We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Robin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Navigating mental health challenges has been a deeply personal and transformative journey for me, shaping both my life and my work. Here are some ways I’ve overcome or persisted through these experiences:
1. Embracing Vulnerability
Acknowledging my struggles with mental health, body dysmorphia, and gender dysmorphia has been liberating. Rather than hiding these parts of myself, I’ve leaned into them, understanding that they’re integral to who I am. This vulnerability has also allowed me to connect more authentically with others and create safe spaces for my clients.
2. Seeking Support
Therapy, community support, and mentorship have been essential. I’ve found strength in safe spaces, like retreats and healing events, where I can process emotions and be seen without judgment. I also lean on a network of trusted individuals, from my personal trainer to fellow healers, for guidance and encouragement.
3. Grounding in Ritual and Creativity
Rituals, somatic practices, and photography are lifelines for me. Rituals help me find presence and meaning, while photography is both an expressive outlet and a way to channel healing energy into my work. These practices remind me of my purpose and allow me to transform pain into art.
4. Focusing on Service
Supporting others through their own transformations fuels my resilience. Knowing that my work—whether it’s through the Goddess Sessions, retreats, or rituals—helps others find self-acceptance and empowerment gives me a sense of purpose that anchors me during tough times.
5. Practicing Self-Compassion
This has been one of the hardest but most impactful lessons. I’ve learned to speak to myself with the same kindness I offer others, recognizing that healing isn’t linear and that I’m deserving of patience and care.
These experiences not only inform how I move through life but also how I hold space for others. They’ve taught me the beauty of resilience and the profound power of community, creativity, and self-compassion.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Melissa Robin, and my work weaves together photography, ritual, and embodiment practices to create transformative experiences for my clients. My offerings are rooted in deep listening, creativity, and the desire to help others connect with their most authentic selves.
What I Do
My work has evolved from traditional photography to a blend of art and healing. I offer:
The Goddess Session: A unique fusion of meditation, breath work, somatic movement, dance, and photography that empowers clients to reclaim their essence and feel truly seen.
Brand Embodiment Sessions: Designed for healers, artists, and entrepreneurs, these sessions combine movement, rituals, and photography to bring their vision to life in a way that feels authentic and aligned.
Retreats and Rituals: I host retreats and group experiences focused on community connection, personal transformation, and self-expression through ritual and embodiment practices. Our next 4 day Illuminated retreat is in Oregon June 19-22, 2025! As well as 5 mini day retreats throughout the spring – fall 2025.
What excites me most is the transformation I witness in my clients. Whether it’s through a photo session or a retreat, seeing people shed self-doubt, embrace their unique beauty, and step into their power is profoundly fulfilling.
What Makes My Work Special
What sets my offerings apart is the integration of spiritual, somatic, and artistic elements. My goal isn’t just to create beautiful photos—it’s to craft a safe, inclusive space where clients can reconnect with themselves and leave feeling more aligned, confident, and whole.
What’s New
I’m currently focused on expanding my Illuminated Retreats and Group Moon Ritual Day Retreats, both happening in 2025. These experiences are designed to bring small, intimate groups together in nature, blending sacred rituals, embodiment practices, and community connection.
Additionally, my Brand Embodiment Sessions are evolving to include more personalized rituals and creative elements, making them even more transformative for entrepreneurs and artists seeking to express their vision authentically.
Ultimately, my work is about belonging—to oneself, to the moment, and to a supportive community. Whether through photography or ritual, my aim is to create experiences that inspire confidence, connection, and transformation.
If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to follow along, join a retreat, or book a photo session to start your journey. Thank you for allowing me to share my story!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Authenticity
Early in my career, I thought I needed to conform to industry norms, whether in wedding photography or the healing arts. But it was when I fully embraced my unique perspective—blending ritual, embodiment, and photography—that my work truly resonated with others. Authenticity isn’t just about being true to yourself; it’s about bringing that truth to your work in a way that connects with your audience.
Advice:
Spend time understanding your “why.” What excites you? What’s your unique lens on the world?
Practice sharing your story, even when it feels vulnerable. Authenticity is magnetic, and the more you share, the more your ideal clients or audience will connect with you.
2. Adaptability
Life rarely goes as planned. Whether pivoting from traditional photography to embodying a more holistic approach or navigating challenges like mental health struggles and identity exploration, adaptability has been crucial. It allowed me to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
Advice:
Embrace change as part of the journey rather than resisting it. Start by re-framing setbacks as redirections.
Cultivate a mindset of curiosity. Ask, “What can I learn from this?” rather than “Why is this happening?”
3. Connection
Building meaningful relationships has been at the heart of my success—both with clients and within supportive communities. From creating safe spaces for my clients to investing in my own healing circles, connection has fueled both personal and professional growth.
Advice:
Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Find mentors, peers, or communities that align with your values.
Prioritize building trust and rapport in your work. Connection isn’t transactional; it’s about showing up authentically for others.
For Those Just Starting Out
Be Patient with Yourself: Growth takes time, and success is rarely linear. Celebrate small wins along the way.
Invest in Growth: Take classes, attend workshops, and seek out mentors. The right resources can help you develop faster.
Stay Open: Your journey may surprise you, so be willing to explore unexpected paths. They might lead to something extraordinary.
Ultimately, your journey is uniquely yours. Trust your instincts, honor your passions, and remember that challenges are part of the process. Every step you take brings you closer to your vision.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who is ready to step into their authentic power and embrace transformation. They’re individuals who are open to exploring their inner world, reconnecting with their essence, and expressing themselves fully. Here are some key characteristics:
1. Spiritually Curious and Open-Minded
They are drawn to ritual, embodiment practices, and the magic of transformation. They may identify as witches, healers, or seekers, and they value sacred, intentional experiences.
2. Committed to Growth
Whether they’re navigating self-doubt, procrastination, or a fear of being seen, my ideal clients have a deep desire to overcome these challenges. They’re ready to invest time and energy into their healing and self-expression.
3. Creatives and Visionaries
Many of my clients are artists, healers, or entrepreneurs who want their outward expression—whether through photography, branding, or rituals—to feel authentic and aligned with their true essence.
4. Values Connection and Community
They seek spaces where they can feel supported, seen, and understood. They love nature, ritual, and meaningful connections with like-minded souls.
5. Appreciates Sacred and Creative Experiences
My clients are drawn to the unique fusion of sacred practices and creative expression. They value photography sessions or retreats that go beyond surface-level beauty and tap into something deeper.
Who They Are
They may be professionals in caregiving fields like healthcare or psychology, artists sharing their craft with the world, or entrepreneurs creating heart-centered brands. They’re typically between 25-50, open to adventure and spirituality, and deeply value authenticity.
What They’re Looking For
To feel more grounded, confident, and aligned with their purpose
To overcome self-doubt and embrace their worth
To create authentic imagery or experiences that reflect their true essence
If This Resonates with You
Whether it’s through a Goddess Session, a Brand Embodiment Experience, or a retreat, I’d love to support you on your journey. Let’s co-create something magical that honors your unique light. 💛
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissa-robin.com
- Instagram: instgram.com/melissarobinphoto
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/melissarobinphoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissarobincorp
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