My Journey with ADHD and Dyslexia

Chapter 3

Author

Ellyette Gheno
November 13, 2024

In partnership with

Quick Recap of What’s Inside:

🧠 How ADHD and Dyslexia Shaped My Journey

💡 The Tools and Routines That Keep Me Focused

🎯 Figuring Out Success Without Fitting In

🔥 This Week’s Hot Items

🧠 My Journey with ADHD and Dyslexia

When I started BootayBag at 24, it wasn’t because I had a clear vision or even confidence in myself. It was out of necessity—no one would hire me.

For most of my life, I carried labels that made me doubt I could ever “make it” in any traditional sense. Diagnosed with ADHD before it was widely understood, and struggling with reading and writing due to dyslexia, I felt set apart early on, convinced I wasn’t wired for success the way others seemed to be. I didn’t know where I fit, so when BootayBag began to take shape, it felt like my own way out of that box society had put me in.

Now, at 32, I’m beginning to understand my ADHD and dyslexia for what they are—not limitations but the way my mind naturally works. I’m finally able to create in ways that align with who I truly am, not just what’s expected. And that clarity has made me realize just how alone I felt in those years building BootayBag.

I wish I’d had someone to share their unfiltered experience back then—to show me it was okay to do things differently, that I wasn’t alone in feeling lost or “behind.” If you feel that same way, I want to be here for you. I hope to share the journey of building something new from the ground up, this time in a way that nurtures who I am, rather than feeds what I thought I needed to prove. I’ll share the tools that help me stay centered, the lessons I learned the hard way, and insights I wish I’d known sooner.

🎯 Figuring Out Success Without Fitting In

Starting a business when you don’t fit the mold? It’s a challenge, trust me. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

  1. Embrace Your Own Approach
    ADHD and dyslexia forced me to find my own systems for focus and productivity. Traditional methods didn’t always work for me, and I learned that’s okay.

  2. Stay Flexible
    Rigidity isn’t my thing. Some days, that means adapting my schedule; other days, it’s letting myself take a breather. Flexibility has kept me grounded.

  3. Stop Comparing
    It’s easy to feel “behind,” but comparison only steals your energy. Your journey is yours, and it’s okay if it looks completely different from others.

💡 Random Hacks to Help My Brain Work Better

Tools and strategies I use to stay centered, focused, and productive. They’ve been game changers for me, and if you also struggle with focus, they might help you too.

  • Themed Days & Time Blocking – I assign specific themes to each day, like admin tasks on Mondays and marketing on Tuesdays. This focus helps me dive deeper into projects and stay on track without bouncing around too much.

  • Reading Multiple Books – I keep 2-3 books going at once. Since I get bored easily, it’s great to have different options based on my mood.

  • Master Weekly List – I start with one big list and break it down by day, organizing tasks for the week ahead. This structure keeps me focused and stops my to-do list from feeling overwhelming.

🔥 This Week's Hot Items

(A weekly roundup of tools I'm loving and using right now)

  • Otter.ai – Recording and transcribing my meetings with this AI assistant is a game changer. It helps me stay on top of details without having to manually track every insight.

  • Tailor Brands – Currently using the basic plan to set up multiple LLCs (yes, more than one!). It’s a straightforward, reliable option for getting started with new ventures.

  • The Mom Project – Just tried this platform for hiring, and I was seriously impressed with the quality of candidates. A solid resource for finding talented professionals.

  • Found Banking – Switching from Chase to Found Banking to try their bookkeeping-friendly platform. It’s all-in-one, though I’m still testing it out—updates to come!

This next chapter isn’t just about business—it’s about redefining what success looks like and creating from a place of inner clarity. For anyone who feels like they’re on the outside, I hope following along can make you feel a little less alone.

I’ve talked about this before, but I think starting is the most important step. I don’t know exactly where this weekly newsletter will take me or how it will evolve, but I feel called to do it—even if my words land messily or go unread. Taking this leap feels like the right risk to take. I dare you to find yours.

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