Meet Melissa, AKA Cancer Fashionista
Meet Melissa Berry, aka Cancer Fashionista. Melissa has been a #1 fan and supporter of AnaOno since the very beginning! Fun fact, Melissa was the muse behind our Melissa Front Closure Bra.
Brief summary of your diagnosis/surgical outcome
"I’m a 12 year triple negative breast cancer survivor. My treatment included aggressive ACT chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy with breast and nipple reconstruction. This experience brought profound challenges with body image, self-esteem, and mental health. These challenges, coupled with my background in fashion and beauty public relations, inspired me to create Cancer Fashionista, a platform dedicated to empowering women affected by cancer to look and feel their best. Since then, I’ve also launched the, “Dear Cancer I’m Beautiful” podcast series which serves as a valuable and relatable resource to my amazing community."
What Advice Would You Give to Someone Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?
"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."
How Did You Met Dana/Hear About AnaOno?
"I first met Dana Donofree at a Living Beyond Breast Cancer conference. My dear friend, Hayley Dinerman, the Executive Director of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, encouraged me to attend. At the time, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m so glad I went. Meeting Dana felt like connecting with a kindred spirit. As fashion industry veterans—Dana as a fashion designer and me as a fashion and beauty publicist—we instantly connected on many levels. She truly understood the unique challenges we face after a breast cancer diagnosis and applied her creative expertise to designing beautiful, empowering bras and intimate apparel for all of us. AnaOno quickly became a brand I not only admired but also deeply believed in."
What Did It Mean to You to Have the Melissa Bra Named After You?
"Having the Melissa bra named after me was beyond an honor—it was a full-circle moment. It symbolizes resilience, beauty, and the power of community. Through Cancer Fashionista and my podcast, "Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful," I’ve always believed in helping women embrace their bodies and rediscover their confidence after breast cancer. What makes this bra even more special is its thoughtful design, especially the front closure. I love the ease and simplicity it provides, which is such a blessing for those of us who may have a limited range of motion after surgery. Knowing that the Melissa bra helps women feel beautiful, comfortable, and empowered fills my heart with gratitude. It’s not just a bra; it’s a reminder that even in the face of challenges, we can reclaim our power and femininity."
What have you been up to lately?
Last year, I launched my podcast series, Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer, to help women navigate the often-overlooked challenges of dating, intimacy, and sexual health after a breast cancer diagnosis. Drawing from my own experience, the series offers guidance and support for women facing these realities.
Now in its second year, Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer features conversations with inspiring patient advocates and leading experts in oncology and sexual health. Episodes tackle the questions and challenges that rarely get discussed, providing practical advice to help survivors rebuild confidence, reconnect with their bodies, and embrace intimacy.
Watch the entire series on YouTube and explore topics around intimacy, dating, confidence, and reclaiming your sense of self after breast cancer.
Interested in watching more episodes from Melissa and Deltra? Check them out on Youtube, where they post monthly episodes that highlight intimacy, dating, finding confidence and feeling sexy after breast cancer.
