Proprietors:
Nicole Braidwood started Level Living in 2008, after leaving a similar business, ID4U Designs, to go out on her own.
Business Description:
"Level Living is an on-line retail business specializing in reliable medical ID jewelry and diabetes accessories," says Braidwood. "The product range is reliable and reasonably priced, and consists of badges, dog tags, leather and waterproof ID, and even watches. Level Living does its engraving in-house to cater to personal medical needs."
Parenting Connection:
Braidwood has two daughters with Type 1 diabetes, both on insulin pump therapy. "Our youngest daughter was diagnosed in December 2008," Braidwood recalls. "Even though I had been told by the specialist it was a matter of when, not if, I was in shock. I had this underlying belief that she wasn't going to get it, she would be okay. Since the diagnosis, she has been much healthier and happier."
Time Investment:
Level Living is a full-time job for Braidwood, who says, "I love doing things for people, especially trying to make things a little better for children. Our family lives with Type 1 diabetes, 24 hours a day. We know what it's like -– it's a hard road. I have an understanding and empathy for people living with an illness. There's not a day off."
Success Story:
The help she gives to families of children with diabetes makes her business a success, Braidwood says. "It gives me a buzz knowing we are providing medical ID that may save someone's life or at the very least help people take responsibility. I love getting feedback from customers particularly mothers who thank us for our products. People have been so positive and supportive."
Future Plans:
Braidwood hopes to "educate people a little more on Type 1 diabetes, to raise awareness and clear up some misconceptions. I don't know how many times I've heard 'You just give insulin, don't you?' It's more than that! It's interwoven into everything you do -- exercise, the type of food you eat. With a pump, we need to count carbohydrates and change the site every few days." She also hopes to raise more money for research. "Our family fundraises every year for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes, and also Jelly Baby Month, selling merchandise like badges and lip gloss at their school."
More Inspiration and Advice from Nicole Braidwood:
How did you find out your child had special needs?
My older daughter became ill when she was 2. After taking her repeatedly to the doctor and hospital she didn't get any better. I remember my sister saying to me, 'Follow your gut feeling.' I did. On one visit, hospital staff asked me what I wanted to achieve by coming there. I told them, take a look at her, this is not my child. She was dehydrated and in ketoacidosis.How did her diagnosis affect your family?
She was placed in Intensive Care and was very ill. It's something you don't forget too easily –- seeing your child attached to many tubes. It's been stressful and continual. It's difficult knowing you haven't been able to pass on the gift of good health to your child. You want them to have the best.What inspired you to start your business?
Living with diabetes day in, day out. We had to do something. There was an apparent lack of products available to fit their small hands.How did you go about getting it started?
I did a lot of research both locally and overseas. I spoke to a lot of people and listened to their feedback. Level Living has been in magazines and on local TV to raise the awareness and importance of wearing medical identification at all times. I always say to customers to imagine an emergency situation –- what would you need medical staff to know, in order to give the best care and chance of survival and recovery?What advice would you give to other parents about raising a child with special needs?
- Look after yourself -- proper sleep, a good diet, and time with friends. Learn to ask someone to help you, if you can, even if it is having a talk over a hot cuppa.
- Congratulate yourself once in a while for doing a good job.
- Learn from your child and give them lots of LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. They will teach you a lot about life and true spirit. They are amazing little people!
