--- title: "Multiple sclerosis diagnosis prompts woman to turn hobby into multi-million-pound business" url: https://noti.group/multiple-sclerosis-diagnosis-prompts-woman-to-turn-hobby-into-multi/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Health" published: 2026-10-13T00:14:20.000Z updated: 2026-10-15T16:28:39.228Z id: 60b36a5d-b998-44db-95e0-00c817990a47 source: "BBC News Health https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq1kdndp83lmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/multiple-sclerosis-diagnosis-prompts-woman-to-turn-hobby-into-multi/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Multiple sclerosis diagnosis prompts woman to turn hobby into multi-million-pound business A young woman with multiple sclerosis has turned her passion for styling hair into a successful business after being diagnosed at 26. A young woman's life was turned upside down when she received a devastating diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at just 26 years old. Antonia Okonma Shittu, who had been working in a call centre and looking for acting jobs, said the news was a "massive turning point that made her re-evaluate her priorities. The shock of the diagnosis led Antonia to revisit her childhood passion - styling hair. As she navigated her new reality, she decided to turn her hobby into a business, driven by the need to find purpose and meaning in the face of adversity. With just two wigs to start, Antonia began selling them from the boot of her car, visiting potential customers door-to-door. This humble beginning marked the starting point of an incredible journey that would take her to the top of her industry and beyond. Antonia's business has now grown into a multi-million-pound brand, with a client list featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment. Tennis legend Serena Williams, actress Niecey Nash, and supermodel Naomi Campbell are just a few of the high-profile clients who have turned to Antonia for her exceptional hair creations. Antonia's journey as a wig maker began when she noticed a lack of natural-looking wigs in the industry. While working on TV and film sets, including the ITV series Bad Girls nearly two decades ago, she saw firsthand the poor quality of available wigs. These terrible" wigs were often compared to helmets, lacking the subtlety and realism that Antonia believed women deserved. In response, she took matters into her own hands by setting up a Facebook page and advertising on Gumtree, which was a significant undertaking given her limited resources. Antonia's humble beginnings have been instrumental in her success as a wig maker. With no investors backing her venture, she had to rely on her own determination and resourcefulness to get started. Her experience has been shaped by her personal struggles with Multiple Sclerosis. Her own hair loss due to chemotherapy following a bone marrow transplant gave Antonia a unique understanding of the emotional impact of losing one's hair. She knows what it's like to feel completely bald and powerless, which allows her to empathize deeply with her customers who are going through similar experiences. Antonia's wigs offer women more than just a physical solution; they can help restore confidence and a sense of self. When she sees the transformation in a woman as she puts on one of Antonia's wigs, it's clear that something special is happening. As Antonia's business continues to thrive, she faces challenges related to her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, which causes debilitating fatigue. This condition forces her to rely on a wheelchair for mobility and has significantly impacted her daily routine. Despite these obstacles, Antonia remains committed to running A-List Lace Hair with the same level of success it has enjoyed in London and New York. The entrepreneur has had to adapt her approach to business due to her health struggles, learning to trust others and build a strong team around her. This shift in mindset has been crucial in helping her manage the demands of her company. By doing so, Antonia has discovered that being open about her challenges can actually be an advantage. Antonia's experience as a woman in business is not without its unique difficulties. At industry events, she often feels self-conscious about using a wheelchair, which can make people underestimate her abilities. However, when she begins speaking about her company, they are frequently surprised by her confidence and expertise. This reaction speaks to the misconceptions that surround disability. As Antonia navigates her career as an entrepreneur with multiple sclerosis, she is keenly aware of the impact her health has on others' perceptions. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to be open about her experiences, using them to inspire other women who may face similar obstacles. By doing so, she hopes to challenge stereotypes and promote greater understanding. Antonia's personal life also reflects the impact of her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. With three young children, she has had to balance her business responsibilities with family commitments while managing a condition that can leave her feeling severely fatigued. This balancing act requires great resilience and adaptability, qualities that Antonia credits with helping her overcome the difficulties posed by her health challenges. Antonia's online presence has given her a new sense of purpose and strength. She attributes this shift in perspective to sharing her experiences with others. When asked for advice on overcoming self-doubt, Antonia emphasizes the importance of taking action despite uncertainty. This mindset is crucial when facing health challenges that can be unpredictable. She encourages women who may feel hindered by their circumstances to start small and see what unfolds. Even without control over one's health or resources, there is potential for growth and success. By embracing this approach, individuals can tap into hidden reserves of resilience and adaptability, ultimately achieving more than they thought possible. --- Source: [BBC News Health](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq1kdndp83lmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/multiple-sclerosis-diagnosis-prompts-woman-to-turn-hobby-into-multi/