rebelle stories

More Than Skin Deep

Healing Through the Mirror: A Conversation with Elizabeth Cestrone In the world of beauty, it’s easy to get lost in the "glamour." But for Elizabeth Cestrone, a dual-licensed esthetician and cosmetologist based in Alexandria, VA, the brush and the botanical are tools for something much deeper: Validation. In this week’s episode of Rebelle Stories, we explore why "beauty" is often a misnomer for what is actually an act of radical self-preservation. Elizabeth joins us to share her journey as a "skincare super-fan" who believes that the right blend of care and craft can transform not just how we look, but how we carry ourselves in a world that often tries to dim our light. In this episode, we dive into: • The Science of Self-Worth: How Elizabeth’s deep technical knowledge of skincare allows her to provide more than just a service—she provides a foundation for confidence. • Creating Radical Safe Spaces: The importance of inclusivity in the beauty industry and how Elizabeth uses her studio to champion the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community. • The Emotional Labor of Care: A candid look at how a high-touch professional protects her own energy and "joy tank" while holding space for her clients' stories. • The Rebelle Connection: How the simple act of grooming or makeup mirrors the mission of Rebelle With A Cause—helping survivors reclaim their identity and strength. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rebellestories.substack.com [https://rebellestories.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Authenticity Trap

Bring your whole self to work." "Walk in your truth." "Be authentic." We are inundated with these invitations, yet women—especially in professional and high-stakes spaces—often find that the invitation comes with a fine-print disclaimer: Only be the version of yourself that makes the room comfortable. In this episode, we’re dissecting the Authenticity Tax—the mental and emotional labor of monitoring our truth to avoid being labeled "too much," "too loud," or "too emotional." We explore how to navigate the gap between the world’s demand for our "realness" and its simultaneous judgment of it. Follow us at therebellewithacause on Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rebellestories.substack.com [https://rebellestories.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Your worth is outside your womb

In this powerful episode of Rebelle Stories, we sit down with April Louis, a woman whose life’s work exists at the intersection of education, political science, and grassroots health advocacy. As a secondary-level educator and the Co-Founder of Iyanola Wombmanhood, April is on a mission to dismantle the taboos surrounding women’s reproductive health in Saint Lucia. April opens up about her personal journey living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), revealing how a personal diagnosis transformed her from an academic into a fierce advocate for women’s health. We explore the “politics of the body,” discussing how her background in Political Science helps her navigate the systemic challenges women face when seeking compassionate care in the Caribbean. In this episode, we discuss: • The Classroom as a Catalyst: How April’s 10 years in education help her empower the next generation of self-advocates. • Breaking the PCOS Stigma: The reality of living with a chronic hormonal condition and why informed advocacy is a form of rebellion. • Iyanola Wombmanhood: The vital work being done in Saint Lucia to provide reproductive health education and create safe spaces for women. • A Letter to the Past: What April would tell her 10-year-old self about the “Rebelle” leader she has become. Whether you are a “Cyster” navigating your own health journey, an educator looking to inspire, or a woman finding your voice, April’s story is a masterclass in turning lived experience into a movement for change. Featured Guest: April Louis is the Vice-President of Iyanola Wombmanhood and an educator at Vieux-Fort Comprehensive Secondary School. She holds a Masters in Political Science and is a passionate advocate for reproductive justice and cultural awareness. If you’ve been affected by the themes discussed in today’s episode, or if you want to support the movement for reproductive health advocacy, please explore the following resources: 🇱🇨 Local Saint Lucian Resources • Iyanola Wombmanhood: Follow the organization for local advocacy, education, and community events focused on reproductive health in Saint Lucia. Instagram: discoveringapril_ Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn: Iyanola_Wombmanhood Thanks for reading Rebelle Stories! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rebellestories.substack.com [https://rebellestories.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Bridge Builder

n the drug development world, the ‘ rebelle’ isn’t the one who ignores the rules - it’s the one who understands the rules so deeply that they can use them to innovate faster and safer, the one who bridges worlds. Sandra Vasquez has navigated the English speaking corporate world and the Spanish speaking community. Her rebellion is staying true to her Puerto Rican roots while excelling in spaces that weren’t built for her. Our guest, Sandra Vasquez was born in Puerto Rico and moved to the US mainland in 2001. She holds a Masters in BioScience Regulatory Affairs from JHU and a Masters in Biological Sciences with a focus in Molecular Biology from the University of Puerto Rico.Sandra is fluent in Spanish and English, a certified yoga instructor and reiki practioner, active volunteer with Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation (where we met) and community activist for the arts, travel and family initiatives. Sandra Vasquez Instagram: atabeywellnessproject Pull up a chair and join the rebellelution. Our Instagram: therebellewithacause Our website: www.rebellewithacause.org This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rebellestories.substack.com [https://rebellestories.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Passion to Action with Snaliah (Ms Green)

In this week’s episode of #rebellestories we sit down with the incredible Snaliah Mahal. She traded high level climate negotiations for a hands on mission to build Kon Pye Bwa, an emerging regenerative eco-retreat and living classroom in Saint Lucia. Snailah proves that the biggest change happens right where you are. Hear how she weaves together Creole culture, sustainability and community empowerment to create a space that truly gives back to the earth. Tune in to hear how this educator and eco-entrepreneur earned the title “Ms Green” and why her rebelle cause is rooted in purpose and cultural pride. Instagram: Snaliah.Mahal Instagram: konpyebwa YouTube:@KonPyeBwa Blog: konpyebwa.blogspot.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rebellestories.substack.com [https://rebellestories.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]