An interview by Kim Cormack (Trustee) and Independent handmade jewellery designer/crafter Francesca Dedomenico.
Support is everything.
As with any new (ish) Charity, we are always heartened to receive any kind of support, whether that be monetary or in kind. With The PMDD Project, we know what we are up against, generations of neglect, misinformation, stigma and misogyny. And sometimes, as a PMDD sufferer myself it can feel like an insurmountable obstacle just to be seen, heard and understood. Though we/I have and always will persist (because that’s we do, right?), it can mean the world when we get a donation, email of support or share on social media.
Imagine then, if you will, our reaction when we received an email from small business owner and stay at home mum, Francesca, offering to use her skills and platform to raise funds and awareness on behalf of The PMDD Project.
I’M NOT EMOTIONAL. YOU’RE EMOTIONAL.
Meet Francesca…
Francesca, a London-girl who now lives in Saint Leonard’s-on-sea with her husband and four children, started her hand-crafted jewellery company Francesca Loves in 2021. Started as a side hustle whilst raising her growing family, (can we get an AMEN for all of the parent’s out there, getting their grind on whilst tending to the next generation of humans LIKE A BOSS) each piece is handmade and effortlessly chic with an elegant boho vibe.
But the Stina bracelet is extra special…
Married at First Sight’s Kristina Goodsell
In 2024, like millions of other viewers, Francesca tuned in to Channel 4’s juggernaut show Married at first sight a.k.a. MAFS. The controversial show, if you weren’t aware (and if you weren’t aware, what cave have you been living in?) is pretty much what it says on the tin. Two strangers are brought together via “love experts”, they meet each other for the first time at the altar and thus ensues 8-10 weeks and up to 36 episodes of what has proved to be some of the most watched content on TV.
I will be honest (through gritted teeth). I watched MAFS in 2023. After years of violently denouncing the shows premise and content, fuelled by the numerous safeguarding issues and media headlines (about the show itself and reality TV in general), I told myself that I had better watch the damn thing in order to have a more informed opinion.
Whatever you think of MAFS, and I have a very nuanced opinion these days, one thing can be said about 2024’s season. Amongst the drama fuelled dinner parties, the fights, the cheating accusations, the fail-safe cringe factor of “intimacy week” and the weekly predictions (in my household) of who will “make it” and who won’t, something and someone stood out.
Kristina Goodsell, 31, who was paired with Keiran Chapman fast became one of the nation’s favourite participants. Lively, bubbly, endlessly talkative and engaging. A million-miles-per-minute personality that couldn’t be artificial had she tried. Refreshing.
Sitting on the sofa with my cockapoo (Mister Darcy) and housemate, I watched a scene where the couple sit on a beach on their honeymoon. Kristina tells Keiron that she has a condition called PMDD. Intake of breath. Did I just hear that right? Someone on Primetime TV is sharing that they have PMDD? The condition I have. The condition that, for me and many, carries such stigma and shame. The sheer courage of this woman moved me to tears. And yes, throughout Kristina’s journey on MAFS, I routinely found myself in tears. Kim circa pre-2023 MAFS would never have believed that she would feel so utterly seen in a reality TV personality. How many other PMDD warriors must be out there, feeling the exact same way?
I did not expect non-PMDD sufferers to have the same reaction. Call me jaded but after years of medical misogyny, shame and ignorance, it’s still an unexpected surprise to find empathy (or interest) from those without PMDD. I’m learning to have more faith in people again. Anyway… I digress.
Francesca knows Kristina personally and tuned into the show primarily in support of her friend, not fully comprehending the hidden condition that Kristina would share with the world. Francesca does not have PMDD, though does relate with some of the symptoms. But Francesca chose to do something, to help in some way.
My chat with Francesca
Tell me about you. What is your connection to PMDD (if any)?
The only connection I have to PMDD is learning that it exists. I wouldn’t have known anything about it had Kristina not spoken about it on MAFS. Since then, I’ve become very intrigued as I have suffered with my own mental health throughout the years.
What inspired you to make the Stina Bracelets?
Kristina did. From knowing nothing about PMDD to reading about its symptoms, (it) made me feel like I can’t be the only one who has never heard of this before.
I have worked with charities previously to raise awareness and funds and they’ve been really successful. If I can help this charity too, it would be a fantastic way to raise awareness about something that, I bet, many people have no clue about.
What does crafting mean to you?
Crafting is my therapy. I use it as an escape. I’ve always enjoyed making this from a young age. But combining my jewellery making with helping a charity is a very wholesome thing to do and genuinely makes my heart happy. I’ve met so many lovely people in the time I’ve worked with charities, and it always puts a smile on my face.
What are you hoping to achieve through making and selling Stina Bracelets?
Raising awareness is key. For me personally, even though I am not personally affected by PMDD, I have many of the symptoms. I have battled with my mental health for many years, and I have very few friends who can relate to my emotions.
I genuinely feel that nowadays the power of the internet can be a very positive thing and knowing a charity like this exists for girls who may struggle emotionally, is very comforting. I have three girls and one is already displaying anxious emotion. Knowing help and support is out there should they need it is a very important thing.
Before watching MAFS 2024, what did you know about PMDD (if anything)?
I’ll be honest and knew absolutely nothing! I knew of PMS or PMT but after reading up I realised these are two separate things. I’d never heard of PMDD.
Why did you choose The PMDD Project as the beneficiary of funds raised?
I wanted a charity that focused on this alone. I felt compelled to find the right charity which is why I released the bracelet so late into the programme (MAFS). I had been speaking to Kristina about PMDD charities and saw she had tagged you in a post of hers.
I ran a few things by her, about creating a bracelet to raise awareness and she was thrilled. Kristina lives near me and we know each other from a nutrition club we used to attend together, which is the only reason I watched MAFS.
Were you surprised to learn that The PMDD Project is the only UK based PMDD charity in the UK?
Actually no. I had never heard of PMDD and even when I did I assumed it was the same as PMS or PMT. It wasn’t until I had read up on the symptoms that I found they are unrelated. So, no. I’m not surprised that you are the only UK based charity for PMDD.
What do you think needs to change to better support women with PMDD?
More campaigns, spreading awareness. Similar to menopause. No one really used to shout about it but now it’s a very spoken about subject. Which is great.
The moment on MAFS (Married at first sight, Channel 4 (UK), 2024) when Kristina is on her honeymoon and tells her new partner that she has PMDD.
If you could give Kristina, and other PMDD warriors a message, what would it be?
Keep fighting. There are so many going through the same emotion, mentally and physically. Take time for you.
It’s ok to say no. If something or someone doesn’t serve you, it’s not worth your time.
Find something you really love doing and make a habit out of it. For me, the gym is my haven.
Do a body scan before bed whenever you feel the PMDD kicking in.
Breathe. Take your time and just breathe.
Support The PMDD Project in their crucial work. Buy your personalised Stina Bracelet today.
Each bracelet is completely customisable and is incredibly affordable. Order yours now!
Have you ordered a Stina Bracelet? Why not tag us in a pic on Instagram @ThePMDDProject (and @francescaloves_uk) and tell us what the bracelet, Kristina or spreading awareness about #PMDD means to you?
You can alternatively donate directly to The PMDD Project HERE.
