Proprietor:
Christina Henry, whose son has a peanut allergy, started Fiddledee IDs Medical ID Jewelry in 2005.
Business Description:
"We hand-make medical ID bracelets, necklaces, charms, and dog tags," Henry says of her business. "Each piece of jewelry is engraved to alert others to the wearer's medical condition. We also sell medical temporary tattoos, bag tags, and bike-helmet tags."
Parenting Connection:
"My son was fourteen months old when he was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy," recalls Henry. "I had just given him a little piece of toast with his first taste of peanut butter; he spit it out and promptly experienced facial swelling and hives! Since then he has had several reactions at school, but with education and careful planning, he has been just fine." Peanuts aren't the only risk factor in the family: Henry has a younger son who has a penicillin allergy. "This doesn't affect his day to day life, but it is something medical professionals should always know."
Business Inspiration:
In addition to her sons, Henry was inspired to create her IDs by her father's illness. "When my dad was going through chemotherapy, I remember sitting with him on the computer trying to find a medical bracelet or necklace to alert others to his condition. We just couldn't find one that he liked, and he ended up not wearing one. When my son was diagnosed with his peanut allergy, I started another search for a bracelet for him. When I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, I felt in my heart that I was meant to start a medical ID jewelry business. Later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31 and went through the whole chemo, surgery, radiation process. I became my own customer. My dad sure would have been proud."
Getting Started:
To start her ID business, "I took classes on jewelry design, photography, and web design, and got to work," Henry explains. "I also have a background in marketing and internet advertising." Her advice to other parents who want to start a business is, "Follow your heart ... and research your niche!"
Pros and Cons:
The best thing about the business, Henry says, is "I have shown my children how to work hard and use your imagination. Sometimes a good idea works and sometimes it doesn't!" The hardest thing? "Taking time away from my family on weekends and evenings to catch up." All the same, her children "think it's pretty neat their mom helps others!" Henry has gotten encouraging comments from customers, too. "It's wonderful when customers tell me that wearing a fancy medical ID bracelet or necklace has eased the burden for their child. I really hear that a lot."
Personal Reflections:
Looking back on the days after her son was diagnosed, Henry shares, "At first we were terrified and overwhelmed! We spent a lot of time reading and educating ourselves and others. We don't dwell on the foods and restaurants that we can't eat at, we just enjoy the ones we can." She says of her son, "He is such a very thoughtful and lovely little boy ... having a peanut allergy is a very small part of who he is."
