Today we’d like to introduce you to Irtashia Horn.
Irtashia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My initial thought of this was that it would be an amazing time to tell my story and provide the awareness of Crohn’s Disease. I am 35 years old with a ten-year-old son named Carter. My journey began over 15 years ago. After 11 doctors, tests and procedures, I was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease (A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract) My battle began when I was a senior in high school at 16 years old. I was officially diagnosed at the age of 23 in May 2008. The last 11 1/2 years, I have tried to maintain a hold on my disease.
However, I have been diagnosed with Thalassemia Trait and Antiphospholipids Syndrome. Crohn’s is a hereditary disease. Unfortunately, the two people in my family who had it passed away and the other had just finished an entire resection of her bowels/intestines. Luckily, Carter nor my nieces or nephew are showing any signs of this disease. My parents or brother don’t have any GI (gastroenterology) issues. Now, I’ve bounced back from tumor removals, precancerous cells, intestinal infections and multiple small bowel obstructions along with fissures. The last few years, I have become engulfed in sharing my story to other patients and providing knowledge to those who aren’t aware of Crohn’s. About two years ago, during a routine colonoscopy, they found that I then had Ulcerative Colitis + Irritable Bowel Syndrome in my small intestine.
Sure I felt defeated, like Wow, here comes more doctors, more medication and more explanations to my family and circle of supporters. Being diagnosed, I initially felt down. A few weeks later, I attended the Take Steps Walk for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and I saw and met 5, 8 and 9-year-old battling this disease and handling it way better than I did. I mean 33 and I was acting like the world was over, but these kids gave me joy in my heart. I was happy to have my son Carter with me. Seeing life through his eyes and knowing what I know about those strong kids gave me so much hope! I have to be here to raise my child and I want to be the best version of a mom he deserves. I’ve never hidden anything from him. I’ve made sure he understands Crohn’s disease, what signs to look for and how to help mommy in case of an emergency. I have my doctors to thank for that.
Carter is ten and I’ve had the same few doctors that begin seeing me after his birth. When I think about my first OBGYN advising me to terminate my pregnancy and other doctors saying my baby will not thrive nor make it to the end of my due date, I understand and realize that my FAITH and Gods Grace always—- ALWAYS had my back, never forsaken and guided me through that tough time and many others. I call Crohns my blessing now. It’s given me the attitude to live a limitless life, take chances today live with no regrets and be extremely grateful for every minute and second I get without pain or being hospitalized. This disease led me to my new found profession of Skin Care. Having an autoimmune disease can not only be hard on your muscles/bones and body, is also extremely traumatizing to the skin.
Having facial dry patches and ulcers can leave scars and hyperpigmentation. I wanted to allow young girls and women to be comfortable in their own skin despite what their body is going through. Loving the skin your in is confidence! And with this BleuReign Skin was born. I graduated 4 1/2 months early from Esthetician School at Ogle. Having a disease that no one is aware of is difficult. No one who doesn’t have it will never ever feel what you’re feeling, emotionally or physically. It takes a strong-minded person to handle what Crohn’s and other Autoimmune diseases come with. I have been chosen to be the Take Steps Dallas Crohn’s Disease Ambassador! What an amazing honor right? I am beyond blessed and thankful for this opportunity. My advice to anyone battling this, LIVE YOUR LIFE. THIS IS NOT A DRESS REHEARSAL and might I add — THAT BEING A MOM WILL ALWAYS BE THE GREATEST ROLE AND ADVENTURE AS MY MISSION IN LIFE.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a tough one. However, I pushed through several hospitalizations and two surgeries in less than a year and still graduated four months early. Now having the Coronavirus in Dallas has pushed my salon suite opening. I’m praying for the lockdown to be removed, but everything happens for a reason. I am patiently waiting on my turn because I have seen how God is to me and anything I put my heart into.
Please tell us about BleuReign Skin.
BleuReign Skin. I am a Skin Therapist/Esthetician and awaiting my license to be sent. BleuReign is so dear to me because of the disease I battle and how hard I know it can be to my face and body. My business partner Shamika Davis and I will have the below services available: body/facial waxing, facials, high-frequency facials, beard treatments, gentlemen facials, brow/lash tint, lash extensions, lash tabbing, back facials, skin analysis, extractions, microdermabrasion and much more.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me, is placing and speaking your thoughts and plans into the universe. I believe once you speak it into existence, then the success is done through manifestation. If you can believe it, you can dream and achieve it. Success is any step you take to better your intentional goal.
Contact Info:
- Address: Salons of Dallas
1400 Hi Line
Dallas, TX - Phone: 817-689-6353
- Instagram: @Bleureignskin, @Bleu_butterfly18 & @crohns08_butterfly
- Facebook: @bleureignskin Beautique
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
