We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Philippe recently and have shared our conversation below.
MELISSA, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I am navigating spaces where I’m the only one who looks like I. It has been a journey of growth and self-discovI. I’m a petite Haitian immigrant woman who has always had unconventional hairstyles, so my whole life has been me not only physically being born outside of America, but culturally, linguistically, and socially, I have always been an outsider. This has prepared me for a life of honing that self-confidence in my uniqueness is my greatest ally. When I walk into a room, I I’mw I’m the only me, and the unique perspectives and experiences I bring to the table. This self-awareness allows me to speak up and share my thoughts, even when I feel like an outsider.
Preparation has been essential, too. I make it a point to stay informed about the topics at hand, so I can contribute meaningfully to discussiIt’s It’s empowering to know that my knowledge can spark conversations and challenge perspectives. I have spent years in inner city public schooldon’tdon’t need a microphone to have my voice heard across the rI’m. I’m also constantly building connections with allies. Finding like-minded individuals who appreciate diversity creates a support network that uplifts me. Together, we foster a sense of belonging, even in spaces where we may be outnumbered.
Communication is critical. I’ve honed my ability to listen actively and articulate my thoughts clearly. This has helped me bridge gaps and ensure my contributions are recognised. There have been challenges, and I’ve learned to embrace resilience. Each setback has strengthened my resolve to keep pushing forward.
In moments of discomfort, I’ve realised the importance of advocacy. Speaking up for diversity and inclusion benefits me and paves the way for others. As a mother, sister, aunt and friend I know every I’me I’m in a room I bring the power and presence of all the woman of colourweren’tren’t given access to these spaces. Whenever I assert my preseI’m, I contribute to a larger conversation about representation and equity.
Ultimately, my experiences have taught me that being the only one in the room is not just about standing it’s it’s about creating space for dialogue and understanding. I carry the weight of my identity with pride, knowing that my voice matters and can inspire change. Through this jourI’ve I’ve discovered that my uniqueness is my strength, and I continue to embrace every opportunity to make it known.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Melissa, the founder of Blissful Connections LLC and Blissful Births, where I combine my passions for wellness and midwifery to support individuals and families on their unique journeys. My work is rooted in the belief that wellness encompasses spiritual, mental, and physical health, so I integrated the eight pillars of wellness into the foundation of my organisation.
At Blissful Connections, I support various wellness practitioners, from herbalists to keynote speakers and everyday individuals who want to enter the holistic lifestyle. What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and foster a community dedicated to holistic well-being. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see others grow and flourish in their passions.
As an Afro-Indigenous midwife and birthkeeper at Blissful Births, I offer various services, including prenatal and postpartum care, lactation consulting, and end-of-life support. I am particularly passionate about empowering families to embrace their natural birthing experiences, ensuring they feel supported and informed every step of the way.
I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of my mentorship and training program, “Roots of Wisdom,” designed to equip aspiring midwives and birth keepers with the knowledge and skills they need to serve their communities effectively. This program reflects my commitment to nurturing the next generation of wellness practitioners and ensuring that traditional practices are honoured and preserved.
I also enjoy sharing my journey through writing and speaking, aiming to inspire others to discover their unique paths. Whether through workshops, community events, or online resources, I strive to create spaces where individuals can explore their spirituality and connect with nature.
I believe everyone has a purpose, and I’m dedicated to helping others uncover theirs holistically and naturally. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on your journey as a birth keeper and midwife, here are three impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that likely played a significant role in your success:
Deep Empathy and Emotional Support
Impact: Your ability to offer genuine empathy and emotional support has been crucial in building trust and providing comfort to families during such intimate and transformative times.
Advice for Beginners: Cultivate active listening skills and practice empathy in all interactions. Understand that each family’s experience is unique, and being emotionally present can make a significant difference. Consider engaging in workshops or training that focus on emotional intelligence and counselling.
### **2. Comprehensive Knowledge of Midwifery Practices**
**Impact:** A solid understanding of midwifery practices, including prenatal, labour, and postpartum care, has been fundamental in providing high-quality care and making informed decisions.
**Advice for Beginners:** Continuously seek education and training to stay updated with the latest practices and techniques. Join professional organisations, attend conferences, and engage in ongoing learning opportunities. Hands-on experience, combined with theoretical knowledge, is critical to developing expertise.
3. Strong Communication Skills
Impact: Effective communication has been essential for ensuring precise client interactions, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, and navigating the complexities of home birth environments.
Advice for Beginners: Work on enhancing both verbal and written communication skills. Practice clear, compassionate, and concise communication. Engaging in role-playing scenarios and seeking peer feedback can also improve your ability to convey critical information and support.
For people who are early in their journey, finding a community is significant in developing these skills. If you can find a group of people serving the same purpose as you, you are bound to learn so many life skills at different levels in their careers.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am open to partnerships and collaborations, particularly with individuals and organisations that align with the values and goals of Blissful Connections LLC and Blissful Births. Here’s what I’m looking for:
Types of Collaborators:
Health and Wellness Experts: Professionals in holistic health, wellness, and mental health, including herbalists, naturopaths, and wellness coaches.
Parenting and Childcare Brands: Companies that offer products or services for children and families, such as baby carriers, postpartum support items, or educational materials.
Educational and Community Organisations: Organisations focused on education, particularly those involved in early childhood education or spiritual development.
Fellow Midwives and Birth Keepers: Other midwives and birth keepers committed to empowering and supporting families through childbirth.
Spiritual and Holistic Practitioners focus on spiritual growth, natural living, and holistic health.
How to Connect:
Email: Reach out to me at blissfulbirths.connections@gmail.com to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.
Social Media: Connect with me on social media platforms where I am active, such as @blissfulbirthsllc and @faithandmamaa
Website Contact Form: Visit my website https://faithandmama.com/ and use the contact form to contact me directly.
Networking Events: Attend events, workshops, or conferences where I speak or participate in exploring collaboration possibilities in person.
I’m excited about working with like-minded individuals and organisations to make a positive impact. If you believe our missions align, I would love to hear from you and explore how we can work together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://faithandmama.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithandmamaa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blissfullconnectionsllc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Faithandmama
Image Credits
Manuel Philippe, Photographer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
