This week, I had the opportunity to interview Melissa Bernstein of the well-known and loved Melissa & Doug Toy Company. Melissa shares her journey to self-love and acceptance and the inspiration behind her new book, Lifelines.
Melissa and Doug started their toy company in their garage in 1988 and now have over 5,000 children’s products that have brought joy to millions of children. All 5,000 of those products were imagined and designed by Melissa herself! But financial success did not bring relief for Melissa, who has battled existential depression all her life.
After years of hiding her struggle, Melissa talks openly about her journey, the importance of being seen authentically, and how she found light through her love of nature, the verses that she writes daily and has much gratitude for, and how she realized her curse was also her blessing. She hopes in sharing her story, she can help others who are struggling alone with depression and anxiety.
