Despair Behind the Curtains: A Story of Self-Acceptance with Melissa Bernstein

Our guest Melissa Bernstein shows us that even the most successful individuals have struggles we often don’t see behind the glowing spotlight.  These real, sometimes stigmatizing issues, trials and tribulations are what characterize us. They are also what connect us on a human level, showing us that “we are all the same”, as Melissa states. Melissa is an entrepreneur, creative, and working mother of six.  In 1988, she and her husband co-founded Melissa & Doug Toys out of their parents' garage, and in the years that followed, built Melissa & Doug into a Billion dollar brand.   She estimates that she has conceived more than 6,000 toys in the last three decades.  As she writes about in her book LifeLines, this creative process was the silver lining in a duality of her being which also struggled through existential depression and despair.  Melissa shares her incredible story of being imprisoned by an inauthentic picture of perfection for most of her life and then finally finding the courage and belonging she needed as her true self. In 2020, after her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Melissa co-founded Lifelines with Doug.  Through Lifelines, she is using her unique gift of creativity to bring a new category of well-being products into the world.  Products that help adults rediscover wonder and relieve stress through sensory immersion.  In true SAYge fashion, Melissa is dedicated to helping others through the learnings of her own journey.  “If I could solve the puzzle of my own life, perhaps I could help others do the same” and she shares her story to forge a sense of kinship with similar souls, who perhaps in hearing her journey allows them to forge ahead. As with all of our SAYges, Melissa is open to connecting with you.  If her story resonates and you would like to ask questions about her incredible journey or just have a chat with her, email [email protected]. We will link you! Learn more about Melissa at https://www.melissajourney.com/about-melissa Learn more about Lifelines at https://www.lifelines.com/