How a Health Diagnosis Led Me to Launch Peak Net Web Design
- Nancy Detchon
- Jun 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Starting a business is rarely just about the business. It’s often about life changes.
For me, launching Peak Net Web Design wasn’t part of a long-term career plan. It was born out of necessity, challenge, and a desire for something better - for my health, my family, and my future.
Here's how a health diagnosis changed everything and how it led me to build a business that now supports not only my life but also the lives of the women I work with.
My Life Before Peak Net
For many years, I enjoyed what most would consider a successful career. I worked in software implementation and training for large government and NHS projects. It was high pressure and high earning. I thrived in the fast-paced world of corporate tech and even enjoyed my weekly commute to Belfast, which is where I was based for a while. Following this I held Director level roles in another tech business which I loved but, again, long hours and lots of travel.
Then, I became unexpectedly pregnant and it turned out that contrary to what the consultant had said - I wasn’t infertile after all! Yikes!
Cue the insane juggle of full time work, pregnancy and then motherhood when baby Ellie (now 24!) arrived.
For a while I felt invincible. However, behind the scenes, my body told a different story.
I dealt with constant fatigue, brain fog, and physical flare-ups which floored me. I couldn’t do anything - and at its most extreme - I couldn’t stay awake, I couldn’t even pick my daughter up and needed help to get to the loo! (Ahh, the dignity).
Everything I thought I could push through became impossible. I had to make a choice: continue grinding at the expense of my health, or find a new path.
Eventually, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition affecting my muscles, energy and nervous system. I remember my doctor saying “It won’t kill you, but you’ll wish it would” and that I had a choice “Embrace the sofa and give up or find a way to make life work for me”.
Choosing a New Path
I opted to find a way to make life work for me but there really were times when I wanted to curl up and die. It was hard.
However, I recognised that I had valuable skills - technical, creative, and strategic. I also recognised that I couldn't continue living on someone else’s schedule. So I used the time I had to retrain in web design and I developed Peak Net Web Design.
Peak Net had originally been my partner’s business, specialising in bespoke software development and web design. But it had been wound down as he pursued a new career. So, I decided to pick it up and take it in a new direction.
At first, it was just me, a laptop, and a determination to make it work around my energy or lack thereof. I no longer faced long commutes or draining meetings. I stopped pretending I was fine when I wasn’t. If I need a day on the sofa in my PJs on a heated blanket, then that’s how I worked (and no one needed to know!)
It hasn’t been easy, and I was full of self doubt as a result of my faulty body failing me - but the business is mine and I’m proud of it! In addition, creating a thriving business has done wonders for my self esteem and, as well as improved health, I reckon I’ve got my confidence back.
Skills I Brought With Me
My years in the corporate world didn’t go to waste. Instead, they laid the foundations for everything I do now which I describe as “more than just web design”:
Project Management: Keeping clients moving forward and juggling the workload.
Training Expertise: Explaining tech in plain English.
Strategic Business Thinking: Helping women not just launch a website but grow a business.
Empathy: Understanding what it feels like to be overwhelmed and unsupported.
Creativity: I was able to unleash my creative side that had been dormant for a while.
Peak Net Web Design was never just about websites. It was about creating a flexible, empowering way to work and helping other women do the same.
My Current “Journey”
Today, I specialise in helping women entrepreneurs create clear, confident, client-attracting websites using the Wix platform.
I design, experiment, guide, train, and support. This includes full builds, gentle makeovers, and everything in between. I have also created a Website Planning Course to help women get unstuck before they even open the editor (coming soon!)
Most importantly, I’ve created a business that supports my life. I work when I can (way more than I ever expected), rest when I need to, and prioritise being present for my family. I collaborate with incredible, like-minded women and still feel excitement every time I launch a new site.
Why I’m Sharing My Story
Behind many businesses, there is a story like mine - of reinvention, bloody hard work, resilience, and choosing a different way to work.
If you're building your business around health, family, recovery, or simply the desire for freedom, remember that you are not alone. You have the right to do it your way. I did - it wasn’t easy and there have been times when I wanted to burn it all to the ground! 😂 But, it’s worth the slog.
I feel I have to also mention the fabulous network of women in my life - I’m part of a couple of networking groups/memberships and they are such a lifeline. I also have so many female customers who have become good friends and we look after and support each other. I’m grateful for this everyday.
PS: “Unexpected baby Ellie” is now a 24 year old brilliant young woman who is thriving in her own right. She regularly tells me she’s proud of what I’ve achieved. This is a massive relief, given I was a mess and slept through vast swathes of her early years! Phew!
Start Your Journey Today
Book a free discovery call and let’s build something beautiful and empowering together. You can take the first step toward a business that aligns with your life and values. You can also relax, knowing that you will be dealing with a woman who doesn’t have her shit together but it still works, brilliantly!
