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In this episode of The Pause Pod, I welcome Mel Gabriel, a creative entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor from my home country of Trinidad and Tobago.
Mel shares her journey through cancer, medical menopause, and her advocacy for health awareness in the Caribbean.
The conversation explores breaking taboos around cancer and menopause, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of community.
Mel also discusses her work with Caribbean Lookbook, upcoming creative projects, and the significance of self-care and resilience.
A Bit About Mel
Mel Gabriel is a creative entrepreneur, writer, talk show host, and producer, living in Trinidad & Tobago. With over 18 years’ experience in Marketing + PR, Mel’s work focuses primarily on increasing access to the work of fashion designers, artisans, and lifestyle services providers of Caribbean heritage. The founder and curator of Caribbean Lookbook, Mel has grown the 15-year old platform to include content that shares and shapes the way audiences engage with fashion, culture, lifestyle, and creativity, across the diaspora.
Born and raised in Trinidad, Mel also leads the production + publishing company Middle Face Media, producing photoshoots, episodic content and live micro-events. Her most recent series, W e l l , Y e s , explores the intersection of wellbeing, purpose, and Caribbean culture. Following her own wellness journey as a breast cancer survivor, Mel brings her quick-witted, no fluff, authentic self to each conversation.
At the end of 2020, Mel was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. With a blend of narrative storytelling, editorial fashion shoots, and self-portraits, she documented her treatment and survivorship journey; using her platform to increase awareness and action around cancer and early detection. For awareness campaigns, Mel has brought her storytelling style to collaborations with French cosmetics giant La Roche Posay, fashion brand Bene Caribe, lingerie label Everviolet, and ScotiaBank.
The episode is an inspiring blend of personal storytelling, cultural celebration, and empowerment. Lean in and be inspired.
In this episode:
00:00:00: Episode Trailer + Intro
00:01:25: Guest Introduction: Mel Gabriel
Dixie introduces Mel Gabriel, highlighting her background, achievements, and Caribbean Lookbook.
00:04:18: Mel’s Creative Journey & Caribbean Lookbook
Mel discusses her path to becoming a creative founder and the origins of Caribbean Lookbook.
00:06:21: Founding and Growth of Caribbean Lookbook
Mel explains the inspiration behind Caribbean Lookbook, its early days, and its focus on uplifting local fashion.
00:08:49: Lookbook’s Early Reception & Community Impact
Mel describes the platform’s early success, community engagement, and its role in connecting the diaspora.
00:12:34: Periods of Hiatus & Personal Challenges
Mel recounts periods when Caribbean Lookbook went quiet due to caregiving for her father and personal exhaustion.
00:15:17: Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Family Impact
Mel details her breast cancer diagnosis, family history, and how she communicated the news to loved ones.
00:22:34: Blending Advocacy, Culture, and Wellness
Mel discusses her background in advocacy, social work, and how she merges these with her creative work.
00:25:09: Breaking Taboos: Illness and Vulnerability
Mel talks about confronting shame around illness in the Caribbean and using self-portraits to spark conversation.
00:28:14: Navigating Menopause After Cancer
Mel shares her experience with medical menopause post-cancer, breaking silence around menopause in the Caribbean.
00:31:55: Aggressive Vulnerability & Sharing Online
Mel explains her concept of “aggressive vulnerability,” setting boundaries, and sharing the layered cancer experience.
00:35:37: Public Speaking & Messages of Courage
Mel reflects on her public speaking, emphasizing courage, choice, and different ways of coping with illness.
00:39:17: Receiving Support & Asking for Help
Mel discusses learning to accept help during her cancer journey and the challenges of receiving support.
00:41:04: Self-Care Rituals During and After Cancer
Mel outlines her self-care practices during treatment and her evolving rituals for well-being.
00:46:25: Future Plans for Mel & Caribbean Lookbook
Mel shares upcoming projects, including potential podcasts, writing, and collaborations for Caribbean Lookbook.
Connect with Mel
Connect With Me/Dixie:
Instagram – The Pause Pod
Instagram – Personal
Additional Resources For Support:
Join The Menopause Lab: A six-week course for people experiencing menopause
Take the Menopause Quiz: Find out if you might be experiencing (peri)menopause
Menopause blog posts: Various posts about the menopausal phase
The symptoms checklist: A checklist with over forty symptoms you can check off
The menopause question list: A list of questions to ask your healthcare partner
The Pause Pod Community: Private Online Community. Click the link to Join.
I am by no means a medical professional. I am a Licensed and certified Biology/Health teacher/educator and award-winning beauty/wellness founder. Any information shared on this and future podcasts is my point of view or that of the guests. Please consult with your primary care partner for advice and treatments for your health and well-being. Please read the entire disclaimer Here.
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