ABOUT

 "Don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own."

- Michelle Obama, Former First Lady of the United States of America

 

The Gossip Label comes with a background & purpose. It isn’t just another company it’s a movement - A story - A brand that empowers you. It is a female run and owned business that strives on empowering females around the world. 

We take time sourcing all of our products to ensure the highest quality and comfortable fit. All of our products are made of high quality fabrics and materials and are designed and hand pressed here in Canada.

My name is Melissa and I am the Founder & Creative Director behind The Gossip Label. Here is my story of how I turned my dream into a reality I'm living today.

My childhood was just like most others. What you didn't see were dozens of pills per meal, hours of treatment, and coughing - lots of coughing. 

Growing up with Cystic Fibrosis isn't easy. There were the hospital stays, constant doctor appointments, and while it wasn't talked about much - there's the fact that CF is fatal. When I was born, the life expectancy of patients with CF was about 13. Today, thanks to medical advances, research and fundraising, people are living well into their 50's. 

It would be easy to feel sorry for myself and dwell on the negatives. But other than CF, I was a perfectly healthy kid who had the unconditional love and support of a huge family. I made a point to remind myself every day that I was not dying of CF, I was living with CF - and I would do everything in my power to live life to its fullest. 

I learned to be my own advocate in the health system, and how to manage and treat the disease. 

I found true love - marrying my best friend and soul mate. But as we began to discuss growing our family, I was faced with a difficult decision: can I give birth to a child? 

CF is a genetic disease which means a higher risk of passing it along to my child. It would also be a high risk pregnancy - which put the focus squarely on my health. It was an agonizing decision but ultimately we decided to put my health first and focus on IVF -  In vitro fertilization. 

The IVF process is long and expensive. We went through a few gestational surrogates... until we finally had a baby to call our own. Sadly, joy made way for grief as our surrogate miscarried. Heartbroken, we took some time to emotionally heal and prepare for one more chance at having a baby. It meant more money, months of treatment and tears.  We met a new surrogate and our dream came true. A healthy baby boy came into our lives - he's our hope, our dream, our everything. 

The whole process, coupled with being a new mom, was not only life changing but affected my health in ways I've never experienced. I was hospitalized for several weeks, my lungs struggling to function at a normal rate and it was a long recovery back to health.

Suddenly, at the age of 34, I was taken back to my childhood - where faced with so many barriers, I decided to empower myself and find ways not only survive but thrive. I decided to chase after one of my dreams - creating a clothing line that went beyond material goods. I realized my story could help inspire others. I could start a movement - celebrating women from around the world - who dream big and embody the spirit of the GOSSIP Label:

Girls, Originality, Strength, Success, Inspiration and Power.

I'm just a young woman with a big heart and big dreams... but together, we can overcome anything and show the world just how resilient and amazing we are.