Building a Creative Business Alongside ADHD and ME/CFS with Photographer Celie Nigoumi

In this episode of Calm Your Nervous System, I (Jenny Adams) sat down with the ever-inspiring Celie Nigoumi, a talented photographer whose story will deeply resonate with anyone navigating life as a neurodivergent creative.

Celie’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when we stop pushing ourselves to fit a mould that was never designed for us in the first place. After years working in the corporate photography world, Celie made the brave decision to transition into freelance work, a move that allowed her to pursue photography on her own terms, with more creativity, freedom, and connection.

But her journey hasn’t been a straight line and she doesn’t sugarcoat it. Celie opens up about the very real challenges of managing ADHD and chronic fatigue, and how these conditions have impacted both her personal life and professional path. Her ADHD diagnosis was a turning point, not just for understanding her energy and focus, but also for making sense of the chronic fatigue symptoms that had been quietly shaping her life. With this new awareness, she began making meaningful lifestyle changes and embracing nervous system regulation techniques that have completely transformed how she works and lives.

Photography, for Celie, is more than a job. It’s a bridge between her love for art, science, and psychology, and a way to truly connect with people. In her portrait and branding work, she doesn't just take pretty pictures, she creates space for authenticity, vulnerability, and human connection. That deep connection with her clients is what lights her up and keeps her work so aligned with who she is.

This episode is a gentle, grounded invitation to stop masking, start trusting your body and brain, and build a business (and life) that actually works for you. Whether you're neurodivergent, creative, or just plain tired of the hustle, Celie’s story will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and a little more hopeful about what’s possible.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:

• How understanding ADHD can lead to significant lifestyle improvements.

• How connection with clients is crucial for successful photography.

• How embracing neurodiversity can enhance creativity and business practices.

• How finding balance between work and energy levels is crucial.

• How buffer days are essential for mental health and creativity.

• How nervous system regulation techniques help manage overwhelm.

  
  

Skip ahead to what you need…

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 Celie's Journey with ADHD and Chronic Fatigue

05:49 Transitioning to Freelance Photography

09:07 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact

11:48 Lifestyle Changes and Mindset Shifts

14:53 The Intersection of Art, Science, and Psychology

17:59 Creating Connection Through Photography

21:03 Embracing Neurodiversity in Business

24:06 Bringing It All Together: Photography and Personal Growth

25:50 Navigating Career Transitions

30:14 Finding Balance in Work and Health

35:45 Embracing Self-Compassion and Acceptance

40:39 Nervous System Regulation Techniques

46:31 Launching New Mentorship Opportunities

Connect with Jenny, Chronic Illness Coach:

• Buy me a coffee and help to support the podcast! ☕️

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• Join my Facebook group to meet others who are recovering from chronic illness

• Learn more about me, my story and my offerings on my website

• Book a 40 minute alignment call here to learn how I can support your needs and whether we'd work well together

DISCLAIMER: Everything mentioned in this podcast is only my/my guests’ opinion and should not be a substitute for seeing a medical professional. Please seek advice from your doctor and confirm with them that they are happy for you to implement something you heard on the podcast.