Launching a Globally Accredited & World-Record Breaking Virtual Resource Center, Business Bossery, Being a Live Entertainment Fanatic, My Speed/Shuffle Dating Review and more!

Hi guys!

It's been a super packed last few months! When I say that I've been a busy bee, I mean it! Let's dive right into all of the things I've experienced since the last time we spoke.

Launching the Holistic Healing Source for Marginalized Society 

After nearly 8 years of schooling and countless blood, sweat and tears, I successfully launched the initiative that I've been dreaming of for so long: the Holistic Healing Source for Marginalized Society ! This completely free asset is packed with invaluable content for both the general public to raise awareness of and empowerment in oppressed populations and the unique struggles they face, and professionals who would like to take their activism, advocacy and spiritual care/mental health service offerings to the next level. My research earned the coveted global accreditation through the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine Board, giving the elite gold stamp of approval to the various board certifications that we offer! I couldn't be happier as a relatively young (29) Black woman who has endured a chronic mental health condition for most of my life (Major Depressive Disorder) to have accomplished this. Coming from 63rd street in a low income community on the Southside of Chicago, I feel so fulfilled to be able to equip others of similar or even less privileged circumstances to improve their lives. Next to becoming a registered and board certified member of the esteemed American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress at 28, this is one of my proudest accomplishments.

Winning Awards & Breaking Records

New York Business Times front page

Wall Street Publication Front Page

Business Outstanders Front Page

World Record Listing

I've been blessed to have my work recognized and celebrated by numerous organizations and media outlets. In 2025 so far, I've broken a few records and reset the bar in a few different endeavors. The biggest of these is that I became officially listed in the Global Book of Records, ran by the Grace Ladies Global Academy that is also registered in the United Nations Civil Society! Outside of that I also won a 2025 Person of the Year Award for Healthcare Advocate which made me the youngest person to ever hold 3 POTY Awards since I was the selected Media Member and Entrepreneur last year. Plus, I also won Social Impact Champion of the Year at this year's Influencer Magazine Awards competition, making me the first person in its history to be honored with that title not just twice but twice consecutively. I couldn't be more grateful to all of my supporters and loved ones who inspire and motivate me very day to continue in my fight to make a difference in the world! 

Speaking Engagements to Empower, Educate and Inspire the Community

 

 

Many of you know that my passion for public speaking has been nearly life long. The joy that I get from being able to engage the public on topics and causes that are near to my heart is immeasurable! Over these past several months, I've had the pleasure of being a keynote speaker at a Chicago charity event for disadvantaged youths, and host/present at national events celebrating Black History Month, Martin Luther king Day and more!

Sponsoring the Alternatives Inc. Cocktails & Complicity Event

 

Alternatives Inc is an equity driven, anti-racist youth service organization that provides Behavioral Health services and Restorative Justice programs in and out of schools. My mom and I had the pleasure of attending the Cocktails & Complicity event in February as Calynn Communications & Creative was the media sponsor. It was nothing short of amazing! From the palpable intensity of the dialogue to the tasty complimentary treats and drinks, they both were wowed by their experience. Some of our favorite things were the venue, which was an urban art gallery in the West Loop area, the dynamic speakers who exemplified BIPOC excellence in their careers and knowledge, as well as the unmatched hospitality of the Alternatives Inc. staff.

Concerts: G-Eazy, Mary J. Blige + Ne-Yo + Mario, JoJo, Beyonce's Cowboy Carter

  

  

As many of you know, I am a concert fanatic and music enthusiast with an eclectic taste! Recently, I've gotten my soul stimulated at some shows of old favorites who DID NOT disappoint. The illustrious Queen Bey put on as elaborate and engaging of a show as her reputation boasts. Aunty Mary (alongside Mario and Neyo) had me jamming to so many heart touching throwbacks that I barely got a second of rest. My long lost husband, Young Gerald, the Great G-Eazy was a BLAST to see in the flesh! I didn't even realize how many of his songs I knew until I was gasping for air. Lastly, my girl JoJo came with the pipes and all the nostalgia that I needed to get me right! Most of these people I've been fans of since I was in grade school and it felt amazing to be in their audiences!

Plays & Theatre Shows: Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, The Wedding Singer Musical, The Addams Family Musical, The Best of Second City, KevOnStage's Life from the Back Pew Tour, Praise Mother Squad's Voir Dire, Civil Rights Opera at the DuSable Museum

     

   

As the queen of live entertainment and a lover of theatres (cinematic and on stage), I've been to a plethora of fantastic productions that blew me away for different reasons! Between musicals, dramas, the opera, improv and dance ensembles, I've had my fair share! I've become a regular at supporting local community theatres in Chicago and throughout the suburbs. And, I also love a more high budget event as well. I must say that of them all, Harry Potter & the Cursed Child was immaculate from the plot (easy to follow for someone who wasn't a huge fan growing up) and the stunning special effects and visuals! Hands down my fave and well worth the Broadway price tag.

My Speed Dating / Shuffle Dating Experience

Remember how I said I was super serious about prioritizing dating in my hectic lifestyle because I truthfully want to find someone to settle down with and start/expand a family? Well, part of that plan was to give speed dating a try. I attended a Shuffle Dating event downtown Chicago with one of my BFFs after work for about $30. It wasn't something I feel inclined to do again, especially considering how I'm seeking a few very specific things in a partner that are nearly impossible to filter for at events like these. However, I'm happy I at least get to cross it off my bucket list!

"Novocaine" Chicago Movie Premiere

My dad and I attended an advanced screening event for the hit action/thriller film, "Novocaine" at the AMC River East. We both were very happy to be invited (he came as my plus one) and expressed this to the theatre staff! I also did a gut reaction social media review citing how it was unique in concept and kept me guessing, which is awesome since I'm a bit of a thriller/horror buff. We also got to take home some complimentary swag as a thank you for supporting the movie launch, including posters, towels and trinkets!   

Her Justice, Her Voice Event

 

My mom and I had the opportunity to attend the "Her Justice, Her Voice" event on the southside of Chicago, hosted by the Chicago Metropolitan Delta chapter. It's focus was the screening of the biopic "Kemba" and Q&A with the star subject, Kemba Smith. The film showcased an enthralling tale of a good black girl from a solid home allowing love for a "bad boy" to get her wrapped up in a crazy lifestyle as an abused drug dealer's girlfriend turned baby momma. She eventually ended up doing hard time in prison and fought her way out alongside the help of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and a tireless family that never stopped advocating for her! Now, she's finished college, raised a family of her own and built a career in activism and mentorship. I deeply appreciated this event as it it touches multiple causes near and dear to my heart. Namely legal system reform and toxic romances.

The Future of Filmmaking Event at the National Museum of Mexican Art

As regular attendees at the National Museum of Mexican Art, their "Future of Filmmaking: Women in Cinema" event was highly immersive and very interactive! We had the pleasure of watching 4 short films created by Latina/Hispanic women covering intense topics such as education reform and child brides. The pieces were very thought provoking and the Q&A with the filmmakers to follow was authentic and informative!

Gallery Guichard Presents Soul of the Stone Exhibit

 

My BFF @nikhaulebereading is very active in the Bronzeville scene and introduced me to a beautiful hidden gem called Gallery Guichard. I've enjoyed a couple of their distinctive exhibits and must say that the pieces they curate are exciting, intriguing and spiritually in tune. As a former visual artist myself  (drawing and painting), I appreciate when I can enjoy the creative works of others of minority backgrounds alongside good company.

International Women's Day Celebration at 18th Street Casa de Cultura

In honor of International Women's Day, my mom and I took a drive out to the Pilsen area and visiting the pop up shop celebration that hosted female business owners of Latina/Hispanic descent at 18th Street Casa de Cultura! It was a lovely time and we were able to support a couple of the vendors by purchasing some of their inventory. This is a great feeling for me personally because I myself am a female entrepreneur of color and recognize the importance of us patronizing each other. We also got to play games, enter a raffle and get goodie bags for free! Very happy we came and we'll definitely be returning to future events there!

Comedy Club Hopping: Reggie's, Elephant N Da Room Entertainment, Riddles, Laugh Factory, Comedy Bar, Q's Lounge, Lincoln Lodge, Knotty Luxe etc.

 

  

  

  

  

In our current political climate, the world is in need of more laughter to keep from crying. That's why I've made it a habit to attend at least a couple comedy shows a month to try and keep a smile on my face, if even just for a couple hours, and I make it a point to take my family and friends with me when I can! Some of these shows have been generously comped/free by the likes of Dave Bradley (whom I humorously refer to on social media as "Twin" and "Dave the Fave"), Elephant N Da Room Entertainment (shoutout the CEO, Tony Strong), Riddles Comedy Club, Q's Lounge (shoutout the host, Rob Mayfield) and more. Me and my family are very grateful for the pick-me-up these shows bring us in the midst of so much stress!

Travel Diaries: Family Trip to Tennessee, Women's Wellness Retreat at Lake Geneva

 

 

Travel is one of my favorite hobbies to temporarily get away from the anxieties and demands of the Chicagoland area, and enjoy the sights and thrills of new places! Recently, that was a family trip to The Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN for the holidays, and a Women's Wellness Retreat in Lake Geneva, WI hosted by my aunt Dr. Thomas. I had a jolly ole time on both trips! It was so incredible to see most of my family (on my mom's side) together in TN. We had a ball exploring town, visiting local shops, venturing to the mall, and even riding a mountain lift that went hundreds of feet in the air with no seat belt (yes, my mom's eyes are closed on the snapshot LOL)! At the retreat, we got to fellowship and connect with one another over 4 days of relaxation, recreation and rejuvenation. Looking forward to the next one for sure!

Philippine Engineers and Scientists Organization 51st Anniversary Gala

 

My dad and I got to attend a wonderful fundraiser gala by the Philippine Engineers and Scientists Organization with several of his cool coworkers that I enjoyed networking amongst. One of them who is an honorary aunt to me, Tanya, was a special guest and gave a phenomenal speech that had people in awe (including us). I'm always thrilled to attend a charity event and this one was a real joy! I even got a few of my fave line dances in while there as many of you probably saw on my FB & IG stories LOL.

Village of Hazel Crest Black History Month Celebration

 

In honor of Black History Month, my mom and I stepped out to support this event. We were so happy we came with the nonstop entertainment they provided, all of whom were performers of Black descent. They had powerhouse vocalists, spirited dancers, embodied spoken word and more! One of the performers, comedian Stephon Raickett, is an OG fave of mine so it was good to see him there of course. Other suburbs can stand to take a note from Hazel Crest and produce free events like this for the community!

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month at the American Indian Center Chicago

As one of the ERG field trips at my day job, we decided to visit the American Indian Center of Chicago. This was such a fun outing! We got to learn a lot about the wonders of indigenous culture by listening to presentations, watching various dances from their heritage, watching a couple of videos and most importantly enjoying their food. As an aspiring global citizen who finds the history and customs of other ethnic groups to be so enriching and fascinating, this was a staple for me.

Touring Pullman National Historical Park for Black History Month

At another ERG trip for my day job, we did a walking tour of Pullman National Historical Park. This was so insanely wowing for me, as a lifelong Southsider because as many times as I've driven past or through the area, I never thought to explore! I'm actually a bit embarrassed to say that I was even unaware that this site held so much significance. Nevertheless, after this engaging and informative tour, I am so glad that I went. Learning about the trialsome challenges that laborers (especially those of color) faced and conquered put a fire under my feet to continue my fight to help foster positive change for women of color in the workforce and empowering them to lead fruitful careers!

Grand Opening of TLC Massage & Spa 

An old friend and former client of mine, Ms. Jaine Lopez, has opened a gorgeous spa in Gurnee, IL, that my mom and I got to experience at her grand opening! TLC Massage & Spa is a clean, serene environment with a variety of services to appeal to people of all ages and genders. With friendly, experienced staff and top of the line products, I emphatically recommend you give them a try if in the area! My mom and I loved our facials and I even made a purchase to use at home.  Can't wait to use it to amp up my skin routine as a girlie who doesn't often wear makeup and rocks my bare skin on a day to day whether in the office, out on the town or chillin' at home!

God Niece's Recital

I am overwhelmingly proud of my god niece and baby cousin, Jenesis, for her incredible progress on the clarinet. Taking after her late mother, Mekia, it is such an emotional experience to see her doing so well on stage playing the same instrument that her mom adored. I've been to quite a few of her previous performances over the years and can truly say that she is a little star in the making. Love her dearly and confident in her bright future!

Nephew's 6th Birthday

Where has the time even gone? My oldest biological nephew is now 6 years old! My parents and I attended his birthday party in ATL to celebrate alongside his siblings, parents (my sister and her husband), other relatives and friends. It was so cute but also tear jerking to see my little man who I held in my arms as a tiny newborn blossom into a big boy who's kicking butt academically and in sports while being a genuinely good kid. I'm so proud to be him and his siblings' aunt!

Volunteering at Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange

The Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange (CCRx) is a 501c3 nonprofit that redistributes donated surplus materials and supplies to Chicago teachers, artists, nonprofits, and community groups. I had the pleasure of volunteering there! I thoroughly enjoyed my time and cherished the opportunity to make a difference in my local community by doing simple tasks alongside friendly, dedicated staff. I did a full write up here for The Fresh Faces Project blog.

Free Arts & Crafts Classes at Chicago Public Library

  

For those of you who enjoy getting out of the house and doing fun, free activities, please check out your local library (especially if you live in Chicago) and see what they have to offer! I've had an amazing experience tagging alongside Nik to various complimentary classes at her local library for interesting things such as flower potting, vision boarding and more. It's something budget friendly and allows you to interface with your neighbors in a way that you may not often do. I'll certainly be back!

This was a RIDICULOUSLY long blog post because I've done so many pleasant things over the past few months that I felt I had to share with you all! Thanks for reading and until next time 💓💓

Love,

Cay