Author: Chiara Luz Atoyebi

Where faith and creativity meet to tell life’s most meaningful stories. At Chiara Atoyebi Media, I believe art is ministry—every story, image, and design is a way to share light and love. I’m Chiara, an artist, writer, and educator devoted to building spaces where family, faith, and folklore come alive. From digital storytelling to handmade art and The House of Maryam Creative Center for Peace and Transformation, my work celebrates the sacred in everyday life. And at the heart of it all? My greatest inspiration—my 15-year-old son, a writer and gamer known as @Sonicgamedex. Join Our New family endeavor #yourcrossisyourcrown
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Love as Infrastructure: Designing Relationships That Last

Love is an action. So is support. If there is more talk of support instead actually supporting, then we aren’t there you.

When you’re looking for the right partnerships, why not look through the lens of love?


Love asks: Is there respect here?
Is there honesty?
Is there mutual investment and shared accountability?


Through this lens, partnership becomes more than alignment on paper, it becomes trust in practice. It looks like showing up consistently, valuing every player, sharing credit, and counting wins as ours. It’s transparency over performance, clarity over control, and collaboration over competition.


Love doesn’t require perfection, but it does require truth. It lays the cards on the table and builds on facts, not illusions. It feels steady, not transactional. Supportive, not conditional. When viewed this way, the right partnerships feel grounding rather than draining.


Looking through the lens of love means choosing relationships albeit personal, professional, and political, that honor who you are and what you’re building. It’s a builder’s mindset: practical, intentional, and rooted in respect.


And when love is the lens, you don’t have to force alignment, you simply recognize it.

Lastly, be careful who you partner with. All relationships aren’t destined to scale. If you find that others are scaling and your pocketbook is draining–this was a bad option. Some extremely talented people have aligned with some people that used them as a host and they have never been heard from again.

I like to think of Zerrubabel and the building of the second temple of Jerusalem. This was no ordinary call to action, this was a call that would wipe the transgressions of a nation and reap a huge blessing. Zerrubabel had a lot of people pulling on him. Alot of “relationships” but he had to know which ones were destined to scale. When it’s destined to scale the building process may be intimate but the rewards are for the masses.

That’s the goal for 2026.

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Barriers Down, Doors Open: Why Now Is the Time to Start Saving Your Refund

I’ve been seeing all of these tiny home deliveries on social media and it got me thinking. What about purchasing land and putting a few on there? It’s a thought. It’s also a thought for you if you are interested. The better thing is that it is an opportunity for equity. You will not have to wait; it all can be yours. If that is too much of an ask, there is also the traditional homebuying route. Just think, you may not be able to leave ten homes behind, but one fabulous one is more than enough. When it boils down, we have no idea what Earth will look like 100 years out, but we have hope for the next thirty.

For years, buying a home felt like it came with a velvet rope and your credit score was the bouncer. But that’s changing. With Fannie Mae moving away from rigid credit score cutoffs and toward a more holistic view of borrowers, one of the biggest barriers to building equity is finally coming down. Translation? Homeownership is starting to look a lot more accessible for everyday people. Even better, each state updates programs that work for even the least among us. Let’s get into it.

This shift is a big deal because equity is one of the most powerful ways families build long-term wealth. When fewer people are automatically locked out by a single number, more buyers get the chance to invest in themselves instead of paying rent year after year. It’s not about “lowering the bar” it’s about recognizing that financial responsibility looks different for everyone, and that strong income, payment history, and savings matter too.

And here’s where your tax refund comes in. That refund isn’t just bonus money; it’s a head start. Whether it becomes part of your down payment, covers closing costs, or boosts your savings reserves, putting it aside now can move you closer to owning a home and building equity sooner than you think. Barriers are being removed, opportunities are opening up, and this could be the year you turn a refund into a foundation for your future.

Tell me are you team tiny house? Or large and forever?

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Preserving Gullah Geechee Culture Amid Climate Change

A Fourth of July celebration. St. Helena Island, South Carolina. (1939) Image in the Public Domain

Along the sun-soaked shores, tidal creeks, and marshlands of the southeastern United States, a remarkable culture continues to thrive. Rooted in African traditions and shaped by centuries of resilience, Gullah Geechee culture connects the United States to the broader African diaspora through language, food, music, spirituality, and a deep relationship with the land.

The Gullah Geechee people are descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the Sea Islands and coastal mainland of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Isolated by geography but strengthened by community, they preserved customs, stories, and a Creole language that survived slavery, segregation, and generations of displacement. Today, that legacy faces a new and urgent threat: climate change and land loss.

Recent news coverage has highlighted rising seas and intensifying storms threatening Gullah Geechee communities. But these headlines point to a deeper truth that this is not only an environmental crisis, but a cultural one. What is at stake is a living heritage that deserves recognition and protection on a global scale, including consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Voices from the Community: Why Gullah Geechee Matters

For the Gullah Geechee people, preservation is personal. It lives in the voices of elders, artists, and community leaders who carry traditions passed down for generations.

“I have a passion to sing these songs.”
— Minnie “Gracie” Gadson, elder and singer

Her words reflect the importance of Gullah spirituals — songs that hold history, faith, and survival in their melodies.

“If we don’t know who we are, we’re lost.”
— Emory Campbell, community leader and translator of the New Testament into Gullah

At public meetings and planning forums, advocates often remind us that there is no price tag on cultural heritage. As many have said plainly: without the land, the culture dies. For the Gullah Geechee, land is not just property — it is memory, identity, and continuity.

Why UNESCO World Heritage Status Matters

UNESCO World Heritage recognition would place Gullah Geechee culture alongside some of the world’s most valued cultural landscapes — from the rice terraces of the Philippines to the ancient city of Timbuktu. More importantly, it would provide global acknowledgment, protection, and resources for preservation.

Here’s why that recognition matters:

1. A Living Cultural Landscape

Gullah Geechee culture is not frozen in the past. It lives on through sweetgrass basket weaving, spirituals, storytelling, farming practices, and the Gullah language itself. These traditions are inseparable from the coastal landscapes where they developed — landscapes now threatened by sea-level rise, erosion, and development.

2. Preserving History and Identity

For centuries, Gullah Geechee communities have maintained distinct traditions despite systemic barriers. UNESCO recognition would help ensure these cultural expressions are protected, celebrated, and passed down, not only regionally, but globally.

3. Protecting Sacred Sites and Homelands

World Heritage status often brings international conservation support. This could strengthen local efforts to protect burial grounds, historic neighborhoods, and community gathering spaces that are central to Gullah Geechee history and identity.

The Threat Is Real And Urgent

Climate change is no longer a distant threat in the Lowcountry. Rising seas, stronger storms, and saltwater intrusion are already damaging homes, infrastructure, and ancestral lands. As shorelines disappear, so do the places where culture is practiced, remembered, and taught.

Preserving Gullah Geechee culture means more than protecting artifacts or archives. It means keeping people rooted to their land, ensuring future generations can speak the language, sing the songs, and walk the same beaches their ancestors once did.

Want to Learn More?

Here are three places to explore Gullah Geechee history and preservation efforts:

  • Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
    The official portal for programs, oral histories, and cultural events stretching from North Carolina to Florida.
  • Gullah Geechee Culture Initiative
    A community-driven organization sharing insights into preservation efforts, particularly on Sapelo Island.
  • Penn Center (St. Helena Island, SC)
    One of the oldest institutions dedicated to Gullah Geechee education, culture, and heritage preservation.

A Global Heritage Worth Protecting

Gullah Geechee culture is a testament to resilience, creativity, and survival against extraordinary odds. Recognizing it through UNESCO World Heritage status is not simply an honor — it is a statement of values. It affirms that the stories, traditions, and knowledge of the Gullah Geechee people are not only central to American history, but vital to the heritage of all humanity.

Protecting this culture today ensures that future generations will still hear the spirituals, speak the language, weave the baskets, and remain rooted in the land that has sustained Gullah Geechee communities for centuries.

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The Year of Establishment

Image by Generative AI

To Establish or Establish

As I step into a new year, the idea of establishing a new way of living, thinking, and moving in our ever-shifting world feels both daunting and exhilarating. The world around us is in constant flux, with changes happening at an unprecedented pace. In such times, establishing a firm foundation in our lives becomes crucial. This year, I aim to explore what it means to create a life rooted in stability, while also considering the dynamic nature of scaling which is a concept often associated with rapid growth and expansion.

Establishing vs. Scaling: A Delicate Balance

The word “establish” resonates with a sense of permanence and solidity. It suggests planting roots, creating a foundation, and building something that can withstand the test of time. Establishing a new way of living means consciously choosing values and practices that ground us, even as the world around us continues to evolve. It’s about finding what truly matters and nurturing those aspects, allowing them to flourish and provide us with a sense of stability.

On the other hand, “scaling” is often associated with speed and agility. It implies quick growth, adaptability, and the ability to expand rapidly. In our fast-paced world, scaling is essential for staying relevant and seizing opportunities. However, scaling without a solid foundation can lead to instability. Therefore, it’s important to strike a delicate balance between the two: establishing a core that can support growth, while remaining flexible enough to adapt to change.

Embracing Change with Intention

As we embark on this journey of establishing a new way of living, it’s important to embrace change with intention. This means being mindful of the shifts happening around us and within us, and consciously choosing how we respond. It involves cultivating resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and unlearn as necessary.

To do this, we can start by examining our current habits and routines. Are they serving us well, or do they need to be re-evaluated in light of new circumstances? Are we holding onto outdated beliefs or practices that no longer align with our values? By asking these questions, we can begin to make intentional changes that support our growth and well-being.

Setting Goals for a Grounded Future

This year, my goal is to establish a life that is both rooted and dynamic. I aim to cultivate practices that provide stability and nurture my core values while remaining open to the possibilities that change brings. By doing so, I hope to create a life that feels both grounded and expansive. A life that is resilient in the face of uncertainty, and full of potential.

As we navigate this new year, let’s consider what it means to establish a life that is both deeply rooted and capable of growth. By finding the balance between establishing and scaling, we can create a future that is both stable and adaptable, providing us with the strength and flexibility to thrive in a shifting world.

If I had to choose a world I want to leave my children, I would always think about things being firmly rooted and established. It’s possibly the only way to make it last forever. How will you plant your flag? I hope it is not fleeting.

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Happy New Year!

This year has flown by. We have lots to look forward to in the upcoming year as well as lots to take advantage of. Housing, healthy food, art, stories, faith, and of course family.

We are also getting a name change in the New  Year along with a bunch of other goodies. I appreciate all of you who read and who have subscribed. Feel free to email me at info@chiaraatoyebimedia.com with any of your thoughts, comments, well-wishes and more. I would love to connect with you.

Wishing you a blessed New Year and thanks so much for being here. Please be sure to share our site with others if you will.

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A New Year’s Omen: Was She Smiling?

By La Luz

Photo of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Courtesy of Chiara Luz Atoyebi, Washington. DC 2025.

I have seen a few signs and wonders at The Basilica in DC, and it always happens with exactly one witness. This past Sunday when we were leaving mass I looked up and saw what appeared to be Our Lady smiling. If you are familiar with this image and iconography it is more somber. But on this day I tapped my son and said, “is she smiling?” he said, “yeah that’s weird.”

I immediately snapped a picture and here it is.

For me it proves the spiritual connection of art in the way that Kandinsky wrote about. Additionallyalso believe that this is a smile of support and pride.

Let me know if you see the smile and what you think. I think it is a good omen for the new year.

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I Enjoy Giving

When are you most happy?

When I think back to my fondest memories they all involve moments where I had little resources, yet somehow managed to give gifts, prizes, books, meals, etc., to others. It always makes me think about one of my greatest desires and carry overs from childhood–teaching people how to fish. Showing by example that they have what they need when they look around. Teaching the blessing of small things and watching it grow to big things, is one of life’s joys for me.

In 2019  I said I wanted to be a philanthropist. I was inspired by all the art I was making and I felt I could do anything. I still believe that. Some people may say, you can’t be a philanthropist and be a regular person. But I believe those are the best ones. They show others that you don’t need big infrastructure for a big heart, or even big giving. Things can always grow later on. But there is so much need in the world. It’s nice to be able to stay fluid and watch others smile.

I also like to simply live my life and share parts of it. I know that when people encounter a person just living differently sometimes it’s the greatest inspiration.

It’s the gift of small things. Kind of like the Christmas cookies we baked with my daughter on Christmas. They already came with a Santa Face printed on them. Simple and delicious. Did I make the dough from scratch and carefully do everything? No.  Could I? Absolutely. I can do quite a few things but I have my own season I am stepping into. I am loosening my Martha Stewart style vice grip on domesticity and spreading out creatively.

The good news is that she made cookies with the neighbor and with her grandmother. One for Noche Buena and the other for Christmas. So there was love all around.

Maybe that’s another thing to consider giving. Maybe sharing those closest to you. Maybe it’s sharing time and even sharing space.

When I am giving I also get a bit tired, and I am learning that little dab is great. I don’t need to give the entire kit and caboodle. For me, the most important thing is building a life. It doesn’t take as much as you might think depending on your goals.

But back to sharing and giving:

What do you find the hardest to share? Time Space? Money? I would love to know.

Happy Holidays. May peace be upon you.

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Merry Christmas To All

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas.

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My Awesome Step Dad

Who are the biggest influences in your life?

Men give interesting advice. I got alot from my uncles, brothers and males in my life. I have actually had a lot of father figures in my life and they’ve all been great. But it took me a very long time to appreciate my step dad’s advice.

After I failed my driving test two times in high school he said, “you need to spruce it up a bit before you go in the next time.” That was code for “use yor assets.” Needless to say, that advice worked. It actually always works. So I will always remind myself sometimes that ai have to “spruce it up.”

This is true but I hope you find it endearing. I did because my dad always gives cool advice.

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The Art of Moving On

What skills or lessons have you learned recently?

I use to have this skill mastered and it allowed me to live a robust life full of adventures and interesting people.

I love living a fluid life, and I hope that I pass on that free spirit to my children. It’s a big world out there, and we are too often confined to the spaces in our head or even our general locations. But, there is so much more.

I also apply that same mindset to people and situations.  Some people and situations can gain second chances. Some relationships can be resurrected or opportunities revisted. Others  were simply moments in time, life lessons and our greatest teachers and cannot go further than the time they were allotted. 

The skill of discernment, and knowing when to move on in love, is necessary.  When we do this with a loving spirit, we allow doors to shut, in order for God to grow and use us for the next mission.

The gift of moving on and opening up, is a gift I wish more people had. It’s the key to an abundant life. It’s the key to breaking chains in our lives. Life is a gift, lean into it.

Merry Christmas. Shalom. Felicidades. Peace Be Upon You.

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An Executive Decision: A Little Extra Family Time For The Holidays


The holiday season just got cozier! Here are the deets:

Thanks to a presidential announcement that  many federal executive departments and agencies will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve) and Friday, December 26, 2025, in addition to Christmas Day itself.

Gosh, any day off the road, off the clock and in my pajamas with my snacks and movies is a win-win situation.


Of course, not everyone gets the full break. Essential workers and certain agencies may still be open depending on their mission. But overall, it’s a cheerful reminder that even the federal government enjoys a good holiday pause now and then.


Whether this affects you directly or you just love a reason to celebrate, consider this your official permission slip to slow down and soak up the season.

Tonight, I will be initiating my first Noche Buena dinner to the driest crowd around–my kids. They just want to skip Mass and dinner and go straight to the gift opening.

All of my presents are wrapped and under the tree (except a few from Santa!) so it’s just decisions about what to watch while the world takes a breather.

Here are some beloved Christmas classics from a variety of traditions to keep movie night merry and bright:


It’s a Wonderful Life – A heartfelt reminder of kindness and community.


Home Alone – Classic chaos, laughs, and holiday nostalgia.


Elf – Pure joy, sugar, and Buddy the Elf energy.


African American Holiday Classics
The Preacher’s Wife – Warm, romantic, and full of soul.


This Christmas – Family, drama, love, and holiday music. (Love this one!)


Almost Christmas – Big family vibes with big laughs.

Latino Holiday Favorites


Nothing Like the Holidays – A Puerto Rican-American family navigating love and tradition.


Merry Kiss Cam – Cozy, festive, and lighthearted.


Navidad en Vivo – Music-filled and joyful for the season. (A good one)

Lastly, you can’t have Christmas Eve without cookies. Here is a quick and easy recipe for Snickerdoodles:

Easy Holiday Cookie Recipe: Cozy Snickerdoodles


1 cup butter (softened)
1½ cups sugar
2 eggs
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)
How to Make Them
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Beat in eggs.
Mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt separately.
Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Roll dough into balls.
Roll each ball in cinnamon sugar.
Bake 8–10 minutes until just golden.
Cool, grab milk, and enjoy!
Here’s to slower days, fuller cookie plates, and movie marathons that last well past bedtime.


Happy Holidays from all of us at CAM.

Felicidades!

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Now Is The Time

By Chiara Luz

If you have been on the fence. If you were unsure about how to make the change or if you should make that change–now is the time.

I have a knack for seeing what is coming down the road and it is a mixed bag that will require a strong mental fortitude. It will be a season of faith for many people going forward.

We are still rebuilding and we all have a role to play in this moment. The biggest one is to be sober minded, community oriented, and family focused.

In the midst of challenges, trials, and uncertainty people of great faith will witness unbelievable things.

We are gearing up our stories here at CAM and working on preserving and educating people on some rich cultural heritage.

You and your family may not make it around the world but that does not mean you can’t be global citizens.

Peace be with you.

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St. Martin de Porres

By Chiara Luz

St. Martin de Porres image in the Public Domain

My daughter woke up from a dream saying that she had been being bullied by an old man. He thought she didn’t have a family and wanted her to beat box and fight him. He captured her, but she told him that she didn’t want to beat box against him he was an adult. Then she told him she had a family and he let her and her friend go.

In order to understand why this dream is so interesting is to understand a small girl with a big name—Monarch. I always think of her as a gentle hearted champion. When I think of a Monarch transformation comes to mind. I also think about the inheritance that we labor daily to hold on it. The vision of the bully against the child the world thinks is alone is actually a testament to the hidden giant that is planted within us. We have the power to beat our giants. My daughter makes me think of St. Martin de Porres. Like all good things that come from God–they come with a lasting legacy, not a temporal one.

Who is St. Martin De Porres?

St. Martin de Porres lived a life of humble service that continues to inspire Christians today. Born in Lima, Peru, on December 9, 1579, Martin faced hardship from the very beginning. The son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed  woman of African and Indigenous descent, he grew up in poverty and experienced discrimination because of his mixed-race heritage. Yet his heart was always turned toward compassion, and that caused him to receive a divine blessing and calling over his life.

He reminds me of the gentle hearted and very wise Pope Leo.

At just 15 years old, he began volunteering with the Dominican friars, taking on the simplest tasks like sweeping floors, washing dishes, and tending the sick. It was while he was working in the infirmary that miracles of instant healing and cures began to manifest.

Eventually, St. Martin had the opportunity to rise in the ranks of the church. However, he chose to continue doing what he was doing. He was also known to give alot of money to the causes of the needy. Much more than he should have based on his position.

St. Martin’s life was marked by extraordinary compassion for the marginalized, the hungry and the suffering. While he was assigned to care for the sick he showed unwavering patience and kindness to all, regardless of race or status. He founded an orphanage, aided the poor. His heart was so open that he even cared for animals, welcoming stray cats and dogs and had a remarkable connection and repoire with many animals. He lived a life of healing, peace, community, and generosity. His life kind of makes you contemplate what a life well lived looks like.

Canonized in 1962 by Pope John XXIII, St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of people of mixed race, barbers, innkeepers, public health workers, and all who work toward racial harmony and social justice.

In praying with St. Martin, we are reminded that holiness is found in small acts of love offered without pride or expectation.

May his example stir our hearts to serve the least among us, to cross boundaries of prejudice, and to see Christ in every brother and sister we encounter.

“Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” –Matthew 23:12

Devotional Prayer for St. Martin de Porres


St. Martin de Porres, humble servant of God,
teach us to love without condition and to serve without seeking reward.


Help us to see Christ in the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten.
Intercede for us, that we may walk in humility, trust in God’s providence,
and reflect Christ’s mercy in all we do. Amen.

My personal question is, what does St. Martin’s life show us? What is a life well lived? Why did he choose to stay where he was when he could have had so much more? Eventually, because the light on his life, he broke all the barriers–but he chose to remain set apart. We don’t know of those Dominican Friars he served with. But, we do know of him and that is no accident.

Remember you are the head, not the tail.

St. Martin Pray for us.

“Dios Es Amor.”

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You Are Your Family’s New Beginning

Life can be serious. Especially when you have little eyes looking up to you.

While it’s fun, joyful, and a blessing, it’s also a serious act of stewardship. Not long ago, I had more time to pour myself into causes I cared about, but when you become the cause and have people depending on you, that takes priority. I once wrote in another article about how doing my own taxes changed my perspective. It made me think a lot about where my money goes, how I spend it, how I invest it, and how it’s ultimately used. As a society, we complain about money often, yet rarely talk about engaging with the system, learning the processes, and taking small, actionable steps toward affordability.

I remember spending a year unable to comfortably eat out. I lived on 7-11 taquitos, dressed up frozen meals over rice like they were gourmet, and mostly ate at home. My rule was that it had to be quality, so I went to the store every day. It was a grind I’ll never forget. Back then, the government wasn’t on my mind. The truth is, I don’t like waiting—waiting to be published, to build, to eat, to be good enough. I like to be prepared and ready, with anything extra being icing on the cake. Life is happening now, and the definition of responsibility is to do a little at a time. It adds up.

Next year, Americans are expected to get an extra $1,000 in their bank accounts. It won’t change everything, but in certain phases of life, it can make a difference. If you don’t need it, invest it.

One thing I’ve noticed, and experienced myself, is the contradiction of complaining about money while feeling guilty discussing it. How can I need it yet resent it? How can I call it in while pushing it away? Anything that genuinely helps make life easier is worth appreciating. As long as your values remain intact, be grateful—because chances are, you’ve earned it.

Here are five financial books for women:

1. Debt Proof Living by Mary Hunt

  • Debt-Proof Living is a concept popularized by Mary Hunt in her book and community platform. It’s a practical approach to getting out of debt and staying out of debt for life.
  • The philosophy emphasizes living within your means, building financial resilience, and creating habits that prevent future debt

2. Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche

  • A step-by-step guide to achieving financial security through budgeting, saving, and investing.
  • Includes actionable checklists and worksheets to help you build wealth. [

3. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

  • Combines mindset coaching with practical financial advice.
  • Great for women who want to overcome limiting beliefs and build confidence around money.

4. Clever Girl Finance by Bola Sokunbi

  • Offers relatable strategies for paying off debt, saving, and investing.
  • Written specifically for women seeking financial independence and confidence.

5. Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez

  • A classic that teaches how to transform your relationship with money and achieve financial freedom.
  • Focuses on aligning spending with personal values and long-term goals.