Melissa Williams - ToBeReal

Melissa Williams

ToBeReal

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Melissa Williams

Melissa Williams of Greenville, SC, describes herself as a woman who is deeply committed to living authentically and helping others do the same. Her journey has been shaped by an insatiable need to break away from the constraints and limitations society has imposed on her as a Black woman and a mother. She shares her experiences, both personal and professional, that have guided her toward creating a life and career that aligns with her true self.

ToBeReal. This is the brand that Melissa has produced. She says, “I delineate it as a brand because it is a lifestyle, not limited to a product or service. At its core, it is an ideological stance and a resistance to assimilation. We are also a community created with the intention to empower others to live from a place of authenticity and self-awareness.”

There’s something incredibly powerful about helping someone peel back the layers and connect with their authentic core.

ToBeReal offers free wellness resources via its website. Melissa also conducts workshops in casual or corporate settings designed to help individuals connect with their authentic core. She also focuses on creating an environment where people can explore who they truly are and take actionable steps toward living in alignment with their values. Melissa has also published a book, How to Thrive in Winter, and it is available on Amazon.

Co-authored with Lauren E. Smith, How To Thrive in Winter is a workbook designed to help individuals understand and manage the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression. The workbook aims to provide readers with tools and strategies to identify and understand how authenticity is connected to wellness. It includes exercises and prompts to reflect on habits, feelings, and goals, offering practical tips for positive change. The book encourages the readers to have an open mind and a willingness to grow, emphasizing that wellness is rooted in truth, joy, gratitude, and creativity. It outlines various strategies to enhance mental wellness, focusing on boosting the “happy chemicals” (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins).

In the book, Melissa shares her personal journey of dealing with depression and the realization that “winter” can metaphorically represent challenging periods in life. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting oneself as a powerful tool in overcoming mental and emotional challenges. The workbook encourages readers to trust their journey and process the information in ways that suit them best.

Parenting my son has pushed me to reparent the child in myself and give her permission to be who she is.

More than anything, Melissa shares that she loves witnessing the moment when people connect with themselves. “There’s something incredibly powerful about helping someone peel back the layers and connect with their authentic core. When I see participants embrace their truth and take off their masks, I know they will overcome identity challenges and create lives that truly reflect who they are,” she says.

ToBeReal began as a book club under the name Melevation517. Melissa, that was a ridiculous name. She adds that the Covid pandemic made mundane thoughts seem so grand. Her vision gravitated to being a podcast, which only had five episodes, mainly due to Melissa being too busy to commit to consistently recording. She would eventually arrive at the place where ToBeReal was established as her brand. “It’s who I am, and even if I don’t produce something every day or every week, I don’t feel the pressure to perform,” she says. “ I focus more on staying grounded in my ideologies and seeking support when needed. Whether it’s through mentorship, continuous learning, or simply taking time for self-reflection, I’ve found that staying connected to my “why” helps me navigate the ups and downs.”

Melissa says that being a mother has had the biggest impact on her life. She adds that motherhood has been the best mirror, and it has helped her understand who she is and what she needs. “Parenting my son has pushed me to re-parent the child in myself and give her permission to be who she is,” she says.

Building her brand has come with a few challenges. However, Melissa appreciates how things have happened. She says, “There isn’t much I would change about how my journey has played out. Every challenge and misstep has taught me something valuable and has ultimately led me to where I am today. If I could offer one piece of advice to my former self, it would be to trust the process more and not be afraid of taking risks or failing.”

Melissa says that it’s easy to get caught up in what others think you should do, but the most fulfilling path is the one that resonates with your true self. She says, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and always be open to learning. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and challenge you to be your highest self, but most importantly, who listen to you.”

Melissa says ToBeReal’s future will be focused on expanding its reach and deepening its impact. She says, “I’m excited and proud of my book, How to Thrive in Winter. It will be the blueprint for future offerings. I also plan to host an annual retreat starting next year. On a personal level, I’m excited to continue growing alongside the brand, exploring new ways to connect with my community, and staying committed to the mission of helping others live authentically.”

www.tobereal.co