Beyond the Spotlight:

Mel Schilling’s Story

Mel Schilling may be best known for her on-screen presence, but there’s so much more to her story. With an unstoppable drive, infectious energy, and a deep passion for helping others, she’s dedicated her life to building confidence, sparking meaningful connections, and inspiring people to step into their best selves.

At just over five feet tall, Mel Schilling is often met with surprise when people see her in person. “Oh, you’re so much smaller than you seem on TV!” is a comment she hears often. But what she lacks in height, she more than makes up for in energy, enthusiasm, and an unshakable drive.

A firm believer in making a positive impact, Mel is passionate about leaving people feeling more buoyant, optimistic, and confident than when she first meets them.

“I want people to walk away from an interaction with me feeling just a little bit taller, a little bit braver, and a whole lot more confident in themselves.”

For Mel, confidence isn’t just something you have—it’s something you build. Whether on screen, on stage, or in everyday life, she is dedicated to helping people step into their power and see their own potential in a way they never have before.

Her journey, however, hasn’t been without challenges. In 2023, Mel faced one of her toughest battles yet—being diagnosed with colon cancer. “It was terrifying,” she admits, “but I knew I had to tackle it with the same resilience I bring to everything in life.” After undergoing treatment, she emerged stronger and more determined than ever, with an even deeper appreciation for life’s small joys. This experience reinforced her belief in embracing every moment and living with gratitude.

One of the greatest lessons Mel has learned through her experiences—both in life and through working with people all over the world—is that ‘Home is where the heart is.’ For her, home isn’t a place, but the people she loves: her husband Gareth and their daughter Maddie, who was born via IVF when Mel was 42.

“Being a later-in-life mum has taught me so much about love, patience, and connection. No matter where we are in the world, as long as we’re together, that’s home.”

Away from the cameras, Mel is happiest when she’s hitting an intense workout (functional fitness and yoga are her go-tos), enjoying a skinny latte, or getting lost in her work on her laptop.

Despite her glamorous media career, at home, she describes herself as a “fresh-faced, mum-bun kind of girl,” juggling family life, TV commitments in Australia and the UK, and supporting Gareth in his investment projects. Like many mums, she’s no stranger to ‘Mummy Guilt’ but embraces the chaos and learning curves of balancing career and family.

Away from the cameras, Mel is happiest when she’s hitting an intense workout (functional fitness and yoga are her go-tos), enjoying a skinny latte, or getting lost in her work on her laptop.

Despite her glamorous media career, at home, she describes herself as a “fresh-faced, mum-bun kind of girl,” juggling family life, TV commitments in Australia, and Gareth’s business interests in the USA. Like many mums, she’s no stranger to ‘Mummy Guilt’ but embraces the chaos and learning curves of balancing career and family.

The media world continues to excite her, particularly when she gets to challenge people’s beliefs about relationships. As one of the first therapists to bring psychological expertise to Australian reality TV, she takes her role seriously but also loves the moments where she can be her authentic, unfiltered self—whether that’s calling out bad behaviour or being caught on camera pulling a face.

And of course, she’s not one to turn down a red-carpet moment. “I won’t pretend I don’t love a champagne-sipping night at The BAFTAs or Logies!” she laughs.

In 2018, Mel married Gareth in a stunning Bali ceremony—one of the most cherished moments of her life. Despite life’s challenges, she remains endlessly grateful for everything she has and excited for what’s to come.

“If the last few years have taught me anything, it’s that confidence, resilience, and a great support system can get you through anything.”

Beyond the Spotlight:

Mel Schilling’s Story

“I want people to walk away from an interaction with me feeling just a little bit taller, a little bit braver, and a whole lot more confident in themselves.”

“Being a later-in-life mum has taught me so much about love, patience, and connection. No matter where we are in the world, as long as we’re together, that’s home.”

“If the last few years have taught me anything, it’s that confidence, resilience, and a great support system can get you through anything.”

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