Month: January 2026

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Invite Only La Luz Art

I am building my new studio and have a list of potential collectors, with more being added. If you’re interested in joining the list, you can email me at info@chiaraatoyebimedia.com.

I will be offering work by myself as well as select pieces from other artists. Custom work will be limited online, but there will be other special items available. Feel free to check out the Etsy shop.

We’ll also have more coming for America 250, and the current digital download includes an embroidery image. You can download it and create it from the comfort of your own home.

You can also see some of my artwork on Instagram at chiaratoyebi.

My son is phenomenal artist and also a Kid Cudi fan, and one of my business partners and favorite people. Everything I do is for my babies and I do not regret it or feel conflicted. I feel blessed and fortunate.

I am not active on social media, but it should still be there.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Unlocking The Hidden Educational Benefits of Gig Work for SAHMS

Gig work is often dismissed as “extra cash.” But for moms, especially stay-at-home moms preparing to reenter the workforce, it can be much more.

It can be a bridge back to professional life, toward education, into entrepreneurship, and even to a debt-free future for your children.

Platforms like Uber and DoorDash offer more than flexible income. They offer access, benefits, and leverage — tools that can quietly change a family’s trajectory.

Here’s how:

A Gentle Return to the Workforce

Reentering work isn’t hard because of the job — it’s hard because of the transition.

Gig work eases that shift:

  • You choose your hours
  • You control your workload
  • You work around school, naps, and activities
  • You avoid committing to full-time work before you’re ready

It’s a low-pressure way to rebuild confidence, update your resume, and reestablish a professional rhythm, without being penalized for being a mom. And for artists, these are essential perks including Uber’s vision and dental benefit that can’t be denied. Especially with the ongoing healthcare debacle that is happening. It is imperative to use logic for your life.

Education Benefits Most Moms Don’t Know About

Uber offers free tuition at Arizona State University after 3,000 completed trips.

That benefit can be used:

  • For you
  • Or toward your child’s education (with family tuition options)

With consistency, a mom could earn a $40,000–$60,000 debt-free college education over time — on her own schedule.

The Timeline (It’s More Manageable Than You Think)

This isn’t about grinding — it’s about consistency. It’s about securing a $40,000-$60,000 gift you can impart to a family member. That leaves more money in your pocket. More focus on maintaining your home after retirement.

  • ~20 trips/week → about 3 years
  • ~40 trips/week → about 1.5 years
  • ~60 trips/week → about 1 year

Most moms fall into the first two categories, and that’s fine. This is a long game meant to position your family, not exhaust you. Driving all day is not necessarily for the average person. But two hours? You can listen to YouTube or an audiobook and make your quota.

The Hidden Perks That Lower Expenses

Both platforms offer benefits that quietly stretch household dollars.

Uber perks include:

  • Gas and maintenance discounts
  • Car rentals and discounted purchases
  • Rosetta Stone
  • Uber Pro rewards
  • Vision and Dental Insurance
  • Venmo cashout

DoorDash perks include:

  • 2% cash back on gas with DasherDirect
  • Daily payouts
  • Maintenance discounts
  • E-bike and scooter options in some cities

These benefits make gig work more sustainable, especially for moms.

Gig Work as a Launchpad

Gig work also reconnects you to the world.

You’re learning your city, meeting people, spotting opportunities, and building community — often while funding what comes next:

  • Certifications
  • Small businesses
  • Creative careers
  • Extracurriculars
  • Savings or a move

For many moms, gig work becomes seed money for the next chapter.

For the Woman Who Feels Stuck

In life, bad things often happen to good people. But each day you can do the best you can to rise out of a not-so-great situation. If you’ve been isolated, underestimated, or quietly carrying more than anyone sees, this matters. Take it from someone that has lived it. People lose family members, jobs, get sick and just downright overwhelmed and this can be a gentle reentry.

Gig work can be a pathway to freedom: one delivery, one ride, one hour at a time.

These platforms don’t judge your past or your résumé.
They reward consistency, professionalism, and effort.

And there is power in earning your own money, even if it’s modest at first:

  • Power to cover medical costs
  • Power to pay for your child’s needs
  • Power to fix a roof, replace a tire, or finally chip away at debt.
  • Power to save for a move, a degree, or a new beginning.
  • Power to make choices
  • Gig work won’t solve everything, but it can open the first door.
  • It can be the first step toward stability, dignity, and independence.
  • It can be the first time in a long time that a woman feels like she has options.

That’s not extra cash.
That’s options, and options are freedom. You just have to decide what freedom means for you.

And don’t forget you keep all your tips.

A Side Hustle That Doesn’t Own You

The healthiest relationship with gig work is simple:

Don’t rely on gig work. Strategize with it.

Gig work is at its best when:

  • You treat it as an option, not a lifeline
  • You use it to unlock benefits
  • You let it support your long-term goals
  • You take advantage of the perks without burning out

It’s an innocuous side hustle on the surface but beneath that surface is access, leverage, and opportunity.

You’re not just delivering food or giving rides. You’re building a bridge toward your family’s future.

I am big on evolution. Everything is a season and cycle. When this season is over, help your sister or your brother out. I also discovered a great book that made me think of not paying for college at all. It’s called Debt Free Degree. I hope that my neighbors will read it. I want all of us to continue to watch our kids grow and have a little less stress.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

#TIH: The Convergence of Truth & Memory St. Barbea of Edessa, Upper Mesopotamia

The City of Edessa By Bernard Gagnon Courtesy of Wikipedia

Our Posts–Education, Faith, and Feminine Spiritual Transformations

Joan of Arc by the Author via Generative AI

Every topic we’ve explored—economics, faith, women’s financial autonomy, the politics of truth—has really been a study in memory. Who remembers. Who forgets. Who gets written into the story of a nation, a family, a church, an economy. And who has to fight to be seen. At its core, this work is about how memory shapes identity, and how identity shapes the choices women make in a world that is always negotiating power. Truth is one of the most powerful forms of currency.

What looks like separate topics between economics, Catholic spirituality, women’s financial literacy, truth and transformation, has always been one conversation. We’ve been studying the point of convergence: where memory becomes identity, where identity becomes history, and where history becomes story. At that crossroads, women make choices that reveal who they are and what they believe. This is the terrain where truth is chosen, not inherited. Therefore, when you understand the world, you can make choices in it. Also, there are so many women that have been martyrs and leaders, and they go unnoticed and unwritten about today.

Edessa, Upper Mesopotamia, St. Barbea

Convergence is the moment when spiritual truth, political pressure, and personal identity collide — and the choice you make reveals who you are. Few places in the ancient world embodied this collision more fully than Edessa. Born from the collapse of empires, it rose on a fault line of history a frontier city where Arab kings, Roman legions, and Persian armies contested not only territory but allegiance. Perched between worlds, Edessa functioned as both buffer and battleground, a place where control depended less on walls than on the loyalty of its people. Shifting between Parthian, Armenian, and Roman rule, the city learned early that power here was provisional: armies could occupy its streets, but belief determined whether authority endured. January 29th is the feast day of St. Barbea who is honored here today.

Saint Barbea of Edessa: Holding To Conviction

Saint Barbea of Edessa was an early Christian martyr from Syria, remembered primarily for her courage during the persecutions under Emperor Trajan. She was the sister of Saint Sarbelius and was converted to Christianity through the influence of Saint Barsimeus, a prominent Christian leader in Edessa.

St. Barbea image by the author via generative AI

Once she embraced the faith, Barbea practiced it openly despite the intense hostility toward Christians at the time. Her refusal to renounce Christ led to her arrest and brutal torture. According to tradition, she endured:

  • burning with hot irons
  • severe scourging
  • and ultimately death by spear

Throughout these ordeals, she remained unwavering in her devotion.

Barbea is considered a pre‑congregation saint, meaning her veneration predates the formal canonization process of the Catholic Church. She has no specific patronage or iconographic symbols associated with her, but her legacy endures through the commemoration of her feast day on January 29. She is honored as a model of loyalty, courage, and steadfast faith, especially among those who look to the early martyrs for inspiration. Her story stands as a testament to the strength of conviction and the power of belief in the face of persecution.

Epistemic Memory

This is interesting because where your epistemic memory is matters. I included this in my graduate school thesis, and I will share it here on the site. It is all about memory and story and it is key to any people’s and nation’s survival.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

UNESCO: Bringing Oshun Into the Home: Origins, Healing, and Creative Inspiration

I was thinking of the Yoruba Goddess Oshun today. Whenever I am facing intense challenges, I like to destress with painting and reorganizing. I was painting my bathroom wall this afternoon and her beautiful essence came to mind. Oshun’s story begins in the sacred cosmology of the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin, where she is honored as the orisha of sweet waters, beauty, fertility, sensuality, and emotional healing. She is the spirit of the river—flowing, generous, and deeply restorative. Her presence brings sweetness back into difficult seasons, and her energy is often invoked when someone needs softness, joy, or renewal.

The Origins of Oshun

In Yoruba tradition, Oshun (also spelled Osun or Ochún) is one of the most beloved orishas. She is associated with the Osun River in Nigeria, where her sacred grove remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage destination. Her colors—yellow, coral, and gold—reflect her essence: joy, vitality, sensuality, and the shimmering movement of fresh water. As a healer, she supports emotional balance, fertility, creativity, and the gentle clearing of stagnant energy.

How to Bring Oshun’s Spirit Into Your Home

Inviting Oshun into your home doesn’t require elaborate ritual. It’s about creating a space where beauty, warmth, and emotional ease can flow freely.

Use Her Colors With Intention

  • Yellow: Add throw pillows, candles, fresh flowers, or ceramics to brighten your space and lift your mood.
  • Coral: Use coral textiles, bowls, or artwork to bring warmth and emotional grounding.

Create a Water-Inspired Corner

A small bowl of fresh water, a fountain, or a vase filled with river stones can symbolize her cleansing, flowing energy. Refresh the water often as a simple act of renewal.

Honor Sweetness

Honey, oranges, and soft fragrances like vanilla or citrus echo her love of sweetness and pleasure.

Invite Softness and Sensuality

Silks, warm lighting, gentle music, and lush textures help cultivate the atmosphere Oshun is known for—one of ease, beauty, and emotional openness.

Before we close, I want to share a story that carries the heart of Oshun’s healing. It’s a reminder that even the sweetest waters can be shaken, and yet they always find their way back to flow. This story captures what happens when love shifts, when heartbreak arrives, and when a woman chooses to return to her own sweetness.

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove image credited to Thierry Joffroy @UNESCO

After Shango Left: Oshun’s Journey Back to Her Own Sweetness

After Shango left, the world grew strangely quiet.

Not the peaceful kind of quiet that comes after rain, but the hollow quiet that settles in a house when laughter has walked out the door. Oshun felt it first in her chest — a tightening, a dimming — as if someone had placed a hand over her heart and pressed down gently, then harder.

She didn’t rage. She didn’t chase. She simply turned and walked back to her river.

The water recognized her before she even touched it. The surface trembled, shimmering gold, as if trying to rise up and hold her. Oshun knelt at the edge, letting her fingers slip beneath the coolness. The river asked no questions. It only received her.

Days passed. Maybe weeks. Time moves differently when a heart is healing.

Without her sweetness, the world began to crack. Arguments sharpened. Crops withered. Even the other orishas felt the shift — the absence of her laughter, her diplomacy, her gentle way of softening the edges of things. They searched for her, calling her name across forests and crossroads, but Oshun stayed with her river, letting the water carry away what she could not hold.

One morning, as the sun stretched itself across the sky, Oshun rose from the riverbank. Her sorrow had not disappeared, but it had changed shape — from a wound into a wisdom. She wrapped herself in yellow, coral, and gold, colors that reminded her of who she was before love and after it.

When she stepped back into the world, sweetness returned. Flowers lifted their heads. People remembered tenderness. Even Shango felt the shift — that unmistakable glow that only Oshun could bring.

But this time, she did not return for him.

She returned for herself.

And the river followed her, shimmering at her heels, whispering the truth she had finally learned: No matter who leaves, Oshun always comes back to Oshun.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Transform Your Neighborhood with Small Community Actions

Have you ever driven through a beautiful neighborhood and thought, Wow… look at these flowers, these painted porches, these little pockets of calm everywhere? It feels effortless, almost like the neighborhood just became that way.

But here’s the truth we don’t always say out loud: those places look like that because the residents invest in them. They organize clean‑ups. They build Little Free Libraries. They add onto their homes. They show up for their community. They shape the environment they want to live in.

Somewhere along the way, many of us started believing that only big gestures matter. We forget the heart of that famous John F. Kennedy line: ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Small actions still matter—and they matter more than we think.

Life Is Busy, and That’s Real

When people say they’re too busy to get involved, I agree. Life will have you scrambling. One minute your child is falling behind in school, the next you need a new roof, and you still haven’t made that doctor’s appointment. Meanwhile, you look around and think, The city needs to fix this. This is falling apart. We don’t have enough resources.

It’s overwhelming. And it’s human.

But small changes—tiny, manageable ones—can shift the entire way we live.

Small Things Shape Big Outcomes

I’ve said it here many times: small things matter. They shape our daily lives more than we realize. We love to quote “Be the change you want to see,” but then we wait for someone else to make the change happen.

Some changes require policy. But many can start right where we are.

Even in your home or apartment—temporary or not—you want it to feel good. You want it to be comfortable. And when you eventually level up, you want the next person to inherit something cared for. That mindset alone is powerful.

Using What You Have to Build What You Want

I went to art school, and only now am I really thinking about how to use that training to improve my life and my community. You can do the same with whatever gifts you have.

One thing I rarely hear discussed is how to keep your property values high after you buy a home. Yes, there are injustices that affect communities—things I’ll talk about another time—but residents still have power.

About Those Smoke Shops…

no smoking sign in london public space
Photo by Andre on Pexels.com

I’m not a fan of having a bunch of smoke shops in my neighborhood. Through research, I learned that if the rent is cheap enough, they can move in easily. But if they don’t have customers, they can’t stay.

And honestly, I don’t want our kids growing up thinking vaping is harmless. I tell my own children all the time: you are blessed, but your blessings can literally and figuratively go up in smoke if you start adult habits too early.

At the same time, I try to remember that everyone has a job to do. Everyone is trying to exist. So I’ve also wondered: could these shops be made less of an eyesore? Could they be more elegant, more integrated into the neighborhood? Where I live, some of them are decent. They could be decent everywhere.

Temptation is personal. But community standards are collective.

Getting Involved Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

City council meetings are online now. Your city website lists committees you can join. You don’t have to show up in person, you can listen in on Zoom while you drink your coffee.

Is it exciting? Not always. But here’s something I learned working in finance: the people who can endure the boring parts often end up with the biggest influence.

If your attention span is short, think of it as a creative challenge. Your voice matters. Reasoned, constructive conversation matters. And yes, some people will try to shut you down. Don’t let that discourage you. Those folks usually get moved aside eventually.

Action is the shortest path to victory.

Start With Your Block

Beautification doesn’t require a grand plan. You can do a lot with one neighbor. One idea. One shared effort. This is a no-brainer when it comes to helping people become useful right where they are. It is the very definition of lifting as we climb as stated by Mary Church Terell.

But if you’re doing major building, please pull a permit. And if the process moves too slowly, well… social media has a way of speeding things up.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Watching Movies.

Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

We love to snuggle and watch movies. I don’t know if it is a tradition but it’s fun to do. We love to watch movies together. We love it so much that we purchased a popcorn machine and bought a projector.

It’s showtime every weekend.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Saint Josephine Bakhita: Patron Saint of Those Who Have Been Sex Trafficked

Saint Josephine Bakhita stands as a quiet but powerful witness to survival, dignity, and hope. She is the patron saint of people who have been trafficked, abused, and exploited—especially those subjected to slavery and sexual violence. Her life reminds us that sanctity can rise even from the deepest suffering, and that no human being is ever beyond redemption or worth.

From Enslavement to Freedom

Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Darfur, Sudan. As a young child, she was kidnapped by slave traders, torn from her family, and sold multiple times. During her captivity, Bakhita endured brutal physical abuse, psychological trauma, and repeated violations of her body and dignity—experiences that closely mirror what many survivors of sex trafficking face today.

Her captors gave her the name Bakhita, meaning “the fortunate one,” a cruel irony given the horrors she endured. Over time, she was forced to forget her birth name and even her native language, a devastating loss of identity that is common among trafficked victims.

St. Josephine Bakhita for kids

Encountering God in the Midst of Trauma

Eventually, Bakhita was brought to Italy, where slavery was no longer legal. For the first time, she encountered kindness without violence and authority without abuse. It was there that she learned about Christianity and came to understand God not as another master, but as a loving presence who had been with her even in her suffering.

Bakhita later said that if she met her captors again, she would kneel and kiss their hands—not because what they did was acceptable, but because, through her suffering, she came to know God. This radical forgiveness does not erase injustice; rather, it reveals a profound spiritual freedom that no chains could destroy.

Why She Is the Patron Saint of Trafficking Survivors

Saint Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of victims of human trafficking because she lived their reality. Her sainthood does not romanticize suffering; it validates it. She represents:

Survivors who have been silenced

Bodies treated as commodities

Lives fractured by exploitation

The long, painful journey toward healing

Her life tells survivors: You are not defined by what was done to you. Your dignity is intact. Your story is not over.

A Saint for Our Time

Human trafficking is not a problem of the past—it is a global crisis happening in plain sight. Bakhita’s story urges us not to look away. She challenges us to listen to survivors, to support organizations that protect the vulnerable, and to confront systems that allow exploitation to thrive.

Her holiness was not forged in comfort, but in endurance, compassion, and love. In a world that often reduces trafficked persons to statistics, Saint Bakhita restores the human face.

A Prayerful Call to Action

Honoring Saint Josephine Bakhita means more than remembering her story. It means committing ourselves to justice, mercy, and solidarity with those who are still trapped in cycles of exploitation. Whether through advocacy, education, prayer, or direct service, each of us can play a role in ending trafficking and supporting survivors.

Saint Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of those who have been trafficked, pray for us—and especially for all who are still waiting to be free.

Room 21 A Film on Human Trafficking
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Affordable or (Free) Field Trips and Travel Grants for Maryland Families

By Chiara Luz

back view of playing violinist
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

As a mom, enriching your child’s education with hands-on experiences doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re looking for free or grant-supported field trips in Maryland and beyond, there are great options and tools to help you plan exciting learning experiences with little to no cost. 

Explore FieldTripDirectory.com’s Maryland listings. This searchable directory lets you browse field trip ideas by category—everything from science and nature to history, arts, and recreation—so you can find experiences that match your child’s interests and curriculum goals.  

Many destinations also offer grant-funded or free admission for school and homeschool groups. For example, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore provides grant-funded free admission for Maryland students (public, Head Start, Judy Centers, and eligible homeschool groups) on field trips during the school year. They even offer free virtual field trips if visiting in person isn’t possible.  

Nature lovers can look into bus voucher programs like the one offered by Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs, which helps Title I schools cover transportation costs so students can explore the outdoors.  

Another great opportunity is the State-Aided Institutions Field Trip Grant through the Maryland State Department of Education—this can help schools secure funds to cover transportation to approved educational sites, making field trips more affordable for entire classes.  

Even if a destination doesn’t have free admission, many venues offer group discounts or grant opportunities you can apply for ahead of time. 

By planning early and using resources like FieldTripDirectory.com, moms can unlock affordable, fun, and educational field trip options that spark curiosity and create lasting memories—without the stress of high costs. 

Field Trip Destinations & Free Admission Programs 

🔗 FieldTripDirectory — Maryland Field Trip Ideas 
https://fieldtripdirectory.com/category/destinations/maryland/ 

🔗 Maryland Zoo Field Trips (Grant-Funded Free Field Trips) — Information on free admission for school and homeschool groups through their field trip program.  
https://www.marylandzoo.org/learn/field-trips/ 

🔗 Maryland Zoo Homeschool Field Trip Request — Submit your group’s reservation for grant-funded free field trip dates.  
https://www.marylandzoo.org/learn/field-trips/homeschool-field-trip-request/ 

🔗 Maryland Zoo Virtual Field Trips (Free) — Live, grant-supported online experiences for Maryland schools.  
https://www.marylandzoo.org/learn/virtual-field-trips/ 

🔗 B&O Railroad Museum Field Trips — Free or reduced pricing for Maryland homeschool and school groups (while funding lasts).  
https://www.borail.org/explore-learn/for-teachers-students/field-trips/ 

Grant & Funding Resources 

🔗 Maryland State-Aided Institutions (SAI) Field Trip Grant — Grants to cover transportation costs for eligible school field trips.  
https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/OFPOS/GAC/SAI-Field-Trip/index.aspx 

🔗 Field Trip Grant to Museums of Cultural Import — Funding for visits to select cultural museums (e.g., Reginald F. Lewis Museum).  
https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/OFPOS/GAC/Field-Trip/index.aspx 

Other Helpful Maryland Programs 

🔗 Salisbury Zoo Free Field Trips — Completely free admission for groups (registration required).  
https://salisburyzoo.org/education/field-trips/ 

🔗 Bus Voucher Program — Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs — Helps Title I schools cover bus transportation costs.  
https://www.friendsofblackhillnature.org/bus-voucher-program

Travel Grants and Travel Abroad Scholarships

A cultured society is a beautiful one. If I had a Girl Scout troop, outside of glamping, and spa days we would absolutely embark on these cultural activities.

Let me know which one if any you participate in. And a very wise and prosperous man once told me, “it’s ok to save your money some time.” Don’t feel pressure to handle all of it. These things are for us all and we are fortunate to have these resources to enjoy. You can give back with donations, fundraising, volunteering, and posting on your social media.

Enjoy! Please share.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Faith, Feminine Strength, and Financial Independence

“Things happen in life. They happen to planners. To non-planners. They happen to the so-called good and righteous among us. They happen to the not-so good ones too. If you live long enough, something is going to happen to you. Your reputation may be on trial, your finances at stake, and your soul in a constant state of unrest. But, if you believe and continue forward—a rainbow exists on the other side.”–La Luz

Last year I went through a difficult season that I barely had the space to face. I faced it, yes — but imagine praying for visibility, receiving it, and then feeling the weight of how much it changes everything. I’ve always been private about my relationships, so when someone emailed me saying, “Remember to protect your why or someone might take it,” it struck me deeply. That message arrived right as my marriage was ending. It’s ironic how we met and married at lightning speed, yet the “conscious uncoupling” has been a slow drip.

It’s difficult to stay sad when you’ve endured being unprotected for far too long. It’s difficult to remain bitter when violation becomes the very fire that forges your strength. Some lessons don’t come gently—but they do come with purpose. And if there’s a silver lining, it’s this: the experience sharpened me. It taught me how to parent forward, wiser and stronger, with resolve.

I bring this forward because it sparked one of the most important realizations of my life: as mothers, it is essential that we remain actively present in our children’s lives and intentional about sustaining our income. There is no one-size-fits-all path. Every woman’s circumstances are different. Some may need to outsource more, some less. I could have hired help—and maybe I will someday—but I value being hands-on whenever I can.

I love to work. And after immersing myself in lessons from thinkers like Tony Robbins, I began to see a sweet spot: a life where purpose, presence, and provision coexist.

I’m speaking especially to the woman who is traditional, who grew up in the church, who was taught modesty and discretion—and who sometimes feels embarrassed by conversations around money or power. Life still happens to modest women. Growth still happens to spiritual women. Who we were ten years ago is not always who we are becoming, and that evolution is sacred.

The Divine Feminine woman is designed to grow, to expand, to live in abundance. Her ideal partner is one who complements that growth. And if you have been obedient, prayerful, chaste—yet things didn’t unfold as you hoped—trust that it is still part of God’s design. But faith does not exclude wisdom. Within God’s design, it is prudent to be financially literate, fiscally conservative, and prepared.

I had to learn that “having a stash” means more than a few hundred dollars set aside. True security is built. The most beautiful woman, the most devoted partner, can also learn how to open a laptop and create something lasting. While we invest in our appearance and the things that fade with trends, we must also invest in understanding the system we live in. If you plan to live in America, learn American capitalism because it can quite literally save your life.

When your children want haircuts, stylish clothes, cultural experiences, or a magical trip to Disney World, it takes vision and planning. And you can do it.

I had a wonderful upbringing—perhaps too comfortable. Financial literacy wasn’t part of my education. But today, knowledge is everywhere, and as I move toward an AI-inclusive lifestyle, I intend to share what I learn along the way.

I want your children to have a solid, beautiful life. I want you to be present for it, not constantly away from home trying to make it happen.

Finding Hope in Faith and Tradition

One day a video crossed my feed — a Catholic priest teaching on divorce — and it was something every traditional woman should see. It reminded me that righteousness still has a future, and that hope is not lost.

Letting Go of Old Strongholds

The truth is, I wasn’t just living under the stronghold of a person — I was living under the stronghold of an idea that may never have been real. In life you have to pick a side for yourself. If it’s a good side, others will follow.

A Lesson From My Daughter

A little boy once told my daughter that he would marry her when they grew up. She carried those words close to her heart, feeling seen, beautiful, and chosen. I told her that if she truly meets her person that early in life, it would be a rare and precious gift—because most people don’t find their person so young, if at all.

She often talks about growing up and becoming a mother one day. She also loves science, building, and fashion—all beautiful interests that deserve encouragement. My role is simply to guide her: to nurture her heart, honor her curiosity, and quietly teach her to set her investments aside while becoming the most loving, capable woman she can be.

I remember a time when my parents faced a financial challenge. My mother produced the money to fix it—an amount so substantial it left me stunned. I remember thinking, I thought you said you didn’t have any money. But my mother, like my grandmothers before her, was wise. They were humble, simple women who worked tirelessly, lived modestly, and bought things in cash. They carried strength quietly. These are the lessons I want passed from mother to daughter, and to our sons as well.

Why Financial Responsibility Matters for Women and Single Mothers

The women who approach me at events, in public, after I speak, are often young and beautiful, yet rarely encouraged to develop their minds. Many were raised to believe their purpose begins and ends with a man. What they really need to learn is how to cultivate their relationship with God in the purest and most intimate way possible. I wish the advice was different, but I was married for a very long time, this is what I know. You never know what you will be hit with in your union. For example, an illness, death, or having to car for a family member unexpectedly. Money can buy back some of the time you lose and that is the most valuable thing. Time is priceless and finite.

For women — especially single mothers — fiscal responsibility is not just practical. It is protective. It is dignity. It is safety. It is the foundation that keeps you from being trapped in situations that diminish you. That is why I am all over this Genius Act.

I am moving into a digital space because it allows me to show up for my babies and pushes me closer to my dreams and goals. I believe that decentralized finance can be a great equalizer for many of us. I have heard the case for community banks and lending, and my thought is that it is good to have choices. Choices are always good because not everyone can handle the responsibility of having great risk, while others thrive in it. I think having choice and structure are good options. Whatever allows you to thrive.

When you understand money, you understand choice. You understand boundaries. You understand power.

Life Begins Again

Today, I feel like my life is just beginning. I have not only my voice but the courage to use it. It has nothing to do with money, because when people adore you, they adore you with or without it. They want to build with you and bond with you because of YOU. I have seen people come up together. I have seen power couples get it and lose it together. I think those couples are bonded by something stronger than a paycheck. It has to be a divine union, and life has to have a divine purpose in order to reap the benefits that living a faith filled life brings. I am speaking of one that flows, is understanding, abundant, and is rooted in peace. Please check out the video I attached at the top. It will give you some solace on your new beginning. Also, I just feel a tiny feeling that these next few years are going to be epic. But I had to fill in some gaps on why the conversation shifted so that I could get into the storytelling. And I hope the stories are good.

Lastly, sometimes we have a stop off or layover to our greatest story in life. Live in the moment because it tends to change.

Stay in the light. Peace Be With You.

Tax Season is here and there are many good things are occurring with your refund. Time to gather your documents and file early.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Why You Can’t Grow Weary Now

In a world where the courage to do what’s right is often met with silence, misunderstanding, or indifference, the true challenge isn’t just starting well it’s staying faithful when the applause never comes.
In my latest piece, “Why You Can’t Grow Weary Now,” I explore why perseverance in goodness matters, how quiet acts of courage shape change, and why staying committed, even in the face of resistance, is one of the most radical forms of leadership today.
Read on to discover how steadfastness, faith, and purpose can transform the way you lead and serve.

Read more on Medium.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Why I No Longer Have Food Waste

Food Waste Graphic Courtesy of the Author via Generative AI

I no longer have food waste.

We rarely waste food in the house. I remember sitting in my house after coming from a meeting with the Sustainability Committee in my city where we were trying to solve some food waste issues. I was thinking, how in the world could scarcity and excess exist in the same space? It seemed off to me. I have to say there is never a moment in my life that I had no food. Zero food.

There may have been a time in my adult life where I thought, oh my goodness I may run out of food–let me start to fast so it’ll be less painful! But the miracle of life is that it never got that way. Thankfully. To give you an example of what I mean, I would have rice and mixed vegetables in my house and an onion. I would go grab some soy sauce and small chicken and make stir-fry. Granted I was only feeding me as an artist on the edge but it was great. Especially with a garnish. You can do the same and make it nice for your dinner table. Kids only remember the end result, not so much the struggle unless you are complaining. I don’t know about you, but my Nana and grandmothers never complained. It was only, “come on in and eat!”

I don’t want to belittle or undermine food struggles, but I also don’t want to stoke fear and anxiety. Sometimes the solution may not be quantity but quality and true accessibility. Some of which is resolved with online shopping.

*Amazon offers discount Prime membership based on income.*

I come from people who could take whatever was left in the cupboard and turn it into a gourmet meal. At least, that’s how it was when I was growing up. These days, I notice a lot of folks let food sit in the refrigerator until it goes bad, and to me, that’s a real issue. Having abundance is a blessing, but having high‑quality food and clean water at home is even better. It supports real health, and because the quality is higher, you actually feel more satisfied.

I appreciate that we now have a new food pyramid. After decades of rising illness, it’s clear that what we were doing wasn’t working. Change was overdue. When I was younger and visited friends from wealthier families, I noticed something interesting: they rarely had a lot of food in the house. Maybe a beautifully organized snack shelf, plenty of beverages, and if I stayed over, they usually ordered takeout. Yet everyone was thin, healthy, and full of energy. Food wasn’t the center of their lives. That doesn’t dismiss food insecurity—if anything, it highlights how deeply it matters. The type of food we eat is often more important than the sheer amount. I would cry real tears for anyone who blocked another person from trying to be healthy and change their perception. Life is very precious.

A kitchen stocked with Cheetos, soda, and frozen meals might feel convenient, especially for kids coming home hungry, but true nourishment comes from proteins, vegetables, and real meals that actually fill you.

Variety is wonderful, but learning discipline in how we eat and discernment in how we shop can change everything. I’ve found that I save more money simply by buying less junk. I can still enjoy eating out once or twice a week—or even just once a month—but the biggest difference I see is in my family’s health. Their skin glows. We have our vitamins, clean water, stews, soups, meats, pasta, and salads. The meals I cook last about two days, so we don’t end up with piles of leftovers or much food waste. This is the true key to environmental activism.

What I do notice, though, is how much waste comes from crackers, chips, and snacks. Half‑eaten packages and stray cookies show up everywhere, which tells me all I need to know: these should be occasional treats, not weekly staples.

It’s important to remember that people live very different lives. Across every race and ethnicity, families fall into a wide range of income brackets, and what matters deeply to some may not matter at all to others. My hope is that everyone has access to at least a basic level of health education and support. In many places that already exists, but I’d love to see it go further—especially by empowering community leaders and local businesses who truly understand the area. They’re the ones who can help strengthen and balance the quality of life there.

When it comes to waste, buying higher‑quality items, and buying fewer things overall, can make a real difference for the environment. I learned that in an unexpected way. Two years ago, I was overwhelmed by everything happening in my life and worried I wouldn’t be able to pull off a nice Thanksgiving. Somehow, it turned into an epic $60 Italian Thanksgiving extravaganza.

This past year was completely different. Family was together, the food was plentiful, and I even had embroidered placemats and a ham. I tried to recreate the magic of the year before, but the struggle wasn’t there anymore. Isn’t that something? Maybe part of us tries to recreate that tension, that sense of overcoming. It’s worth reflecting on.

The Food Pyramid Lie: Why We Got Fat

When I think of this new pyramid, among other things, I think about all of the different circles I have moved in. One thing I know for sure is that no one wants to stay where they are. If the best option exists uptown, they want it to exist where they are as well. If all we have to access as a tool for change is information, then knowledge is wealth. Building upon that wealth is up to the execution of each individual. If you do more today with mitigating food waste, buying high quality foods, and practicing disciplined eating than you did yesterday—you are winning. Let’s take this one step at a time. Let’s plan for the year instead of six weeks.

Let’s change together.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Raising a Little Art Lover: Ballet, Portraits, and a New Love for Beethoven

ballerinas holding on the ballet bar
Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels.com
Daily writing prompt
Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.
View all responses

The past two months have been full of artistic adventures for our family. Two of my favorite highlights were taking my daughter to see The Nutcracker performed by the Chesapeake Ballet Company and spending a quiet afternoon wandering the National Portrait Gallery, one of my personal favorites. For MLK Day, we celebrated through movement by attending a powerful dance performance by Company Z and Baltimore Dance Tech at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum — a perfect fit for me since I’m such a fan of dance.

Azerbaijani singer Fatma Mukhtarova Photo in the Public Domain

I’ve actually never been to the Strathmore myself, but my daughter visited on a recent class field trip and came home excitedly reciting composers’ names and asking to hear more Beethoven. What I love about the Strathmore is how many enriching arts experiences it offers without requiring a big budget. It’s truly one of the cultural anchors of our region, and I’m looking forward to finally experiencing it in person soon. I’m also hoping to make my way to Afternoon Tea at the Mansion. It’s been on my list for a while. Additionally, about a month ago, I went to afternoon tea at Lady Camellia and I highly recommend it. It was pink and cute and the tea and sandwiches were delicious. It’s a wonderful way to spend a slow Saturday afternoon if you love tea. It may even be nice to make a date of both. Here are some cool things to know about Strathmore:

Always‑Free & Pay‑What‑You‑Can Options

  • Free admission to rotating visual art exhibitions inside the Mansion
  • Bloom by Strathmore events offered free or pay‑what‑you‑can (concerts, workshops, community performances)
  • Seasonal free outdoor concerts on the lawn — perfect for picnics with kids
  • Free and low‑cost youth arts programs offered throughout the county
  • Accessible events designed to bring the arts directly into neighborhoods

Upcoming shows I am looking at Katherine McPhee and David Foster. I saw bits of the show on Youtube and it looks like they are sharing a lot of the songs David Foster wrote for some of music’s biggest stars. I may catch a symphony as well and take my kids. It’s good to expose them early for their travels throughout the world.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Healing Through Art: A Journey of Spiritual Growth

Image by the author Chiara Luz via Generative AI

Sometimes there is a heaviness that we feel in our lives. It may be there for various reasons. It can get difficult to manage in the cold months and when the weather is grey. I was talking to a family member about the healing power of art today and what makes it so powerful. Art doesn’t ask you to talk. It doesn’t judge and when you are in the process of creation—you are free.

I’ve moved into the realm of spiritual art, and as fascinating as it is, it can also feel heavy. Its purpose is healing, yet I realize now that I needed more healing myself before diving into this journey. I’m in a better place these days, more grounded, and more prepared to receive the remarkable gift of communion with the other side.

When I feature saints here on Chiara Atoyebi Media, it’s intentional. Through every challenge and hardship in my life, a saint has walked with me. Even my daughter Calais — whom I imagine praying for me day and night — brings me a deep sense of calm. I share with my readers the same things I lean on in my own life. I may not be as direct as many people, but this is my story. I mention my other site, my life’s work, and my nonprofit because they are part of that story. The House of Maryam is something I had to grow into, and I suspect I’ll always be reaching for the wisdom and compassion I hope it reflects.

In my daily life, people don’t often associate me with struggle, but I have my challenges. Parenting, especially, stretches every part of my soul — particularly when guiding children through a new family dynamic. I think I handle it well, yet when I talk about opportunity, housing, stability, education, creativity, all of it matters. This is life. We only get one, and it should be beautiful.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that the beauty I’ve poured into others becomes medicine when I finally give it to myself. That realization felt like a holy ordinance. I never imagined I could offer that kind of love to myself or that joy could be something I truly experienced. For the first time in my life, I listen to love songs. The first was “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder, then “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, and the list keeps growing. I spent a lifetime listening to breakup music. If I have any advice, it’s this: you are what you listen to. If you fill your ears with fighting and making up, you’ll live in that cycle.

In the months ahead, my goal — along with the other writers on this site — is to offer simple, useful information that helps you build a beautiful life right where you are. I believe that when we’re faithful in small things and truly grateful, we rise. I already feel lighter and more elevated simply by having this space to communicate and share with you.

This month is National Hobby Month, and it’s the perfect time to reconnect with something you love. What’s life without a little joy that belongs only to you? If you have a hobby you adore, I’d love to hear about it. I’m always open to trying something new. Who knows — I may even join you from afar

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Nice Words Have A Way Of…

I think my future will surprise me.

I woke up the other day thinking putting old school pen to paper for Brass and Bloom. Part of me is nervous at how fast the words move things into existence. But hey, why not? I forsee a fun summer.

I think it can never be understated how far kindness and kind words can go. So many people talk reckless to each other that when you recieve a kind message or word it really stands out.

Let’s practice putting kindness on those words.

I understand it can be a challenge and we will fall short–but we all need it from time to time.

How do you show up for your friends, children, and loved ones in difficult moments? I would love to learn.