Melinda Martin

“This was something that I had been thinking about doing for a long time. I had followed Colette through social media and for a number of reasons her words resonated with me – sometimes it felt like she was speaking directly to me. It took a little while before I had the courage to make contact and to enquire about the process.

When I identified by brand values, Dee & Carla really nailed the way in which I could deliver these. They astutely listened to what I was saying, probed the inconsistencies and encouraged me to let go of the old to make space for the moment.

The process was one of the most freeing things I have done. It helped me to get rid of some of the clutter that was holding me back. The experience made me pause and reflect and let go of things that were stopping me from moving on with my life – by looking at the disconnect between what I was saying I wanted to be and what I was presenting to the world.

I feel like I learnt a lot about myself and what I want for my future. It helped me identify the things I needed to let go of and opened me up to finding really positive change in my life.

It resolved the disconnection between my core values and ambitions and what I was presenting to the world.

The light bulb moment for me, was when I realised that I was using clothes to hide away, having taking on the crap of other people’s words and in doing so protecting myself from some of the difficult things life had thrown my way, even though that time had passed. I’d spent a lot of time working through the crap, all of which was a necessary, to step forward.

It was this process that has helped me to step bravely into the new world that I want. It helped me to unstick myself from a place that wasn’t serving me well at all. It was like putting the icing on the cake and I’m really proud of myself for doing it.

I feel like I shed an old skin that wasn’t working and found the one that represents who I really am.

In only a few days, people have noticed a difference in me and it isn’t what I am wearing (though that is part of it), but a certain energy. One friend commented that “I look lighter” and that is how I feel.

I feel like I am clear about myself and where I want to go. I feel centred, calm and more confident to be me.

I now am looking forward to making the most of the opportunities and challenges life will through up.

I know that there will be lots of wonderful possibilities to choose from and that makes me feel re-energised and more positive about who I am and what I can achieve.

I am going to start “A woman in arts leadership’ networking and mentoring program to support and encourage women to succeed in these roles”.

I am the Gallery Director at Linden New Art in Melbourne. Linden has just finished a major building refurbishment and redevelopment and re-opened only a couple of weeks ago. My job involves – leading my team to ensure that the artists we show present incredible exhibitions for visitors to enjoy; securing funding from government, philanthropic trusts and foundations, individuals and businesses to ensure we can deliver everything we plan. It is busy, fun and I get to do something I love every day. I spend a lot of my time promoting the gallery and encouraging more people to visit and engage with the range of events and programs we offer. No day is the same - I can go from installing an exhibition, to presenting a major funding pitch the next.

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