I was one week out from my 20th birthday.
I had a honey bee-sting cake ordered, my small guest list had been contacted and dinner plans were being finalised.
At 19, my life got flipped in a full 180 degrees.
I could recount where I was, what the weather was like and the traffic conditions The afternoon I got that phone call. But I’ll save all those details for another day.
What I can tell you is that I remember feeling so isolated, so alone. No one in my family has Coeliac Disease, none of my friends have it. I mean, I hardly knew what it was when I got diagnosed. And yes, there are places you can go to find out all you need to know about Coeliac disease, what it is. What it means to be a Coeliac and the dangers and reactions that people can have. However, I feel that its all so clinical. They’re white websites with pages of information that gets dry and boring.
I don’t know about you guys, but I have spent more than enough time in a clinic, getting tested and learning results for my diagnosis. I don’t need any more time with that.
For this reason, I am in the process of creating a community known as ‘The Diner’. This social media community will bring together people who have just being diagnosed, or could have being diagnosed years ago, and want a community where there are others who know what they go through and can tell the knew things. It will be a place that encourages support, honesty and empowerment.
The Diner will be a fun colourful place that allows for people to share their own stories and struggles, where they can have friends who know what it is like to struggle with going out for dinner and the uncertainty with how safe you are eating the gluten free meals they provide.
The diner will educate others as well about coeliac disease. We accept everyone into our community- as long as they continue to support others and build them up. We will share recipes and tips for what to do when catering for someone with a severe allergy- mainly targeting gluten- but it can be applied to other allergies.
At The Diner, we are aiming to be as inclusive as possible so that people always feel welcome and as though they can speak up and share their own stories, research or just contribute to conversations.
With no incoming funds or a sign up price, The Diner will initially be limited in what it can provide. The lack of name and funds will mean that we are a slow starting business but there is passion and drive in the hearts of those beginning this journey with me. And we know that what we lack in that ‘big-business’ power we more than make up for in heart and the desire to create a happily, loving community for people who are feeling alone and isolated in their Coeliac Journey.
In order to raise funds for The Diner, I will be creating some super fun and environmentally friendly items that will be revealed and sold, for a limited time, every three months. Some of these items will be travel cups, reusable straws- no more paper straws that contain gluten- enamel pins, prints, blankets, jumpers. Etc.
I want to make sure that our followers are getting something for their money. They aren’t just going to b giving away sixty odd dollars every few months with nothing in return. They will have cute items that will last them and that are practical for everyday life. The items will also match the colour scheme of sage and peach that is carried through out the visual aspects of community. The profits made will all go towards furthering The Diner to make it the best it can be and a portion of the proceeds will be donated towards further research surrounding Coeliac Disease.
We are a small, up and coming business but with the amount of passion and work ethic, we, at The Diner, are fighting against any odds to build a community that is safe, loving and happy. We will create a space that encourages growth, happiness, communication and education. We will work to beat the stereotypes that are put on as those with Coeliac Disease.
Our life is worth living. Its worth enjoying!
If you want to be first to know about the limited-edition merchandise- who doesn’t want a retro 70’s diner inspired tumbler with reusable straw? Stay fabulous while saving the planet! -, any stories or new announcements follow all our socials. We can be found on Facebook, Instagram and our own personal Website.
The Diner looks forward to seeing and getting to know you all as you go through your coeliac journey.
To learn more about how The Diner came about, head over and watch our pitch video!
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