Meet Valérie Engel | Small business owner, mother, cancer fighter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valérie Engel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valérie, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?

Being strong minded, dedicated and positive. Never give up no matter how hard the situation is and keep fighting for your loved ones.
Keep smiling and dreaming even if you don’t feel like it, trust me it helps!

Taking care of ourselves on a regular basis whether it is health or mental health is key. Having healthy habits, being in tune with your body is what gives the best chances to tackle the unexpected that is thrown at us in so many ways.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In December 2022 I found out I had breast cancer. I decided to make a mammogram after having 2 babies in a row thinking I was responsible even though this is not what the healthcare system recommends as I am 34, no family history, no lump, nothing. Simply a routine check up. Having breast cancer at my age, without genetic past is very rare. I somehow had this very strange intuition and was nervous about it. I obviously later understood why!

From that moment my entire life collapsed. All this was around Christmas time, my birthday, our anniversary etc… and keeping a happy face for our kids was a real challenge! Asking a healthcare provider if you are going to die is next level and a moment I will never forget.

I also had to pause my business, a heartbreaking decision but focusing on the situation became my priority. Adding the work pressure was too much. I also wanted to remain a good mom as I did not want my children (2 and 3 years old) to suffer from this situation at all.

I am now several months in, I went through a huge roller coaster of emotions, a major surgery that implied removing the most feminine parts of my body, a difficult treatment but luckily I was able to avoid chemotherapy and loosing my hair which was one of my biggest fear!

Right after my surgery when I got my results and was freed from chemotherapy I decided to get back to work, put my kids back to school. I really wanted life to seem ”normal” again (although it was not!). I even accepted a work event, got back to everything like if nothing happened, Most people actually have no idea this ever happened.
I am small business owner, if I do not make the ball rolling no one will.

At the end of the month (September) I am getting a final surgery, I am very much looking forward to it as it will help make closure with this horrific chapter of my life.

This is a very long story, I am trying to make it short here but I feel extremely lucky.
Lucky to have found it on time, lucky to have received the best support.
Your life outcome becomes very different in times like this and that is going to sound cliché but it is very important to never take life for granted. Anything can change in a second no matter who you are.

In terms of business we are happy to start a new season, have lots of new collections coming in and many fun events planned.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is not going to answer your question in the most ”fun” way but I would recommend my best friend, family member or who ever is reading this article to get checked on a regular basis.

Going through cancer reminded me the importance of daily self checks. Each of us face a lot of health issues in life, there is a lot we can not control but there is a lot we can. The ability to check in with ourselves, choosing good habits, get regular physicals is in our power.
Being in tune with our body and taking good care of it is a huge gift. We spend most of our time in our head and body so might ask well make It a nice place to be!

I would also add to be gentle to others, anyone can be going through a battle we know nothing about. Social media tends to offer a very tailored vision of life which is not necessarily real.

October is breast cancer awareness month and I hope that sharing my story is encouraging to care deeply for yourself. Don’t fall behind doctor check ups by fear.
Get checked and reward yourself with a nice lunch at Cipriani a new outfit or a personal delivery (from Roses and Dreams😊) afterwards! Finally, go and refresh your mind at the gym or on tennis court (my favorite!)
Do what makes you happy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely want to give so much credit to my doctors, they deserve everything and are Super Heroes for adults.

Plus my family and my friends who have been very supportive.
My husband who has been by my side every step of the way, a difficult task for him as he also had cancer at a younger age. This was a very sensitive topic in our house.
Finally, the few of my customers who knew the situation and always have my back.

Website: www.rosesanddreams.us

Instagram: @rosesanddreamsmia

Facebook: roses.and.dreams

Other: @valeriemelaniee

Image Credits
Family photo is by @Kamyphotographie