A Fermanagh businesswoman is sharing her story with the desire to give other women back hope after she, herself, spent years without hope in her life. 

Sandra Miskimmin (48), from Ballinamallard, is the founder of SMASH (Sandra Miskimmin’s Alternative Solutions For Health) Worldwide.

Alongside 14 inspirational women from around the UK, she will share her story in the new book, ‘Seen Too’, created by Katherine Massey, that can be ordered on Amazon now.

‘Seen Too’ – a collaboration of heart-centred women, sharing their story of how they stepped into their passion, purpose and power – follows on from ‘Seen’, which became an Amazon bestseller in six categories following its release during Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.

“It has always been a dream of mine to become a published author, and after reading the bestselling ‘Seen’ last year, I was inspired.

“When Katherine Massey, the founder and project manager of ‘Seen’, asked for potential authors for the sequel, I put my name forward and was accepted,” said Sandra, who is the only author from Northern Ireland to be featured in the collaboration.

“I wanted to share my story of living with chronic back pain for years, the impact on my mental health, and how I was able to turn my life around.

“For years, I used to put on a smile and carried on, but inside I was at breaking point. 

“As women, we tend to do this and no one knows our level of pain – physically or mentally. I didn’t believe I would ever be without pain in my life, so when I was able to say goodbye to it back in 2013, I was astounded,” she said.

By sharing her story, Sandra hopes to be able to show women that it is okay to be where they are right now, to reach out and find help for their current situation.

“It took years for me to find the right solution for me, but I am so glad that I did,” she added.

To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, now under way until October 8, ‘Seen Too’ is now available to pre-order.

With mental health issues becoming more prevalent in today’s society, the hope is that the funds raised will help to support people suffering with their mental health.

Sandra continued: “There were days that I struggled to get out of bed, and I felt like a failure as a wife, mum, friend and businesswoman. No-one deserves to feel like that.

“By sharing our stories, we will help women know that they are not alone, and also support the charity. The personal stories in ‘Seen Too’ show how women can overcome things with strength and resilience.”

The royalties from the sales of the book will be used to support counselling, group activities and group coaching at Advanced Brighter Futures, a charity that supports mental health, based in Wrexham.

The vision for Advance Brighter Futures is to ensure no individual experiencing mental health problems ever feels like they are on their own.

They aim to listen, to inspire, to support and to empower people. This charity was chosen as it is close to the heart of the Project Manager Katherine, to highlight the incredible work it does.