Let's Talk About Scarlett London and IBS awareness

(Every Wednesday I share a Blog Post about a Woman (or women), a Woman who inspires, creates and motivates. I'm all for anything that celebrates women, especially other women who do so. I always find myself talking about female role models and the awareness, challenge, campaign or company for or founded by women with my friends. So I've decided to lead by example, and dedicate Wednesday Blog Posts to Women and all their greatness. If there is someone you would Love to see in a Woman Wednesday Blog post, get in touch and let us know their story. Thank you) 

This Wednesday Let's Talk about Scarlett London and IBS Awareness.

Instagram/ @scarlettlondon

If you type Scarlett London into a search engine you will be directed to news stories about a social influencer who's Instagram picture has gone viral for the wrong reason. Now that sounds very familiar, doesn't it? I personally do not condone any form of bullying and feel that death threats and defamation are not the way to go just because you disagree with an Instagram picture or a brand deal. Instagram is a place where people post staged photos and photos that promote their life in a positive light, and Scarlett has been open and honest with her followers that some photos are staged and even shown how some of them are edited.

Instagram/ @scarlettlondon

Let's move on because I'm not here to talk about the bashing of social influencers, bloggers and vloggers throughout the media, I'm here to talk about the person that the trolls and bullies failed to see or get to know on this occasion. I'm here to talk about the positive effects and environment that Scarlett has created not only in the world of blogging and vlogging but for those who suffer from IBS.

Scarlett London isn't just the latest kid that's picked up her phone and laptop and started making videos and taking pictures (not that there's anything wrong with that). Scarlett Dixon founded scarlettlondon.com in 2011 and therefore has 8 years of experience in the blogging world. Graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Multi-media Journalism and is a trained Journalist. Not only does Scarlett has a very impressive CV working within PR, Marketing and Social Media, she has a brain for business, founding an influencer company that currently has thousands of influencers and YouTubers who regularly attend her networking events. A number of brands were impressed with Scarlett's reach and business acumen, they reached out to her and worked together to form a successful blogger outreach program which secures influencer collaborations, increases brand awareness and helps to build an evergrowing and engaging social media presence. This Lead to 'Scarlett London Digital' the digital agency within the blogging community est. 2016.

Not only is Scarlett clearly a very smart lady, she's also very friendly and honest on her blog, Instagram and youtube channel. Scarlett's blog is one of my favourites to have a browse through and a read of her lifestyle, travel and beauty posts. I particularly admire her for talking about IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). What is IBS, I hear you ask; it's an illness that involves a lot of stomach cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, bloating, nausea and tiredness. The symptoms occur when there is increased sensitivity to the bowel, which leads to muscle spasms in the bowel. It's not a lot of fun and not many people want to hear about each other's bowel movements, which is probably why it's not talked about more. It's more common than you think the UK, affecting a third of the population, symptoms can start at any age but are usually seen between the ages of 15-40. There is no cure for IBS, it's different for everyone, many people can suffer from food intolerance or may avoid certain foods that irritate their bowels.

IBS can be hard to live with not only do sufferers have to deal with symptoms they also have to deal with the stigma because it's not talked about as many people do not really know what it means, many people I have told assume it means I have a bout of diarrhoea, which isn't the case. So I have kept relatively quiet about it, I have also found it difficult to eat out, and have had to cancel many plans. When I discovered Scarlett also had IBS but wasn't afraid to talk about it I was relieved but also excited, it's so common but I don't know many people that would hold their hands up and say 'I have it too'. The 'IBS & Getting Through' (2015) blog post is the first time Scarlett mentions she's suffered from IBS for six years and goes on to talk about products that have helped her. After receiving positive feedback from readers Scarlett has spoken more about it, answering Q&A's giving advice where she can and talking about her own experiences. After seeing all the positive feedback and questions from readers and viewers a Facebook Group was created for those of us who have IBS as a safe place to chat and communicate. I joined the group recently after watching her IBS Q&A and it's filled with members sharing experiences, asking for advice and sharing little nuggets and tips.

 IBS can be really tough, apart from medical leaflets and trial and error diets, there's not a lot of advice out there.I'm so happy there is a safe place where people can talk and help each other because there is no cure a lot of it is trial and error and it's brilliant to have a community space to share insight and information with people who understand completely what you're going through.

Thanks, Scarlett for raising awareness for IBS sufferers and creating a safe space for us to communicate. 

Thanks for reading

xo