Every now and then you stay somewhere that instantly sets the tone for your entire trip  and that’s exactly what happened during my stay at Cambria Hotel Nashville Downtown.


From the moment I walked into the lobby, I knew this wasn’t going to be your average hotel experience. The aesthetic immediately caught my attention. The decor felt modern, elevated, and trendy without trying too hard. It had that perfect balance of luxury and comfort that makes you want to slow down, settle in, and truly enjoy your stay.


As someone who travels often, I’ve realized that where I stay can completely shape my experience in a city. I love spaces that feel inspiring, stylish, and comfortable all at once  and Cambria Nashville delivered on all three.


First Impressions Matter


One of the first things I noticed was how vibey the atmosphere was throughout the property. The hotel has this sleek, modern energy while still feeling warm and welcoming. From the lighting to the furniture choices and music playing throughout the common spaces, everything felt curated.


The lobby and lounge area especially stood out to me because it didn’t just feel like a hotel lobby  it felt like somewhere you’d actually want to hang out. Whether you’re meeting friends for drinks, grabbing a bite to eat, taking content photos, or winding down after a busy day in Nashville, the space really sets the mood.


And if you’re someone who appreciates aesthetically pleasing travel moments like I do, there were definitely plenty of corners throughout the property that gave “content creator heaven.”


Spacious Rooms Are Always a Win
Now let’s talk about the room because spacious hotel rooms instantly make a stay better for me. One thing I absolutely loved about Cambria was how roomy and comfortable everything felt. Sometimes hotel rooms can feel cramped, especially if you’re juggling luggage, outfits, beauty products, and trying to create content while traveling. But my room gave me plenty of space to actually relax and unpack comfortably.


The modern decor continued into the rooms with clean lines, chic finishes, and cozy touches that made it feel elevated yet relaxing. After long days exploring Nashville, coming back to a comfortable room like that honestly made such a difference. If you know me, you already know I love a beautiful bathroom. The bathroom lighting at Cambria? Top tier.


Beauty girls understand the importance of good lighting, especially when you’re doing makeup, skincare, or getting ready for a night out. The lighting was bright, flattering, and perfect for getting ready without struggling in dim hotel lighting. It may sound small, but details like that truly matter when you travel as much as I do.


The Rooftop Pool + Bar = A Whole Vibe
One of my favorite parts of the hotel was definitely the rooftop pool and bar area.


There’s just something about rooftop energy in Nashville during warmer weather that feels elite. Whether you’re lounging poolside during the day or grabbing cocktails in the evening, the rooftop creates the perfect atmosphere to unwind while still soaking in the city energy.
The views, music, and overall ambiance made it feel less like a hotel amenity and more like a destination itself. It had that fun social vibe without feeling overwhelming, which I appreciated. I could’ve spent hours up there just relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.


Location, Location, Location
Another thing that made my stay so convenient was the location.
The hotel is perfectly situated for anyone wanting to experience Nashville while still having a comfortable home base to return to. I was close to restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and popular attractions without feeling too far removed from everything happening in the city.
As someone who loves exploring when I travel, having a hotel in a central location makes such a huge difference. It allowed me to maximize my time in Nashville without constantly worrying about long commutes or transportation.




My stay at Cambria Hotel Nashville was honestly everything I needed: stylish, comfortable, convenient, and full of good energy. Between the chic decor, spacious rooms, amazing bathroom lighting, rooftop pool and bar, and the vibey lounge spaces, it checked every box for me. It felt like the perfect mix of relaxation and elevated travel.


If you’re planning a trip to Nashville and looking for a hotel that combines aesthetics, comfort, and location, Cambria is definitely worth adding to your list.


Safe to say Nashville already had my heart but this stay made the experience even better.

There’s something exciting about exploring a city for the very first time especially one with as much culture, food, history, and personality as Philadelphia. Originally, I planned to stay in Center City, but at the last minute I decided to shake things up a bit and book my stay in Old City instead. It completely changed the vibe of my trip in the best way possible.


For my first Philly experience, I wanted more than just tourist attractions. I wanted charm, walkability, good food, hidden gems, and a neighborhood that felt connected to the heartbeat of the city. Old City delivered exactly that. Between the cobblestone streets, historic architecture, cozy cafés, and trendy boutiques, it felt like stepping into a different era while still having modern luxury right at my fingertips.


Where to Stay
For my stay, I opted for a boutique-style experience at Sosuite at The Loxley — and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip. If you’re someone who loves aesthetically pleasing stays that feel more elevated than a standard hotel room, SoSuite at The Loxley is such a gem. The property has this chic, apartment-style luxury that instantly makes you feel settled in instead of just passing through. The interiors were modern and clean with stylish touches that gave boutique hotel energy while still feeling cozy and comfortable.


What I loved most was the location. Being in Old City meant I could literally walk almost everywhere. I stepped outside and immediately found myself surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, historic landmarks, and nightlife. It made the trip feel effortless. No stressing over transportation or constantly calling ride-shares, everything felt accessible.


The area itself is quiet enough to relax and unwind, but still lively enough to feel connected to the city. I loved taking morning walks through the neighborhood and seeing the mix of old-world architecture and modern city life blend together. It felt sophisticated without trying too hard. For a quick two-day stay, it was honestly perfect.


Where to Play
I had heard Philly had some incredible wellness experiences, so naturally I made it my mission to find the perfect spa day before my flight home. After doing my research, I booked treatments at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon  and let me tell you, this was the kind of self-care reset every woman deserves while traveling.


I dedicated an entire half-day to relaxation, beauty, and wellness, which ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. First on my list was the Snow Bliss Treatment, which sounded luxurious from the name alone. The treatment is designed to cool, soothe, and refresh the body while creating a calming sensory experience. It felt incredibly relaxing and almost transportive, like giving your body permission to completely exhale after days of travel and nonstop movement.


Next was the Buttercreme Float, which immediately caught my attention because who wouldn’t want to float in buttercreme? The treatment focuses on deep hydration and relaxation, leaving your skin feeling soft, nourished, and glowing. It was indulgent in the best possible way and felt like a beauty treatment and mental reset all in one.


And of course, I couldn’t skip a classic Swedish Massage. Sometimes the basics are exactly what you need. Between traveling, carrying luggage, walking all over the city, and working nonstop, my body needed that release. The massage focused on relieving tension while improving circulation and overall relaxation. I left feeling lighter, calmer, and fully refreshed before heading to the airport.


Traveling can be exciting, but it can also be exhausting. Building wellness into my trips has become essential for me, and Philly definitely delivered when it came to luxury self-care experiences.


Of course, no girls’ getaway or solo travel moment is complete without shopping. I had to make my way to King of Prussia Mall because I’d heard so much about it and the hype was real. The mall is massive and truly a shopper’s dream. From luxury designers to beauty stores and everyday fashion favorites, there’s something for everyone. You could honestly spend an entire day there without seeing everything.


Where to Eat
Now let’s talk about the food because Philly absolutely showed out.
I couldn’t visit Philadelphia without trying a cheesesteak, especially since there were multiple spots within walking distance from my stay in Old City. After hearing recommendations from locals, I decided to try Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks.


Campo’s has been serving Philly since 1947 and is family-owned, which made the experience feel even more authentic. There’s something special about eating at places that have real history attached to them. The cheesesteak was flavorful, fresh, and exactly what I imagined a true Philly experience should taste like.


As a coffee lover, I also had to stop by The Ground Rittenhouse. The aesthetic alone pulled me in, but once I saw a Banana Bread Latte on the menu, I was sold immediately. It was warm, comforting, and honestly tasted like fall in a cup.


And finally, dessert. I heard Asher's Chocolate Co. was a must-visit for sweet treats, and now I completely understand why. Asher’s is one of the oldest family-owned candy companies in the United States, which instantly made me curious. The company has been creating chocolates and confections for generations, and you can tell there’s real craftsmanship behind what they do.


For me, finding little local gems like this is what makes traveling memorable. It’s not just about the sightseeing  it’s about the flavors, experiences, and moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.




Philadelphia surprised me in the best possible way. Between the rich history, incredible food, luxe wellness experiences, shopping, and cozy Old City charm, it gave me the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.


This trip reminded me that sometimes the best travel experiences happen when you switch up the original plan and lean into the unexpected. For this out-of-towner? Philly definitely earned a return visit.

There’s something nobody really prepares you for as an entrepreneur: the moment you sit quietly and ask yourself, “Do I even want to keep doing this?” Lately, I’ve been asking myself that a lot. Turning 40 has already brought so much reflection into my life. Not just personally, but professionally too. This season has forced me to really evaluate what success means to me now, what I still have the energy for, and whether the vision I’ve spent years building is still sustainable in today’s world. Entrepreneurship feels very different right now.


For years, my business was supported through partnerships, sponsorships, DEI initiatives, and companies wanting to invest in diverse voices and underserved communities. I built platforms, events, wellness experiences, conferences, and media spaces centered around women who looked like me because I knew how deeply those spaces were needed.


Over the last year especially, I’ve watched a lot of that funding disappear. DEI budgets have been cut. Marketing budgets have shifted. Partnerships that once felt aligned suddenly vanished. Emails go unanswered. Conversations stall. Opportunities shrink. And when your business is purpose-driven and community-centered, that loss feels even heavier because it impacts more than just you. It impacts the people you’re trying to serve. There have been moments recently where I’ve felt defeated. Truly defeated.


Moments where I questioned if I still have the strength to keep pushing. Moments where I wonder if all the years of building, sacrificing, creating, showing up, traveling, speaking, hosting events, creating safe spaces, and pouring into others still matter in this landscape. Entrepreneurship can become emotionally exhausting when you constantly feel like you’re fighting to prove your value.


I know I’m not alone in that feeling. So many founders, especially women founders and minority entrepreneurs, are quietly carrying this same weight right now. We’re trying to navigate businesses in a climate where funding is uncertain, algorithms constantly shift, visibility feels harder, and burnout has become normalized.


At 40, I’m realizing that resilience is important—but so is sustainability. That’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, especially after reading more from Tasha Randle and 828 Leadership Group. One thing that really resonated with me is the idea that sometimes entrepreneurs don’t necessarily lack talent or impact—they lack positioning, structure, and strategic support that allows their business to evolve with changing markets.


Many of us have been operating purely from passion for so long that we never stopped to ask if our business model still supports the life we actually want. As entrepreneurs, especially purpose-driven ones, we often wear burnout like a badge of honor. We overgive. We undercharge. We overextend. We continue serving even when we’re empty ourselves.


I’ve been asking bigger questions. What does entrepreneurship look like now? What parts of my business still bring me joy? What am I forcing out of survival? What needs to evolve? Most importantly: What does success look like in this chapter of my life?


Success at 40 isn’t hustling harder. Maybe it’s building smarter. I think a lot of women are standing at this same crossroads right now. Trying to figure out how to continue dreaming while also being realistic about the emotional toll entrepreneurship can take. Trying to stay inspired while watching industries shift around us. Trying not to lose ourselves while building something meaningful.


If you’re an entrepreneur feeling stuck, burned out, overlooked, or unsure how to move forward in this changing landscape, I’d encourage you to explore the work Tasha Randle and 828 Leadership Group are doing. Their Strategic Advisory Intensive is designed to help founders identify hidden gaps in their business, reposition their expertise, and create more sustainable, profitable growth strategies without constantly operating from burnout. Click this link here for more information.


Sometimes the next level of your business doesn’t require working harder. Sometimes it requires clarity, strategy, and support. More entrepreneurs deserve that.

Pastor Joel from Endeavor Church gave one of those messages at the Forever, Changed Wellness Experience that stays with you long after the room empties. I think many of us needed to hear it more than we realized.

One thing he spoke about that really hit home for me was how sometimes the people closest to you or even people quietly watching from a distance can diminish your talents, your accomplishments, your calling, or the big ideas God placed inside of you. Not always loudly. Sometimes subtly. Sometimes through doubt. Sometimes through lack of support. Sometimes through making you feel like your dreams are “too much.”

As entrepreneurs, creatives, visionaries, and women trying to build meaningful lives, that can be incredibly discouraging. Especially when you’re already tired. Especially when you’ve fought through grief, heartbreak, burnout, rejection, financial stress, or disappointment just to keep showing up.

Pastor Joel reminded us that even when people fail to recognize what’s inside of you, it does not make your purpose any less real. That part stayed with me. There have been many moments over the last few years where I questioned everything. After unexpectedly losing my Dad in 2022, I was trying to survive emotionally while still running businesses, creating events, showing up publicly, and carrying responsibilities that didn’t stop just because my heart was broken.
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There were seasons where I felt unsupported. Seasons where opportunities disappeared. Seasons where I wondered if what I was building even mattered anymore. And yet somehow, every time I wanted to quit completely, God kept whispering: keep going.

During his message, Pastor Joel referenced the idea of “picking up your mat and walking.” And whew. That landed deeply for me. Sometimes life will have you emotionally laying on the floor. Grief will. Rejection will. Entrepreneurship definitely will. But there comes a moment where healing requires movement, not perfection, not having all the answers. Not having every sponsor, every opportunity, or every ounce of confidence figured out.

Just movement. Picking up your mat anyway. Getting up anyway.
Trying again anyway. I think that’s what Forever, Changed has really been about for me. Not pretending life hasn’t hurt me. Not pretending grief didn’t change me. But learning how to keep moving forward while carrying the weight of everything I’ve survived.

I know so many women feel that way right now too.
People see accomplishments on social media and assume confidence comes easy. They see TV segments, travel, events, partnerships, and photos. But what they don’t always see are the private battles people are fighting to keep going.

That’s why spaces like the Forever, Changed Wellness Experience mattered so much to me. It wasn’t about perfection. It was about honesty. Healing. Community. Faith. Wellness. And reminding women that they are still worthy of their purpose even in difficult seasons.
So if you’ve been doubting yourself lately, questioning your ideas, or allowing other people’s limitations to shrink your vision, let this be your reminder: Pick up your mat and keep moving. Your purpose is still waiting on you

There’s a version of me that exists in London that feels softer, calmer, and more present. Every time I return, it feels less like I’m visiting another country and more like I’m stepping back into a version of myself that I almost lost somewhere along the way. People often ask why I spend so much time abroad, and honestly, the answer has become much deeper than travel. What started as an opportunity to explore the world slowly became part of my healing journey after unexpectedly losing my Dad in November of 2022. Grief changed everything for me. It shifted how I viewed life, success, relationships, rest, and even myself.


At first, I told myself I just needed a break. A change of scenery. A reset from the constant noise of everyday life in America. But somewhere between my long walks through London neighborhoods, quiet mornings at cafés, solo dinners, and wandering through bookstores with no real destination, I realized something bigger was happening. I was slowly finding pieces of myself again. Back home, life often feels like survival mode. Entrepreneurship, social media, deadlines, bills, expectations, partnerships, and constantly trying to stay afloat can become emotionally exhausting. Add grief on top of that, and there were moments I truly felt like I was drowning internally while still trying to show up for everyone else externally.


London gave me space to breathe. There’s something about waking up and taking a slow walk through Notting Hill, sitting quietly in Hyde Park with coffee and my thoughts, or hopping on the Tube with nowhere urgent to be that reminded me life is supposed to be experienced, not just survived. My lifestyle there became much slower and more intentional. I would spend mornings journaling, afternoons walking through museums or neighborhoods, and evenings enjoying solo dinners or meeting new people. For once, I wasn’t constantly rushing. I wasn’t glued to my phone every second. I wasn’t solely focused on productivity. I was simply existing.


I didn’t realize how much I needed that. Living abroad also showed me how deeply our environments impact our wellness. In America, especially as an entrepreneur, I think many of us are conditioned to believe rest has to be earned. We glorify burnout, overworking, and constantly being busy. But overseas, particularly in London, I noticed people embracing life differently. There’s more walking, more balance, more enjoyment of simple moments, and more presence. That shifted something in me.


Over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to spend extended time abroad through hotel and tourism partnerships, living between places like London, Toronto, and Montreal. While those opportunities have looked glamorous online, what people don’t always see is how much those experiences helped me emotionally. There were days in London where grief still hit me hard. I remember walking through the city and suddenly wishing I could call my Dad just to tell him what I saw that day. There were moments I cried quietly in my hotel room questioning my purpose, my career, and who I was becoming after such a painful loss. But there were also moments where I genuinely felt joy return to my body again.
That mattered more than anything.
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Travel didn’t erase my pain, but it reminded me that life could still feel beautiful even after heartbreak. It reminded me that I was allowed to rest, to evolve, and to rebuild myself differently. Somewhere along the way, London became more than a destination for me. It became a safe space where I could grieve, heal, reflect, and reconnect with myself without pressure. I think that’s why this city will always hold such a special place in my heart. It gave me room to become softer instead of just stronger. It taught me that healing doesn’t always happen loudly. Sometimes it happens quietly, during long walks, peaceful mornings, unfamiliar streets, and moments where you finally feel your nervous system exhale.
And maybe that’s the biggest lesson London gave me: life is not only about surviving difficult seasons. It’s also about allowing yourself to still experience joy, beauty, rest, and possibility while healing through them.

Turning 40 has felt a lot different than I expected. For years, society makes women feel like aging is something to fear, especially in beauty, media, and entrepreneurship. But honestly? This season of my life feels less about trying to prove myself and more about protecting my peace, my health, and my joy.


The older I get, the more I realize wellness is not a luxury—it’s survival.
At 40, I’m learning that taking care of myself has to go deeper than facials, pretty vacations, or aesthetic self-care moments on Instagram. Those things are beautiful, yes. But real wellness is learning how to regulate your stress, get proper sleep, move your body consistently, protect your mental health, and stop carrying the weight of the world alone. If I’m being transparent, this chapter has required all of that from me.


Over the past few years, grief, entrepreneurship, burnout, and life changes forced me to look at my health differently. Losing my Dad unexpectedly changed me in ways I’m still unpacking. There were moments I was operating purely in survival mode. Traveling constantly, overworking, struggling with sleep, emotionally exhausted, and disconnected from myself. On the outside, life may have still looked glamorous, but internally, I knew something had to shift.


Now at 40, I’m finally understanding what women mean when they say your body starts talking to you differently.
I’ve become much more intentional about my health—not from a place of fear, but from a place of wanting a soft, healthy, fulfilling life. I want energy. I want peace. I want longevity. I want to feel good mentally and physically, not just look good online.


One page I’ve really enjoyed following lately is Our Health In Focus because it reminds women to pay attention to the small habits that truly impact long-term wellness. Especially as we age, those little things matter more than we realize.
Here are a few things I’m personally focusing on in this season of life:


Prioritizing sleep
In my 20s and early 30s, I could survive on little sleep and keep pushing. Not anymore. I’ve realized poor sleep affects everything—my mood, anxiety, skin, focus, hormones, and ability to cope with stress. Rest is now part of my wellness routine, not something I earn after burnout.


Strength training and movement
At 40, movement feels less about shrinking my body and more about staying strong and healthy. Pilates, walking, stretching, and strength workouts have become more important to me because I want to feel mobile, energized, and supported long-term.


Managing stress differently
Stress shows up physically. I’ve learned that chronic stress can impact your hormones, digestion, inflammation, skin, and mental health. Therapy, journaling, prayer, travel, saying “no,” and creating slower moments have all become necessary for me.


Protecting my mental health
This may be the biggest lesson of all. I’ve had to stop pretending I’m okay when I’m not. Women, especially Black women, are often expected to carry everything gracefully. But healing requires honesty. Some days I’m strong. Some days I’m tired. Both can exist.


Learning that wellness is personal
What works for someone else may not work for me and that’s okay. At 40, I’m no longer chasing perfection. I’m chasing alignment. I’m learning to listen to my body instead of fighting it.
And maybe that’s the beauty of getting older.


You stop performing so much. You stop needing outside validation for every decision. You start realizing that peace, health, boundaries, and joy are the real flex. Turning 40 has not been about “losing youth.” It’s been about finding myself again.

There’s something beautiful about watching your family build a life together. My older brother is a newlywed, and my sister-in-law recently received her green card a major milestone that our entire family celebrated. She’s from the Philippines, and after months of paperwork, waiting, and navigating the immigration process, she’s finally at the exciting stage of settling in, building her career, and creating her own rhythm here in Cincinnati. It’s a fresh chapter and one filled with possibility.


There’s just one catch: she doesn’t drive.


Now, if you know my brother, you know he’s a gentleman through and through. He has stepped up in every way possible—driving her where she needs to go, helping her get settled, and making sure she feels supported as she adjusts to life here. And because she’s now working, he’s even been driving her to and from work. The thing is they’re on completely different schedules. He has his own responsibilities, his own workday, and a life he’s balancing, yet somehow he still finds time to make sure she gets where she needs to be. As sweet as that is, when he was recently telling my mom and me about her commute and where she works, a light bulb went off in my head.


I said: “Wait, why aren’t you using MetroNOW?” Cue the blank stares.


I explained that MetroNOW! offers an easy, affordable on-demand ride service and one of its service zones is conveniently located near their home. Instead of coordinating schedules, rushing around town, or spending extra money on gas, she could simply download the app, schedule a pickup, and ride to work stress-free. My brother was amazed. My mom was amazed. Honestly? I wasn’t surprised because this is exactly what I mean when I talk about how transportation innovation can make everyday life easier.


We don’t always think about how something as simple as getting from Point A to Point B can become a daily challenge especially for new residents, people without cars, families juggling multiple schedules, or anyone trying to save money in today’s economy. With gas prices continuing to fluctuate, car maintenance costs rising, and time becoming one of our most precious resources, having an option like MetroNOW! is more than convenient it’s practical. What I love most is how easy it is. Download the MetroNow! app. Book your ride. Get picked up. Get where you need to go. Simple.


For my sister-in-law, that means more independence. It means being able to confidently get to work without feeling like she’s inconveniencing anyone. It means learning the city on her own terms. And for my brother, it means a little breathing room knowing she has a reliable option that still gets her where she needs to be safely.


That’s what smart transportation should do: create freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. Sometimes the best solutions are already right in our backyard we just have to know about them. If you haven’t checked out MetroNOW!, now is the time. Whether it’s for work, errands, appointments, or simply making life a little easier, it’s one of those services that can quietly become a game-changer for families like mine.


To learn more, visit Metro’s MetroNOW! page. Life is busy enough. Transportation shouldn’t make it harder.