Meet  Melissa Jo Ackels!

 

Hi Melissa! Where are you from?

Marshfield, Missouri. Southwestern MO

How'd you find ZOX?

I first saw ZOX on Facebook. I was really down about things in my life. I thought ZOX wouldn't have anything for me. I was sooo wrong! I soon found that those words of love and encouragement helped me so much. It's helped me through depression, times I've lost friends, scary times, and joyful times.

How long have you been a VIP?

I've been a VIP for a year and a half.

If you could bring back a retired strap, which one would you choose?

The florist. I love that one. There are several gorgeous floral ones I want so bad.

What's your favorite ZOX memory?

I think it was when I was gifted my 1st ZOX. It was the older style of Though She Be But Little, She's Fierce. Teresa Crawford gave it to me. It meant so much that a total stranger would do something for me and ask for nothing. I knew ZOX was a place I wanted to be.

Which ZOX are you currently wearing? Which one do you wear most often? Why?

I'm wearing my Just Breathe (purple and white) and You're Not Alone and Love Remembers. I wear these when I'm missing my Daddy really bad. I feel like he's with me then. Purple was the color for his type of cancer.

How big is your collection?

Last time I counted, it was just over 200. I've bought a lot more, but I really enjoy gifting them.

What does your dream strap look like?

I would love to see one that featured disabilities. It would be called Just LOVE. A lot of people are still not comfortable with disabilities. Many disabled people are shoved in a corner and are alone. They just want LOVE. Like everyone else wants LOVE.

What do you plan on collecting next?

My next ZOX I buy will hopefully be one of the floral and bird ones. If I can find one. MPs if I can't. Who knows, I might just pull one!