CARY, N.C. – One never knows what inspiration – or fear – will trigger a person to start a business that becomes a sensational success. In the case of Pure eCommerce founder Jennifer Varner, it was the Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis of her husband, Jeff.
“We were told we would never have children. They were wrong as I become pregnant during treatment,” Jennifer recalled. “I had to face the possibility that I would be the sole support for my family.
“I started my first online business, which did quite well and turned out to be one of the largest online maternity clothing companies, which I sold close to three years ago. I then started , where I create turn-key web businesses for sale and then work with the client one on one – teaching them every aspect of setting up, running and growing an online business. I am especially passionate about helping other women become successful entrepreneurs.”
The Varners shared their story with The Skinny (also a cancer survivor) hoping to inspire others to fight even when a disease diagnosis is grim. The couple and their three children, who live in Cary, have had to overcome health-related obstacles not only to build a family but a business. This week, Jeff is participating in a fund-raising triathlon for the hospital where his cancer was treated – and stopped. The Varners also are auctioning off an e-commerce Web site to raise money.
On Tuesday, . Today, Jennifer shares her side of the story.
Jennifer, what is your essential message to others as the spouse of a survivor?
I was young – 25 – and had just returned from our honeymoon. I had a really hard time handling it. My friends who were my age tended to disappear. I don’t think they knew how to handle it. I felt really alone. I would encourage others in this situation to immediately find a support network of people who have been through this.
These days, with social networking sites like Facebook, it’s so easy to find others to reach out to for support. This battle is yours as well and you need to fight. You also need to plan for the future that may or may not be. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your spouse and by all means ask for help, reach out and make sure you have a good support system.
What was your crucial belief/approach that helped you manage the crisis?
Lots of crying alone in the shower! I became pregnant during Jeff’s treatment so I was very scared for myself as well as him. I didn’t want to be a single mom but I had to face that very real possibility. There was no special approach but there was one core belief and that was I had no choice. This was what I was given and I would tackle it head on. So I would have my break downs, but I would always put myself back together and just took it day by day.
Ultimately, I found strength in myself I never knew I had, which has been one of the blessings of that time in our lives. It changed my husband but it also changed me. I learned lessons at such a young age that has propelled my life in directions I am so thankful for.
Cancer was such a humbling experience and honestly, one I wouldn’t trade. I am who I am today because of the experience of taking care of my husband.
How can your current business play a role in helping others beyond this fund-raiser?
I try to use my business to share my story with others. I want people to know there IS life after cancer. There is always hope. Jeff had a 33% chance of beating cancer. Those odds really only matter unless you’re on the wrong side. We beat it and we went on to create the life we always wanted to ourselves. We work for ourselves doing something were passionate about. We want to teach others how they too can do the same thing.
