Montreal mother-son duo hope to end bullying after experiencing it themselves: ‘Just be you’
Posted March 20, 2024 8:27 pm.
Last Updated March 21, 2024 7:39 pm.
Just like an umbrella shields from rain, it’s also a symbol of protection from negative words for Montreal mother-son duo, Ena Abdel and Nathaniel Mazzilli, the creators of Be You by Ella, a local business with a mission: to put a stop to bullying.
“My Tourette’s were really bad,” said Mazzilli, who recently turned 13 years old. “I wouldn’t be able to control them.”
At about six years old, Mazzilli was bullied because of the sudden twitches he experienced due to Tourette Syndrome.
“As I got older,” he added. “I was able to practice and control them.”
“I feel like I’m not shy anymore.”
Inspired by the strength of her children, Abdel decided to create this business about two years ago.
“When my son started to get bullied,” she explained. “I wanted him to feel comfortable.”
“I didn’t want him to experience the same feelings of hiding that I felt, like I was doing at a younger age.”
“I used to always tell him,” she added. “Pretend there’s an umbrella over you, protecting you from all the negativity and all the hatred and mean things that happen on the outer world.”
T-shirts, sweatshirts, tuques, candles, and more were designed with their umbrella logo.
Transforming into a “purchase with a purpose” online shop: where part of their proceeds go to the WITS Programs Foundation – a charity based in British Columbia – helping elementary school children deal with conflict and peer victimization.
“We moved from Egypt to Halifax when I was about nine years old, almost ten,” said Abdel. “At one point in school, I was the only brown kid in school, and kids, they weren’t mean, they just didn’t know any better, so they would make racial comments.”
Other comments were also made, about Abdel’s appearance –- including her beautiful hair.
“I really was not comfortable in my own skin until my 30s, believe it or not,” she explained. “This is the first time I’ve let my hair curly, probably in years.”
“I don’t remember how many times I’ve let my hair curly unless I was on vacation, maybe, but to go out in public and be with friends and have my hair just be, it’s only been a few months actually.”
“I feel like at one point we all shed our own, our old past,” said Abdel, holding back tears. “We just have to learn how to really love us for who we are.”
Their umbrella logo –- something she wished she had growing up.
Hoping those who wear it now feel protected after hearing her story. Like her son does.
“She made me feel more comfortable,” said Mazzilli. “She’s my mom and we helped each other.”
“Proud to do this with her.”
Every collection of theirs, unique.
No item repeated once sold out, and can be found on their Instagram or at pop-ups in and around the greater Montreal area.
“If we start at a young age,” said Abdel. “I really, really believe that we can grow up in a kinder world.”
“Not everybody’s the same,” added Mazzilli. “Just be you.”
