Meet AnaOno agent, Melissa Berry, aka Cancer Fashionista. Melissa has been a #1 fan and supporter of AnaOno since the beginning. Melissa set out to help just one woman feel beautiful in her journey, by launching her own platform on how to navigate breast cancer like you would the pages of VOGUE magazine.
Melissa asks, “Can a new pair of pumps or a tube of red lipstick change your breast cancer diagnosis? Nope. Not even close. But looking your best does help you feel better.” We couldn't agree more, which is why we're so excited to have her join The Agency.
It may be Melissa’s smile, contagious positive outlook on life, or just those super fun tik-tok videos, but either way, we love Melissa for being her, paving the way for others to find their beauty through and after a diagnosis, and of course, advocating for the realities of breast cancer.
Melissa’s Breast Cancer Story:
Diagnosed in 2013 with Stage I Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Treatment: ACT chemotherapy, bilateral mastectomy with Natrelle® Implant Reconstruction
Fun fact:"I LOVE cold pizza and I walked the runway in our 2020 NYFW show!"
Read on to hear more from her and join us in welcoming her to The Community!
What's your passion?
"Besides raising my two beautiful daughters, Maya and Erica, my passion is helping other breast cancer thrivers to look and feel there best throughout their breast cancer journey and beyond."
What makes you happiest?
"Spending time with my daughters, doing anything outside and lifting up the women in my community. Even if I just make one woman each day feel empowered, feminine and strong...then I've done my job."
What do you do to feel confident and embrace your body?
"I accept it and love it no matter what. Up a few pounds, down a few pounds. Breast reconstruction. It doesn't matter, I am still me now matter what. Eating healthy and working out is also really important. Nurturing your body makes you feel good from the inside out!"
What does "Never Alone" mean to you?
"It means that there is a sisterhood here. You never have to walk this walk alone. Too many of us have been there, done that for you to feel isolated."
Which is your favorite AnaOno bra? Why?
"Of course I am partial to the Melissa bra, one because of how beautiful and comfortable the bra is, but also because the bra is named after me! I was so honored when Dana told me she was naming the bra after me, my heart truly melted in that moment. I love the Melissa because of how super soft it is and comfy, but I also love the front closure. So nice and easy to get in and out of. The dusty rose is beautiful, such a nice change for me since my entire wardrobe is black!"
What does being part of The Agency mean to you?
"It's a true honor to be partnering with this important brand and its founder Dana Donofree who is also a dear friend of mine. I couldn't be more proud to use my voice to amplify the power and beauty of the AnaOno brand."
If you were to give advice to someone diagnosed with breast cancer or having a preventative surgery, what would you say?
"Don't Google. Doing some research is fine, but it's always best to seek advice from your doctor. Interview a couple of them to determine who resonates most with you and which treatment path is best for you. There are so many different types of breast cancer, I can't express the importance of working with your doctor to devise a plan that works best for you from beginning to end."
What's your guilty pleasure?
"Wrapping myself in a cozy blanket with a great cup of coffee and binge watching something really good on Netflix!"
You can follow along with all of Melissa's advocacy work on her Instagram, Facebookand Twitter.
