To my Mela Fans, I’d like to take you with me on the journey of two Fabulous women that are living with Vitiligo and they’re Unstoppable!
Today we had another Fruitful and of course Uplifting podcast. I sat with Michelle and Kendra as they Journey through life living with Vitiligo, or as I might say, they’re not living WITH Vitiligo, but that Vitiligo is living WITH them, kind of like a tenant, with them being the Landlord. Sitting with these ladies was a humbling yet invigorating experience, they’re so conscious of their walk and live a full and exciting life, lets dive right in!
Michelle Bland
Michelle is quite the go getter, she’s a Realtor, Spin Cycling Instructor and a Caregiver to her lovely parents. She is kind, articulate and a little soft spoken, but she gets it done. Michelle noticed her first sign of Vitiligo at about 15yrs young. She knew her life was about to change at that tender age of becoming a young lady. Michelle would prefer that you ask about her array of clouds rather than approaching with a litany of questions. We should all educate ourselves on approaching someone with Vitiligo.
Kendra McQueen
Kendra On the other hand is an activist on living her best life, she is a Trained Social Worker, she is also the Owner and Founder of Angel Italian Ice. Kendra is not soft spoken, and before you step out of character will educate you on the beauty of her variation of Clouds, as she calls it. Kendra understands the climate in which we are right now and can be quite Politically driven. I enjoy every moment we spend together, such a caring and encouraging human being, she is fearless and so full of life!
These ladies live a Full and Productive Life. In spite of what some might think, Vitiligo is NOT contagious and touching someone with this skin condition does not rub off on you.
Photographer: Spoddy
Fact: Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition where patches of skin lose their color, resulting in white or lighter-colored spots. It’s caused by the destruction of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, in other words, the pigment that gives skin it’s color. While it doesn’t cause medical harm and is NOT contagious, it can however affect a person’s appearance and or self-esteem.
In closing, because we all look different, we should all strive to be kinder to each other and educate ourselves to the things we don’t understand. We tend to bully and body shame each other because it’s easier. If there is someone you know or you’re going through any form of bullying, please contact www.StopBullying.gov or text 741741 for help with Bullying or Crisis, remember it’s not only about having your school lunch taken daily. Melanin Power would like to create a safe space where we are all comfortable in our skin.
Warning: Please excuse the background noise, the venue overpowered the noise!
Steph Cee ~ CEO and Founder
Melanin Power Magazine