Chris-Ann Simpson Harley revolutionising medicine
APIONEER in the field of medicine, Chris-Ann Simpson Harley has revolutionised women’s health in Jamaica. Her fascination with the field began from as early as five years old and resulted in her active pursuit of a medical degree by the age of 17. Specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, she could not be any happier with her career choice.
“I’ve never wanted to be anything else. I see where I get to make a difference every day, and although it’s physically and emotionally taxing, it’s my ministry and it is worth it.”
She can now add entrepreneurship under her business belt since creating her very own local line of feminine products: Woman’s Touch sanitary napkins and Mother’s Embrace maternity pads.
After experiencing abnormally heavy periods, she began her quest to find viable options. When that came up short, she decided to be the change and design the amazing solution.
“I found that the popular pad brands that I had used created irritation each time I used it. They were just bulky and although popular, I was just tired of feeling like I was wearing a large diaper. And despite their large sizes, I still had to change very frequently. Why couldn’t I get a thinner pad that had great absorbency that was cotton and comfortable?”
And there was no turning back for this doctor, wife and mother. The reviews so far have been phenomenal, as many women are relieved to find a product of this intimate nature that is not only super comfortable but absorbent too.
Loving, humorous, hard-working, emotional and generous, Harley is grateful to her parents for providing a solid Christian and educational foundation, as well as her supportive siblings and her husband.
“Balancing is a challenge, but I have an awesome husband and team that help significantly. Watching my children grow is an indescribable feeling, and I want them to know the value of hard work and perseverance.” Speaking of children, when asked what advice she would give her younger self, her response was to choose more carefully the people you expend time and energy on, and “be wiser with money, spend more quality time with God and follow your gut instinct”. Her love for medicine and family are truly inspiring. But she also aspires to make a positive difference in the lives of others, no matter how small, because, simply put: you just never know.
“There is nothing to be gained from putting someone else down. So be humble and do good to people of varying stations in life. Everyone knows something that the other doesn’t.”
Describing sleep as the best medicine ever, she advises budding entrepreneurs to step out in faith and just go for it. “Fortune favours the bold. Pray about it. Get the right advice from the right people.
You will always have discouragement, even from those close to you, but don’t let that distract you.
Don’t let fear sideline you in your own game.”
‘I’ve never wanted to be anything else. I see where I get to make a difference every day, and although it’s physically and emotionally taxing, it’s my ministry and it is worth it.’