We’re building a global online sanctuary for humans experiencing fluctuating energy and capacity without judgement, shame or assumption.
Our vision is to provide connection within a thoughtful, non-hierarchal and understanding community alongside accessible resources that support sustainable self-employment during Low Tide and High Capacity phases and all the points in-between.
A Low Tide phase is a season of fatigue, symptom flare-ups and/or brain fog.
A High Capacity phase is period of time when clarity strikes and you have the capacity and energy to create and progress in the business at the pace that is right for you.
To guide the creation of our vision, we are currently brewing 7 foundational pillars as we shape our CIC (Community Interest Company).
This is what we have so far:
Pillar One: Trauma Informed & Non-Judgemental
Being trauma-informed means moving away from trying to fix a person and towards acknowledging their environment and history. Many of our members may have previously entered self-employment to escape systems that were not built for them and are navigating varying states of nervous system depletion.
Empowering, not Prescriptive • Radical Validation • Anti-Toxic Positivity • No Scare Tactics or Urgency Based Steps
Pillar Two: Anti-Racist & Intersectionality
We are pro-actively committing to identifying, challenging and dismantling the systemic barriers that make self-employment and menopause navigation even more precarious for Black, brown and marginalised independent business owners.
Recognising the Support Gaps • Challenging Euro-centric Professionalism • Global and Cultural Humility • Avoiding Spiritual Bypassing
Pillar Three: Gender Affirming
Being gender-affirming means moving past the assumption that menopause is exclusively a cisgender woman’s issue. While the term crone has historical roots in the divine feminine, we reclaim it as a state of professional and personal potency open to all who experience this biological transition.
Linguistic Inclusivity • Diverse Hormonal Journeys • Visual Representation • Safety from Gendered Tropes • Trauma-Informed Awareness of Dysphoria
Pillar Four: Disability Aware
Traditional business advice can assume everyone has the exact same steady stream of physical and mental energy every single day. But for anyone going through menopause whilst living with a disability or a chronic illness like Long Covid or Fibromyalgia, energy doesn’t work that way. It goes up and down, and it’s unpredictable.
A standard 9-to-5 day is a massive hurdle, and we don’t pretend it’s the only way to work. We refuse to use toxic phrases like “no excuses” or “don’t let your symptoms stop you.” We don’t expect members to push through pain or exhaustion.
Our goal isn’t to get members back to how they used to feel before a diagnosis or before menopause. It’s about helping them find a new kind of strength and success exactly as they are today, by shaping a business that fits their body and brain.
Energy Accounting & Pacing • Digital Accessibility (WCAG Standards) • A Universal Access Checklist
Pillar Five: Neuro-inclusive
Hormonal shifts do not just cause a temporary ‘fuzzy head’ – they can fundamentally alter how a brain processes information, manages time, and handles executive function. For those who are already neurodivergent, menopause frequently acts as a volume dial, significantly intensifying existing traits. We explicitly design for brains experiencing cognitive friction.
Reducing Cognitive Load • Executive Function Support • Explicit Communication • Sensory-Aware • Working with Hyper-focus & Dopamine
Pillar Six: Medical Neutrality
Many mainstream menopause spaces can become echo chambers – either fiercely pro-HRT or fiercely pro-natural – which can leave people feeling isolated. We’re a judgement-free space where every medical choice is respected. Because to be quite frank, it’s none of our business anyway!
Sovereignty Over Medical Pathways • Effective Resources Regardless of Medical Circumstances
Pillar Seven: Economic Inclusivity
Wellness spaces often push lifestyle trends that require a lot of time and money – like “just meditate more” or buy expensive supplements. We call these lifestyle chores, and they require a level of financial and time privilege that many self-employed people do not have.
We create tangible, real-world assets that protect our member’s income, health, and business engine.
Income Protection over Growth • Validating Non-Financial Metrics of Success • Free/Low Income Options
This is just the beginning for Indie CRONE.
We are thoughtfully shaping the intentional culture, values and guidelines within our space and asking a lot of questions before opening the doors to our members so we can make the experience as safe, useful and fun as possible!