CHANGEMAKER’S MARKET 2021 – LAURA MELLING

Welcome to the Changemaker’s Market presented by BlueShore Financial, a digital community of over 200 movers and makers who have generously donated their goods and services to benefit the BC Women’s Health Foundation.

Each and every item or service has been generously donated by a BC business owned by cis women, trans folks, non-binary folks, and those across the gender spectrum. You can bid on items, with all proceeds benefiting the BC Women’s Health Foundation and our mission of healthy women everywhere, capable of anything. 

We asked our Changemakers a few questions, including our Changemaker’s Market Champion, Laura Melling (she/her), owner of LM Studio. Laura is a community builder — a connector of like-minded people and an ambassador for entrepreneurs, leadership, and women’s health and wellbeing. 

Tell me a favourite series or movie that you watched during the pandemic? 

I recently watched The Handmaid’s Tale for the second time, and was so inspired by the themes of resilience, intention and community that Margaret Atwood explores. Even in darkness there can be light.

Have you started any new hobbies?

Nordic skiing! It’s basically the winter equivalent to road cycling which I’m a super fan of. It checks all the boxes for me — being in nature, keeping healthy with exercise + wearing some form of spandex 🙂

Why did you choose to donate to the Changemaker’s Market?

Changemakers Market is the embodiment of my core values — community, collaboration and wonder. We dreamed up the idea for the Market last year as a very intentional response to the level of negativity being expressed in the media in the early pandemic, and to celebrate what can happen when we infuse optimism, light and innovation into an uncertain time.

Why does women’s health matter to you? 

We must be advocates + leaders for that which matters to us, and women’s health matters so much. As friends, wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, entrepreneurs and role models we wear many hats and our health — both physical + emotional — is an essential ingredient. On a personal level, one of my best friends is living with cancer and if there is anything I can do to contribute to funding or raising awareness, I’m in.

The theme for International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallenge. How will you #ChooseToChallenge the inequities that exist in women’s health? 

I #ChooseToChallenge through a process of exploration, evaluation, advocacy + awareness. The more we question + understand, the more we can speak up and create change.

Nearly four in ten women report their mental health has worsened since the beginning of the pandemic a year ago. How do you cope with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Honestly, stress will always be present so I think the important piece to consider is our response. It makes me think of this incredible quote by Victor Frankl – “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

In March 2020, when navigating uncharted waters as an entrepreneur during a pandemic, while home-schooling my 6 year old daughter, and being present for my family and friends, I reimagined what my mornings could look like and created a new wellness ritual. 

I wake up at 6am each morning to practice movement + meditation for at least one hour, and am so proud to say I have continued this ritual for the whole year. This is me time. This is self-care. This is wellness. This is the growth + freedom that comes from being intentional with time. 

What inspires you most about giving back to your community? 

I am so inspired by the spirit of generosity, the beautiful formula of community and collaboration, and the idea that 1+1 = 3. Together we can do more.

What or who is a local shop founded by a woman that you admire?

I love what House of A La Ligne is putting out into the universe 🙂 Co-founders Katie McKenzie and Taren Grewall have expanded their wellness offering to include an online members portal and have created a program that is deeply rooted in holistic movement and breath.

And lastly, one word to describe your legacy? 

Community

Bid, connect, create change. Every purchase made at the Changemakers Market is a declaration of your dedication to women’s health and equity in the healthcare system. Go you.

Whether you bid on the Changemakers Market from March 14-21, or donate directly — you’re championing change for all women across BC.

Interested in learning more about our Changemakers? Read more stories or follow along on Instagram @bcwomens.

Changemakers Market is proudly presented by: