Celebrating Montreal Businesses, Entrepreneurs and Influencers: Melina Giubilaro

Today’s feature is the vibrant and gorgeous Melina Giubilaro, photojournalist from CityNews Montreal, a podcaster and motivator. If you have seen her on television, you would know that she puts her passion into everything.

Here’s Melina Giubilaro.

Petrona: What is your official title?

Melina: My name is Melina Giubilaro. I’m a video journalist for CityNews Montreal and a confidence/mindset blogger and podcaster.

Petrona: What is your greatest passion? Did that fuel you to get started?

Melina: My greatest passion is telling the stories of other people. Over the years, I’ve had hundreds and hundreds of conversations. I’ve met the most incredible people and I’m extremely grateful to be sharing their stories and letting their voices be heard. Even though I got my start within the journalism community, it was quickly clear that it would never be enough to be my only “career”. Stepping outside my comfort zone, overcoming job rejections, and turning every opportunity into a lesson are just some of the many things that fueled me to keep going. The hardest part was pursuing the dream rather than giving it up. I try to teach that to every young girl who feels like she can’t do it all.

Yes, you can and I’ll teach you how!

Petrona: What is the message you wish to convey to the world? In other words, how do you want to be remembered?

Melina: Don’t Forget Your Lipstick. Yes, it is the name of my podcast, but the message is about staying true to yourself. Let’s face it, most of us are getting a bad rep just because we choose not to conform ourselves to society. We break barriers and climb glass ceilings because we know we can, and although we can, we still get judged or criticized, but I want to be remembered as the girl who voices her opinion and who isn’t afraid of being disliked. I’m living for myself after all…right?

Petrona: Describe your business, service, or mission.

Melina: When I’m not carrying my camera chasing breaking news stories, I spend it helping millennials manage stresses, sort through life’s complications, and realize their strengths, values, and long-term potential. My podcast is based on confidence and being the best version of yourself is called Don’t Forget Your Lipstick.

Petrona: What is your biggest quirk?

Melina: I can turn even the most boring story like me walking into a grocery store into an interesting adventure. Something you’ll want to listen to because I’m dramatic, expressive, and hella funny. I’m also honest. Some would say too honest at times!

Petrona: What has been your biggest challenge in business?

Melina: Finding purpose within my passion. I think a lot of us confuse passion with purpose. My passion for story-telling allowed me to find my purpose for helping others believing in themselves and allowing themselves to be honest and achieve their ultimate goals.

Petrona: What’s next for your business or for you?

Melina: Expanding the blog and podcast, but more importantly growing the lovely community I’ve built. Millennial girls haven’t had it easy and I hope I can reboot their thinking, address their confidence issues, and help them start moving forward with their life.

Petrona: What advice would you give to someone reading this?

Melina: Don’t let anyone say you can’t. There will always be people who will try to bring you down because they fear your dream is too big. I know that pursuing your dream will require hard work and sacrifice. That life will get messy. That things won’t go as planned. But do it anyway!

Petrona: What is your favorite quote.