From distraught to delight for Karen
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected millions around the world in different ways. Owner of Dollface Vanity, Karen Coffey, saw her business close and worried the stress of the situation would set her back in her weight loss journey. She told the Cork Independent how she’s come through the last couple of months.
“I had just gotten my mojo back in February before Covid-19 hit. I sat in the Slimming World group on 14 March and cried my eyes out to Mairead Morrissey as my business was closing and I didn’t know if it would ever open again due to the virus. Being an emotional eater, the fear of going backwards really had me worried. On top of that, I was also supposed to go for my IVF in April and I was distraught when that got cancelled.
“Mairead showed me so much support each week and she also created virtual Zoom meetings which were great! So I thought to myself ‘this is where you can just give it all up again and end up back where you were, or this is where you fight for yourself to succeed and make all your dreams come true’.
"I initially started out walking every day and now I can proudly say I run for 30 minutes - this lockdown has taught me so much about myself!
“I had my ups and downs but I was down in weight every week because I didn't let my emotions win this time. I fought a great fight, and honestly, I couldn't have done it without my virtual Slimming World group.
“The support I have in class each week is amazing and I'd be lost without them all. My business reopened this week, so I tried on my uniform and was in shock at how much it was hanging off me! I’m so proud to be opening the doors of Dollface Vanity and going back to work with a new look.
"I feel amazing and I'm not stopping now! Slimming World has really changed my life and, to anyone who is struggling, you too can do it! Make you your number 1 again, if I could bottle this feeling and give it to everyone I would. In March I thought my life was crumbling in front of my eyes and I'm now coming out the other side of this a new person and ready to take on everything I want to achieve in life and more. The four stone I have lost is gone forever and I mean it this time.”