A mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter and a friend. My life was comfortable, loving and reliable. Then covid came to the world and like many people I caught it. But my symptoms did not go away and like many other people I now have ‘long covid’.

It turned my life upside down. I despaired that I might never go back to my old self. I tried to exercise, to do normal things but my face was covered in tears of frustration, despair and the fear of never being the old me again.

Then like a miracle I discovered leather. My skills of precision, perseverance, perfection and style combined and I found something I was good at. Something that gave me purpose. Something that made me feel productive. Something that made life worth living.

When you see my bags you see what rescued me, pulled me from the brink, what put me back together again. You see LOVE.

I feel privileged and worthy to give some advice. Whatever you have been through – I can assure you there is a positive side. It may take a lot of suffering and despair but eventually the sun will shine on you again. Life will return but you will be wiser, clearer about some things and with love and gratitude in your heart.

Any trial we endure, no matter its origin, will cause us to search and look within. We will battle emotions, our bodies, fear and ourselves. But please be assured that the fight is worth it. Find something that inspires you. Take little steps when you can. Be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself.

There is a positive side to the struggle. There is personal growth in the struggle. You, like me, will laugh again, hear your children’s voices and smile and glimpse a future ahead where you can be happy and content.

What do simple things like a coffee table, tools, leather, passion and a desire for health and wellbeing give birth to ?

Torero and my story...