Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Dalton
Hi Liz, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was 35, married with 3 children when I received my breast cancer diagnosis. After losing my mom when I was 7 years old and my dad when I was 29, I knew what cancer could do and I was terrified. The unknowns were scary and treatment was actually awful but I did find something incredible about being diagnosed with cancer. That was the people. People reach out in so many ways and they also connect you with others who have faced something similar and those people are gold.
A friend of mine, gifted me with a 3-ring binder that had some pocket folders and lined paper. It became a lifeline for me. I took it to every appointment, taking notes and researching treatment options. I wrote down questions and put all the papers from all the doctors in there too. It became such a thoughtful and useful gift.
After I rang the bell and finished active treatment I knew I wanted to give back somehow. Many people would ask me for advice of how to help their recently diagnosed loved ones. That’s when I had the idea to create a beautifully curated binder to help guide someone through a cancer diagnosis and treatment. It became an instant go-to gift for people who care about others but are not sure what they can do to help. Since then I have added several other support gifting options, including Keep Going Sock and a Cancer Map Tote. This little business has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life as a cancer thriver and I feel incredibly grateful that I can help lighten the load for others in their heaviest moments.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a small business is a struggle in itself. I have had to learn a lot along the way. The hardest part for me is time. I am a young mom to 3 busy kids and they are my biggest reason for wanting to fight through countless rounds of chemo and multpile surgeries. So I never want to sacrifice time with them for time spent on my business so my growth has been more slow and steady.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a creator at heart. That is where my talents are, so creating new products is fun and rewarding for me. I also love for my products to add meaning. I don’t want to just put another “gift” out there, I want it to be something really thoughtful and useful. I like the idea that when someone is struggling we all wish we could help that person. We want to say the right thing and we want to give the perfect gift… I feel like that’s where my talents soar. I try to teach people that it’s less about saying the “right thing” and more about just not saying nothing. Simple showing up for people matters.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Being creative makes me happy. It fills my soul and connects me with my Creator. Connecting with people also brings me a lot of joy. Whether that’s a DM from a stranger on instagram or cuddling with my kid at night and hearing about their day. I just love people.
Pricing:
- Guided Cancer Binder $52
- Cancer Map Tote $14
- Keep Going Socks $14
- Handle with Care Socks $14
- Printable Cancer Download $12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youareherexo.com
- Instagram: @youarehere.xo
