After going through the worst of all, the loss of a child, Manon LeBlanc realized that in order to one day overcome her pain, she had to take care of herself. The move was beneficial for his physical health, but also his mental health. The one who is celebrating her 25-year career in media this year has also focused on her professional life and friendship.
• Also read: Separation for Manon Leblanc
• Also read: A year after her son’s death, Manon Leblanc confides in Saskia Thuot
Manon, you are celebrating your 25th career anniversary in public, but you have already made a name for yourself in your field.
Yes, I had a great career as an artist-decorator for 10 years. I worked for designers. I have made decorations for restaurants, shops, etc. One day I received two job offers: one for Tremblant and the other for Disney, where I was asked to become the artistic director of the workshop in China. I was flattered, but I was a single mother at the time. It was the offer of a lifetime, but going to Asia with my two children seemed risky. Then TVA made me a suggestion…
That’s when you became a columnist for the show Clodine’s seasons?
Yes. I taught people to do simple things, to make them themselves. I suggested to the producer that we make DIY magazines. It was a great success. That’s how I got into the media. I still continued training. I then hosted, among others, Manon, you inspire me!, Pimp my garage and I missed my renovations. I did television for almost 16 years, then I needed a break. I then specialized in kitchens and wallpaper. I work with Tendances Concept Montréal.
Photo: unknown / VAT
Photo: unknown / CANAL VIE
Are you proud of your career?
Yes, I’m happy with what I did. People write to me to tell me they miss me on TV. If I were to go back, it would be an “aerated” formula. I would do it for fun.
You look in radiant shape. What is your secret?
Over time fitness declines, so I started mountaineering a few years ago to stay in shape and maintain my energy. I never thought I would be able to do this! I also went back to skiing. I became fitter than ever. I lost a dozen pounds. I started playing tennis. I’m fitter than ever! I currently do Pilates at home two to four times a week. This is my base. The rest of the time I do other physical activities. I like taking care of myself. This is also important for maintaining your mental health. I researched the problem and decided to take action to preserve my memory and creative sense, or at least slow down the aging process as much as possible. In addition to physical activity, nutrition also plays an important role.
Do you monitor your diet closely?
Let’s say I eat better than before and at the same time keep myself in good physical shape. I really like being outside. As we know, I lost my son (Dimitri died in an accident in 2021 at the age of 32). When he left, I experienced such a tsunami in my life that I wondered what I could do to help myself. I didn’t want anything more. One of the keys to good mental health is exercise. I forced myself to do more. I forced myself to do my Pilates at home. At the beginning there was a lack of motivation…
Would you say it saved you?
I think so. This allowed me to oxygenate my brain. I even stopped drinking alcohol for a while because it gave me strong emotions. Now my weekends are dedicated to different activities: I go paddling, I walk my dog… I do a lot of outdoor activities. I love water, swimming. I put physical activity at the center of my life.
Was your friendship network important to you?
Yes. I have good friends; They call me, invite me to dinner or a cocktail. I have developed great relationships with people with whom I do interesting activities. I’m single. I have the chance to do what I love in life. It’s a great privilege.
Are you still as close to your daughter?
Yes, and that is also a great opportunity. We talk to each other every day, often several times a day. We talk like friends. We look at each other. I am blessed to have Bianca in my life. My daughter looks a bit like me. I think she’s an improved version of me. She is sensitive, intelligent. She is interested in others. People like him very much. She is truly a beautiful person.
Photo: Dominic Gouin / TVA Pub
How are you coping with being single?
I’ve been single for over a year. I met interesting people, made friends, but I didn’t find love. I’m not in a hurry. I don’t know if this will ever happen to me…
So all in all, your life is going well?
Yes, even though I experience the loss of Dimitri every day. I am a survivor. I work hard, I’m surrounded by great people. I also have several projects. If I had started telling myself that I felt sorry for myself, I wouldn’t have come out of the forest…
Have you been through the worst ordeal ever but accepted the unacceptable?
Yes, because we must not forget that there are other people around us. Bianca needs a mother’s gift. You have to live your life as best as you can. I have grown a lot because of what I have experienced. I’ve noticed that we always find the strength to move forward when necessary…
We visit his website to discover his kitchens and wallpapers.