A salon owner shared her near-death experience, attributing her battle with sepsis to the intense ‘girl boss’ work culture that led her to skip necessary breaks during grueling 12-hour shifts. Justine McLellan, based in Paisley, Scotland, recounted feeling unwell while relaxing by a pool at her vacation home in Didim, Turkey, last July. Initially dismissing her symptoms as sunstroke, she eventually sought help when she started shivering in the sweltering heat, experiencing abdominal pain and convulsions.
Diagnosed with sepsis and a kidney infection at the hospital, Justine underwent treatment involving IV drips and antibiotics. Video footage captured her visibly shivering under hospital sheets. Grateful for the care she received, the 38-year-old mother of two acknowledged the medical staff for saving her life after a four-day hospital stay.
Reflecting on her health scare, Justine reduced her work hours at her salon, Be Pretty, to achieve a more balanced lifestyle. She now focuses on providing hair-loss solutions for clients. Justine emphasized the toll her demanding schedule took on her health, stressing the importance of listening to one’s body and avoiding the ‘girl boss’ mentality that glorifies overworking.
Advising others in similar situations, Justine recommended slowing down and specializing in a specific area rather than trying to do everything. Recognizing the impact her health scare had on her priorities, she now values spending more time with her family and maintaining a healthier work-life balance.
