and lots of loyal fans, which is very fulfilling. I started it in June 2005 and have been going strong ever since. (Wow,that means we have our 4-year anniversary coming up!)
DB: What have you learned about yourself since starting this site, and working with others with chronic illness, that you didn’t know before you started ChronicBabe?
JP: One of the most important things I've learned is that I have knowledge that helps people. Even though I know I'm not perfect and don't always manage my life and illnesses the "best" way, I still have lots of advice and support to offer - and the ability to wrangle other people into help, too, which is really fun. I also have learned a lot about boundaries; many of my readers need a lot of support, which I can't always give (and I have to fight the urge to spend all my time doing so). But I try to point everyone to other helpful resources and supply as much information as I can at the site, so there's always something for everyone.
DB: Do you have any new plans coming up for ChronicBabe? New features/articles, etc?
JP: I'm working on a podcast program, and we're building a forum so readers can interact more and talk more about what they're reading. I anticipate that being a great resource for them AND for me and the other folks who work on ChronicBabe.com.
DB: Where would you like to see ChronicBabe in five or 10 years?
JP: I would love to see it grow significantly, especially with the forum, and I would love to have a weekly podcast, ebooks, lots of speaking opportunities and a yearly ChronicBabe retreat with speakers and other great resources. No matter what I do, I will always make sure ChronicBabe keeps growing and evolving to meet the needs of our readers - fellow women with disabilities, AKA, ChronicBabes!
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