FASHION POP-all Heart
By Melissa Walsh Photos Yanni
M
elissa Forbes has always loved fashion, working for retail giants throughout her early career, learning from the best at David Jones and City Chic, and finding her passion along the way.
The epitome of strength and style, you would never know the bright and bubbly mother of three who recently restarted her own business, Fashion Pop, had faced serious health challenges along the way. A true inspiration, peninsula-born Melissa is the essence of courage and conviction, continuing to push on with a determination to help other women through fashion. “I originally started Fashion Pop four years ago after I could no longer work in retail due to a heart condition,” said the 37-year-
old. “I loved working in the retail field but saw there wasn't a lot of variety for the curved and plus sized women, so I wanted to bring affordable fashion for all body types without a hefty price tag.” For the single mum, this was the chance to do something creative and work around her three children. “I started out very slowly, buying items bit by bit when I had spare money so that I could build up enough stock to launch it,” said Melissa, of the process that took two years. “I finally opened my little boutique but three months into it, I developed a 5cm follicular carcinoma tumour in my thyroid with metastasis spread. This sent my life into turmoil; I had to concentrate on healing and so closed the boutique and put everything on hold until I recovered.” continued next page... April 2019
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