Ablepreneurs Stories 

Hi, I’m Denise McGowan, an accidental entrepreneur. I experienced brain trauma at the age of 19 that led to acquired dyslexia and processing challenges as I got older. I became a secondary school teacher and was a head of technology at the age of 25 and I realised looking back that this was very stressful for my brain! I seemed to pivot whenever my processing declined.

I started my own international beauty and holistic training school, which was franchised into Europe, Canada and Australia. My Dad was my sounding block with usually just one sentence when I came to him with ideas - How are you going to do that then?

Along the way I trained in many holistic modalities such as aromatherapy, herbalism, naturopathic nutrition, homeopathy and counselling to aid my own body and health which then benefited my clients. I pursued further studies in psychology and discovered the acquired dyslexia. I was even referred to the dementia clinic but found that the symptoms I was experiencing were due to the large gap between my intelligence and processing. I learned how to navigate this. 

Following health advice to reduce stress, I sold the business but remained active in art therapy, functional wellness, and community projects. My current work focuses on giving back through holistic therapies, mentoring small business owners, art therapy workshops, supporting creativity in local schools and an online painting platform.