Born to humble beginnings in the beautiful twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago Elle, whose full name is Michelle Seon, migrated to the mosaic that is Toronto at the tender age of three. Battling the many social and climactic changes that are associated with moving to another country would be the very least of her problems. The third of four children Elle realised very early on that she was not being fed by the almighty golden spoon. She would need to work for everything she desired, and she wanted everything to be perfect; the obsession with perfection is what would ultimately lead her on a terrifying path.
More important than the path that she travelled, is the fact that although the odds were stacked against her- she survived. She is a survivor of an eating disorder. She is a survivor of domestic abuse and also a survivor of sexual assault. She survived a near fatal car accident, which sadly almost claimed her life and that of her eldest daughter. The common denominator in all of these events is that her writing got her through them. Elle’s words could be sunlight when she was happy, a tornado when she was angry or a cave when she felt meek so that she could hide from the world.
Elle started off writing at a very young age using poetry as a way to reveal the mask of feelings that she wore. Soon enough though poetry was not enough and she tried her hand at short stories. Eventually, the short stories soon began to lengthen and the transition from short stories to full novels was seamless.
Two of Elle’s novels are currently in editing and are expected to be published later this year. The first, Standing on the Edge. A gripping story about a woman fighting to come to terms with death, abuse, love and revenge. The second, A Path for Lily, follows a young man as he prepares to make amends with the life he once knew and the one he now faces. Although both of her completed works are adult fiction, she has decided to venture onto a new path. Her current novel that she is penning is a mythological thriller directed at the young adult audience.
From an insecure young girl to a self assured woman and mother of two, Elle is using her words for a new purpose. In January 2011 she will be launching The Power of One. This is a campaign aimed at inspiring women young and old alike to achieve their dreams. Using educational tools as well as verifiable truths in a safe environment Elle intends to arouse the desire to attain overall health in the mind, body and soul. To jump start the campaign Elle will be embarking on a school tour to educate young women on self esteem, peer pressure, and abuse. She will be providing them with the tools she was never equipped with. More than that, she will be providing them with a chance to ask questions, and speak freely about any issues they have.
She seemingly has an endless amount of roles that she plays and hats that she wears. Author, motivational speaker, publisher and mentor, but when asked about which of her roles brings her the most joy the answer is almost immediate – motherhood. Elle is a proud mother to two beautiful little girls, who she praises for giving her constant inspiration and motivation.
Her life story is nothing special, there are others who have accomplished more, endured more and are more successful. The empowering part however, is that this story belongs to her. There is no one in the world that has seen what her eyes have seen, or walked miles in her shoes. This is what has shaped and moulded Elle into the woman she is today.
A woman who loves God, herself, her family, her life and her words.
