Show Notes
You can look like you've got everything together on the outside while your brain is running at full volume on the inside. In this episode, Nic and Tess sit down with salon owner and educator Jess Lewis for a raw, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult—and why so many women spend years believing what they're experiencing is simply anxiety, overwhelm, or the pressure of having too much on their plate. Jess opens up about what finally prompted her to seek answers, what sensory overload feels like in real time, and how intrusive thoughts and mental spirals can affect relationships, parenting, confidence, and the way you show up as a business owner. The conversation also explores the reality of running a fully booked salon in a challenging economy while raising three children and carrying the constant responsibility that comes with business ownership and motherhood. Jess shares how hormones, exhaustion, and never-ending demands can impact your capacity—and why understanding what's happening in your brain can be such a powerful first step. They also get practical about what has helped Jess, from ADHD medication and creating boundaries to recognising masking, protecting her energy, and finding healthier ways to quieten the noise. Most importantly, this is a conversation about normalising the messy middle and creating space for women to talk honestly about what they're experiencing without shame. In this episode, you'll learn: 🧠 What led Jess to seek an ADHD diagnosis as an adult 💭 Why ADHD symptoms in women can sometimes be mistaken for anxiety or overwhelm 🔊 What sensory overload, intrusive thoughts, and mental spirals can actually feel like 👩👧👦 How ADHD, motherhood, hormones, and exhaustion can affect your capacity 💼 The reality of managing a busy salon while trying to be present at home 💊 What Jess has found helpful in quietening the noise and managing her ADHD 🚧 Why boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and capacity 🤍 How masking can affect the way neurodivergent women show up at work and in relationships 🌱 Why normalising the messy middle can help women feel less alone Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD, are beginning to question your own experiences, or simply feel like your brain never stops running, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone—and that understanding yourself can change everything.
Thank you to our podcast sponsor CPR. https://www.cprhair.com https://www.instagram.com/cprhairpro/
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