By: Alva Ree

Renowned model and MS World founder Melisa Gun has recently published her first book, Barefoot Beginning. It is an inspiring first-person account of her life, dreams, and the challenges she faced to achieve them. In this interview, Melisa opens up about the journey of becoming an artist, the symbolism of her title, and her message for dreamers everywhere.

Interviewer: Melisa, thank you for joining us! First of all, congratulations on your debut book, Barefoot Beginning. What inspired you to write it?

Melisa Gun: Thank you so much! Writing Barefoot Beginning felt like the right way to share my journey in an honest and meaningful way. For as long as I can remember, I’ve held a dream of becoming an artist. This book is the story of how that dream started, my obstacles, and my resilience to keep going. I wanted to share my experiences to show others they’re not alone in their struggles.

Interviewer: The title, Barefoot Beginning, is intriguing. Can you tell us what it symbolizes for you?

Melisa: Absolutely. “Barefoot” represents vulnerability and the idea of starting with nothing but yourself—raw, unguarded, and honest. For me, it’s about embracing the journey in its simplest form, without the protections or comforts we often seek. My life, especially the beginning of my career, felt like walking barefoot—open to the elements, setbacks, and growth.

Interviewer: You mentioned obstacles. Could you share a bit about the challenges you faced while pursuing your dream of becoming an artist?

Melisa: Of course. The path to realizing any big dream is rarely easy; mine was no exception. Sometimes, I felt circumstances were trying to pull me away from art. Whether lacking support, financial difficulties, or self-doubt, each challenge felt like a wall blocking my way. But I learned that every obstacle was also a stepping stone, pushing me to dig deeper, become more robust, and move closer to my goal.

Interviewer: As a model and founder of MS World, you’ve already achieved so much. What has been the rewarding part of this journey?

Melisa: the rewarding part has been the ability to inspire others. Through modeling, MS World, and now this book, I’ve had the chance to connect with people and hopefully encourage them to follow their dreams. Seeing people respond to my story and find their strength in it is incredibly fulfilling. I want everyone to know that no matter where you start or what obstacles you face, you can achieve amazing things if you keep going.

Interviewer: Your book is written in the first person, which makes it very personal. What was it like to write so openly about your life?

Melisa: Writing in the first person felt natural because I wanted readers to see my journey through my eyes. I wanted to be open about my highs and lows and to show that struggles are a part of everyone’s story. It was sometimes challenging to dig into specific memories, but I felt that sharing the raw, genuine parts of my life would help readers connect with me on a deeper level. It’s a personal narrative, but I hope it resonates universally.

Interviewer: Your story highlights the importance of resilience. What would you say to readers who are struggling to achieve their dreams?

Melissa: I would say, “Stay true to your vision and keep pushing forward.” It’s easy to lose sight of what you want when things get complicated, but remember that challenges are often signs of growth. Each obstacle I faced brought me closer to understanding what I was truly capable of. Keep your dream close, stay resilient, and remember that setbacks are part of the process. Sometimes, the journey is more valuable than the destination itself.

Interviewer: You’re known as a role model for many, especially those involved in MS World. What message do you hope Barefoot Beginning will send to them and others?

Melisa: I hope that Barefoot Beginning inspires readers to embrace their journeys, no matter how hard or uncertain they may seem. I want people to feel empowered to pursue their dreams, even if they must start “barefoot”—without all the resources or assurances we sometimes wish for. Each person’s path is unique, but with determination, we can overcome so much more than we think possible. I want to remind everyone that they have the strength to create the life they envision.

Interviewer: Since its release, Barefoot Beginning has resonated with readers worldwide. What kind of responses have you received?

Melisa: The responses have been truly heartwarming. People have shared how my story has given them hope or motivated them to pursue their goals. It’s fantastic to see that my journey is impacting others meaningfully. Knowing that readers find strength and encouragement in my story is the greatest reward I could ask for. It’s been a beautiful experience to connect with so many people on this level.

Interviewer: What’s next for you, Melisa? Do you plan to continue writing or explore other creative avenues?

Melisa: Writing Barefoot Beginning was a profoundly fulfilling experience, so I hope to write more. I have many ideas, and there are always more stories to tell. Beyond writing, I’ll continue working with MS World and, of course, my modeling career. I’m excited to see where each path leads and’ll always be open to new ways of inspiring others.

Interviewer: Finally, for anyone who picks up Barefoot Beginning, what do you hope they’ll take away from your story?

Melisa: I hope readers walk away feeling encouraged to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, no matter how distant they seem. If my story can remind even one person that resilience and passion can carry them through life’s challenging moments, then Barefoot Beginning has done its job. My journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me that sometimes obstacles are what make us. I hope everyone who reads my book feels inspired to start their journey, even if they’re beginning—barefoot, open, and ready for whatever comes next.

Published By: Aize Perez