rebelle stories

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.

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.

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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

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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

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

Ready to trade your corporate card for a freedom pass? This episode features Cathy E. Smith, the Strategist Marketing Rebelle, who shares her expert 9-to-5 Exit Strategy—a proven blueprint for professionals ready to seize control of their careers. Cathy dives into how to build a powerful, organic online imprint and establish crucial passive income streams, framing success not just as wealth, but as an ultimate act of self-advocacy. This conversation is your key to moving from uncertainty to empowerment, showing how strategic planning is the foundation of long-term resilience and financial freedom. Tune in to learn how to engineer your future, build your “Digital Shield,” and join the Rebellelution by taking your next brave step toward independence.

Cathy's Instagram/LinkedIn/YouTube: CathyESmith

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Rebelle With A Cause website

Loraine is a master seamstress and owner of Se Lang Nou where she weaves her Creole heritage and the iconic Madras fabric into modern styles as she works to preserve her culture and make vibrant traditions of the Caribbean accessible on a global scale. Loraine is of St. Lucian descent and is based in the US. St. Lucia is a gem of an island in the Caribbean known as the Helen of the West and the only Caribbean island to have 2 Nobel Laureates and recently an Olympic Gold Medal winner.

Loraine/Se Lang Nou social media handle Instagram: selangnou

St. Lucia DC Association: st.lucia_dc_association (Jounen Kewyol activities on November 1st 2025)

rebelle with a cause on Instagram: therebellewithacause

Merci beaucoup. Follow, like and share

We sat with a domestic violence survivor, Retty who is a recent overcomer and shares with a licensed professional some of the strategies, resources and obstacles she navigates on a daily basis to get to advocate and refresh her life. She wanted to share her story in hopes that it serves as a beacon for others.

We are thrilled to have on our rebelle stories podcast, Kristen Woollery DC based abstract artist as she shares her journey, the impact of her heritage and how she colors the world one brushstroke, one encounter at a time.

“My art is a form of therapy, joy and self love.”

Website: www.kristenwoollery.shop

Instagram: lowkey.krissi

Thank you for listening!

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Join the rebellelution on Instagram: therebellewithacause

After the podcast on The Body Knows Why Brigitte Rawlings offers a few tips on listening to your body and some of the questions you can ask yourself daily to get the emotional and mental results you seek.

For a free guided body connection meditation do follow rebellewithacause , integrativebodyworkllc on Instagram (honor system in effect).

https://integrativebodyworkllc.com/meditation

Peace Love rebelle on!