Written by Jane Taphayachan
Glow Through What You Go Through: Turning Pain into Purpose – Entrepreneurship is a journey of resilience, passion, and purpose. For many of us, the road to success is paved with challenges that shape who we become and what we stand for. My journey—marked by a 21-year battle with lupus—has been one of perseverance, self-discovery, and transformation. Through the darkest moments of my illness, I found my purpose: to heal, to uplift, and to give back.
Overcoming Adversity: My Lupus Journey
At 21, I was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that changed my life overnight. It attacked my body aggressively, leaving me temporarily paralyzed with severe kidney complications. I spent months in a rehabilitation center relearning how to walk. It was one of the most challenging times of my life, but it also taught me the true meaning of resilience.
My mother, Oii Nanta, became my biggest support system. She took me to Thailand, our homeland, to explore holistic healing. There, I embraced Eastern medicine, mindfulness, and the healing power of nutrition. This journey taught me the importance of balance, caring for my mind, body, and soul in unison.
With a renewed sense of self, I threw myself into my first love—the beauty industry. For 13 years, I worked to build my career, pouring my creativity into helping others feel confident and beautiful. I was at the peak of my success when, in 2015, lupus forced me to pause again. A severe flare landed me in the ICU at UCSF, fighting for my life with kidney failure and multiple complications. Doctors told my family to prepare for the worst, but I refused to give up.
With determination—and the love and prayers of my family and friends—I survived. It was a profound wake-up call, reminding me to slow down and prioritize my well-being. After regaining strength, I became a lupus advocate, sharing my story to empower others. I also facilitated a support group, creating a space for fellow warriors to connect and explore natural alternatives for a better quality of life.
Since then, I’ve been under the care of an amazing holistic doctor in Oakland, CA—Dr. Crystal Lynn Keeler—who has helped me tremendously. Through Japanese acupuncture and Eastern medicine, she’s helped me stay balanced and continue my wellness journey with grace.
Love and Light: A Legacy of Giving
In 2024, I returned to Thailand to continue my healing journey and give back. Seeing the struggles of underserved children in the rural Northern provinces—where my mother grew up—ignited a deeper calling. My mother always instilled in us that giving is part of our purpose. Whether it was handing out school supplies or feeding villages, we were taught to take care of our people.
During that trip, I visited local schools, provided educational resources and meals, and played with the children. I’ll never forget one little girl who hugged me tightly and gave me a piece of candy after receiving new clothes and school supplies. That moment reminded me why we’re here: to create smiles and be a light in someone else’s life.
That’s when my partner, Jerry, my mother Oii, and I co-founded Love and Light Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing essential resources, education, and aid to disadvantaged youth in Thailand. My mother has been doing this work for over twenty years. We’re proud to carry her legacy forward, rooted in the belief that every child deserves a brighter future.
Since launching, we’ve:
- Helped rebuild schools after natural disasters
- Provided educational tools to students in need
- Funded school meal programs for children
This foundation is a reflection of my journey—turning pain into purpose. Seeing the joy on these children’s faces fuels me to keep growing our impact. Giving back doesn’t just change lives—it transforms the giver. We’ve also partnered with local teachers and village leaders to ensure our support is meaningful and sustainable.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand to more provinces and build partnerships that support long-term change. We’re also developing volunteer opportunities for those who want to contribute to our mission.
The Power of Community in Entrepreneurship
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is that you can’t do it alone. The people you surround yourself with make all the difference. Being part of a strong, supportive community has been crucial to my growth.
That’s why I’m incredibly grateful to EM/POWEREDbyWMN, founded by Krystal Jugarap. It’s an amazing platform where women entrepreneurs are supported, visible, and connected with like-minded women. In a world where entrepreneurship can feel isolating, having a network of women who uplift and inspire each other is priceless.
Turning Pain into Purpose
If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that resilience is not just about surviving—it’s about finding beauty in the struggle. It’s about allowing your challenges to lead you to something greater than yourself.
For anyone facing challenges—whether in health, business, or life—I encourage you to:
- Prioritize your well-being—without health, success has no meaning
- Follow your passion—what lights you up is your purpose
- Give as you go—impacting others brings true fulfillment
My battle with lupus led me to a career I love, a foundation that’s changing lives, and a community that uplifts me. I’ve learned to glow, even in the darkest moments.
We all have the power to turn our pain into something beautiful—we just have to take the first step.
- Connect with Jane Taphayachan
- Connect with Krystal Jugarap
- Read More articles from EM/POWEREDbyWMN members.