Mother and daughter

Mother and daughter: An amazing journey

My name is Linda Clarke I am a wife and a mother of 3 beautiful children, 2 of which are twin boys. I would like to share with you my journey and the journey of our Daughter Shanice Alexandre.

Myself and Shanice’s journeys have been quite similar due to the fact that we have both suffered traumatic periods within our lives, but have come through at the other end.

I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a tumour was detected in my groin. Our daughter Shanice was about to start university studying fashion, and our twin boys were entering into year 7.

I completed 8 months of chemo, and lost the will to live on several occasions, lost all my hair, my taste, and the ability to do anything for myself. I solely relied upon my wonderful husband Lloyd. He was an amazing support for us all not only as a father but as a husband. He bathed, fed, and cared for me like I was the only person on earth, and this I will always remain grateful for. Our children witnessed my journey of pain, doubt, and sadness. Joy however did come in the morning, I was given the all clear in July 2013. Having our faith, and the love of friends and family proved the medicine that I needed.

As life goes on, we were dealt another blow. Our daughter Shanice also suffered a tragic loss. Two years ago, Shanice became pregnant which was a joyous occasion for us all. We attended Shanice’s 21-week scan as normal, the scan was a lengthy scan and the worry that things were not as they should be became quite apparent. We were told that her baby Marvin Junior (baby MJ’s) brain was not developing correctly and was developing outside of his little skull. Shanice was devasted, we were all

“We all have dark days, but sunshine does come in the morning”

Mother and daughter: An amazing journey

House of Coco is the leading luxury designer curvy bridal boutique in the UK

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devastated. We were then advised that unfortunately the quality of life baby MJ would face, would not be a sustainable or good quality of life. The decision to terminate the pregnancy was the hardest decision that a mother, grandmother and grandfather would ever have to make. Shanice gave birth to baby MJ, on 23rd June 2018. I was present at the birth and to witness your child in so much pain mentally and physically, was not a tall order, I wanted to take the pain away from her but knew I just could not.

Shanice has experienced depression and is still undergoing counselling. She lost her herself and her passion for life and creativity. She was screaming for something to rescue her from this tragedy, and from the doubts and pain she was feeling. She decided that there just had to be a change. The idea of creating bridal gowns for curvy women was a vision she had and decided to make this happen. We all believe that House Of Coco saved her from herself, not only as a person but as a WOMAN. House of Coco was founded in January 2019, and this was Shanice’s personal time and moment of change. Shanice is now speaking openly about her journey, and she has expressed that opening the boutique stopped her from giving up on herself and life.

Shanice is still a strong, creative fashinista, and is the owner of House Of Coco Curvey Bridal Boutique, which is a black owned curvy boutique based in the centre of Birmingham, creating such happiness from such a humble and dark place where she was. She has travelled the world, working in New York and Dubi, and thrives on giving her brides a touch of her personal love and attention, and making each bride feel special, and embracing all of their beautiful curves.

We all have dark days, but sunshine does come in the morning, we just have to believe. n

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

A daughter considers her role with the family legacy Cleone Foods and the world of Island Delight which were created by her father in 1988 in the recession. He chose to set up the factory to be the best Caribbean patty manufacturer.

Since then he has gone from strength to strength getting into major supermarkets. Growing up I always would be on the road in the van with Dad doing deliveries and then when I was old enough working on the factory floor. That gave me my first real understanding of the business and a chance to earn my pocket money. As I got older and made my own path, I was aware of things going on and would help out when I could. Then at the start of April, my father got Covid-19 and was taken to hospital. He spent many months in hospital and pulled through, but at that moment I became the Director of the company. I knew I would always take it over, but never in this manner. It has been a steep learning curve, but one that I always knew was coming and I’m embracing the new challenge.

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Cassiscreative offers design services, Products, coaching and authentic story-telling

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