Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Simon.
Holly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
15 years ago my fifth child was born. Upon delivery, my husband noticed that he had Down Syndrome. Within minutes the doctors and the nurses all began to say that they were sorry. Once you meet my son you will know there is nothing to be sorry about.
I realized immediately that Nate was robbed of a congratulations. I began the I am who I am foundation to celebrate all children that are born differently. All children deserve congratulations at birth and to be celebrated throughout their entire life.
Once I started my foundation I realized that we had a lot of work ahead of us. I began educating at hospitals, schools and churches. I talked to anyone who would listen. We need so much more awareness, acceptance, inclusion, understanding, and love in this world. It is hard to believe but there are people who still use the “R” word. We need to make a change. We need it now.
I also realized that there is a gigantic gap for children who age out of school at 22 years old. So I decided, merely six months ago to begin the I am… Bath and body product line. Our community of teens and adults run the company from the beginning to the end. There is no limit to what our children can do, we just need to give them the opportunity.
Since Nate’s birth, I have written and published a book called I am who I am, I received a gigantic humanitarian award, an Iconic Woman award, I have been in countless magazines and on every television show in Chicago. All because of my son Nate, he’s magic. I didn’t set out to be this warrior. You become this advocate because you fall madly in love with this amazing human being. We need to give a voice to all those that need one.
Nate has taught me more than anyone in my lifetime. He is actually known as the Mayor of Beverly (South Side of Chicago). Without a doubt, he’s changing the world, with one hello at a time.
Has it been a smooth road?
Omg, it was the hardest road imaginable.
In the beginning Nate was terribly sick. I don’t think that I slept the first year of his life. As he grew stronger so did we, as a family. All my kids are amazing and each one has become an invincible warrior as well.
Just when you think you’ve changed the world for the better you receive a letter from someone so ignorant and cruel. Quite honestly, my son who is incredible, still doesn’t get asked to birthday parties. He may be one of the coolest kids I’ve ever met but he’s still not perceived as just a 15-year-old boy. To most people they see a Down Syndrome child. To me he is simply, Nate. Nate The GREAT!
The struggle is real but your love overcomes all obstacles. It’s a constant struggle with the school system to give our kids what they deserve. It’s a struggle with the public to respect and honor all of our kids, it’s a struggle at the doctor’s office to have them not miss a beat. We struggle on a daily basis but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with I AM WHO I AM – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We include and respect EVERYONE. We don’t care what your diagnosis is, we will celebrate YOU. We will educate all that our kids are more alike than different.
The I am… bath and body products line is designed for all teens and adults to work at the level in which they are at. From the artwork to packaging, and then selling, our Ambassadors are completely in charge. We need to give opportunities for all skill levels. We carry amazing soaps, lotions, bath salts, bath bombs, and we are working on a beautiful line of candles.
Our kids light up when they get a chance to sell their own products. Their pride is infectious. You can shop on our website and we ship all over the United States. When you give a little you get back so much more.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I grew up in Oak Park, I came to Beverly after I got married, and I never thought I would fit in. It seemed as though everyone was related, or already friends. But in time I found my tribe and now those women are my family. People in Chicago are real, honest, and authentic. I love the endless opportunities our city offers, from the arts, to awesome restaurants. I love the ethnic neighborhoods and I love that I can show my children diversity. I love spending days at our lakefront and pretending that I haven’t a care in the world as the waves crash in.
I love our graffiti and our beautiful skyline. The only thing I don’t like is our horrible traffic and of course our awful winters. They say “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” and I am one strong Chicagoan.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iam-Whoiam.com
- Phone: 773 5473300
- Email: holly@iam-whoiam.com
- Instagram: Holly_iamwhoiam
- Facebook: Holly Simon & I am who I am
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
