MORGAN ANGELIQUE OWENS
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Black Woman Traveling Solo in Milan: My Experience + Travel Tips

9/26/2025

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After leaving London, my next stop on this Mo on the Go journey was Milan. Now, this isn’t my first time in the city of fashion, but sometimes even familiar places deserve a fresh perspective—and in my case, some updated content for my blog. Milan is one of those cities that always feels chic, stylish, and inspiring, no matter how many times you return.

I booked my flight with easyJet, which has quickly become my favorite affordable airline while traveling abroad. If you’re looking for budget-friendly ways to hop between cities in Europe, it’s a great option. My flight was smooth and quick, landing me in Milan Linate Airport—different from where I’ve flown into before. Linate is closer to the city than Malpensa, which makes it a convenient choice.

But let me pause here for a second: I couldn’t help but notice that I was the only Black person on my flight. And while this isn’t new to me—I’m used to the stares and the curiosity—I always take note of it. Representation matters. I want to see more of us—Black women, Black travelers—taking up space abroad, experiencing the world, and living boldly in places that were never “off-limits” to us, even if we were told otherwise. Every time I walk through a terminal, sit on a flight, or wander a new city, I remind myself that I belong here. And I want more of us to know that we belong here too.

Now, let me give you a little pro tip if you’re heading into Milan: don’t take an Uber from the airport. I know it’s tempting to hit that app, but trust me—grabbing a taxi will save you money and often get you there just as quickly.
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When I finally arrived at my hotel, I was more than ready to drop my bags, slip into something comfortable, and hunt down my first slice of authentic Milanese pizza. Because listen, pizza just hits different in Italy. Crispy, chewy crust, gooey cheese, fresh toppings—there’s truly nothing like it.

What I love about Milan is that it has layers. Of course, it’s the fashion capital of the world—you’ll see couture walking down the street casually, as if it’s just a normal Tuesday. But it’s also a city of food, history, and energy. The Duomo still takes my breath away every time I see it. The shopping? Top tier. The vibes? Unmatched.

Traveling to Milan again reminded me why I started Mo on the Go in the first place: not just to document the places I’ve been, but to encourage other women—especially Black women—to see the world for themselves. To know it’s possible, it’s doable, and it’s worth it.
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So, with a belly full of pizza and a camera full of new content, I’ll say it the Milanese way: Ciao for now!
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How I Beat Jet Lag in London

9/24/2025

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Traveling has been such a blessing for my mental health, but let’s be real—it’s also my job. You can’t be a travel blogger and not actually travel, right? So when I found a one-way nonstop flight from Cincinnati to London for under $500, it was a no-brainer. London was calling, and I had to answer.

Now, one of the most common questions I get is: Don’t you get jet lagged? And the truth is… not really. Or at least, not anymore. Over the years, I’ve figured out a few tricks to help me feel human when hopping across time zones. London is five hours ahead of Cincinnati, so your body definitely feels the shift—but with the right routine, it doesn’t have to knock you out.

Here are my tried-and-true tips to beat jet lag and hit the ground running:

1. Stay Hydrated 
This might sound simple, but it’s major. Airplane air is dry, and dehydration will have you feeling sluggish before you even land. I always travel with a refillable water bottle, and I make it a point to sip throughout the flight. I limit alcohol and caffeine (okay, I’ll still have my matcha latte before boarding—but after that, it’s water only). Staying hydrated keeps your skin glowing and your energy levels more balanced.

2. Keep Going 
As tempting as it is to collapse into bed the minute you check into your hotel—don’t do it! The secret is to push through until your normal bedtime in your new city. When I landed in London, I went straight to my hotel, showered, changed, and then went out to explore. By keeping myself moving, I adjusted so much quicker.

3. Reset Your Routine
 Once you’re in your destination, live as if you’ve always been there. For me, that means going to bed around 9–10 p.m. local time and waking up around 7 a.m. I didn’t oversleep or give in to random naps—and by the next morning, I felt completely aligned with London time. The trick is consistency. If you sleep all day, your body will take days to adjust.

4. Move Your Body 
Here’s the bonus tip: get some movement in. I don’t mean running a marathon after a red-eye, but even a short walk around the city or some light stretching in your hotel room can work wonders. Movement wakes your body up, gets your blood flowing, and signals your brain that it’s daytime. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to step outside and soak up your new surroundings.

So there you have it—my four go-to tips for beating jet lag. By staying hydrated, keeping yourself active, resetting your sleep schedule, and moving your body, you can spend less time yawning in your hotel room and more time making memories.
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London was the perfect first stop, and thanks to these little routines, I was able to enjoy it right away without missing a beat.

Because at the end of the day, Mo on the Go doesn’t slow down for jet lag.
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Finding Myself Again After Losing My Dad While Running a Business

9/9/2025

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Grief changes you.

When I lost my dad in 2022, it wasn’t just the heartbreak of losing a parent—it was like losing a part of myself. One day you’re in the middle of building dreams, juggling meetings, creating content, strategizing your next big move—and the next, life pulls the rug from under you. Suddenly, everything feels different. The things that used to matter so much feel small. The person you’d call to celebrate every win, or to just check in after a long day, isn’t there anymore. And you’re left trying to figure out how to keep going.

I won’t sugarcoat it: navigating life after dramatically losing my dad has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. As a full-time entrepreneur, I didn’t have the option to just hit “pause” on my responsibilities. Entrepreneurship doesn’t come with PTO, sick days, or someone to step in when you’re falling apart. I had to keep showing up, even when I barely recognized the woman in the mirror.

But here’s the thing—grief doesn’t wait for the right time. It doesn’t check your calendar. It will meet you in the middle of a client call, in between content shoots, or while you’re boarding a flight for your next opportunity. For me, it became this quiet shadow, always there, reminding me of my loss even as I was pushing forward.

Getting back to me after losing my dad has been a process. Not a linear one, either. Some days, I feel like my old self—confident, inspired, and ready to take on the world. Other days, I can’t get out of bed without tears. But slowly, I’ve learned that healing doesn’t mean going back to the person you were before. It means learning who you are now and giving her grace.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve leaned into building a life that honors both my hustle and my heart. I’ve started choosing projects and partnerships that truly light me up. I’ve allowed myself space to grieve without guilt, even when that means saying “no” to opportunities I would’ve jumped on before. I’ve given myself permission to be human—to cry, to rest, to mess up, to start again.

The hardest part? The silence. My dad was one of my biggest supporters, and there are so many times I want to pick up the phone and tell him about a win or ask him for advice. But in that silence, I’ve found a new kind of strength. I carry his voice with me, not out loud, but inside. Every risk I take, every step I make to keep my business alive, is a way of honoring him.

And here’s the lesson I’ve learned: grief and entrepreneurship can coexist, but only if you let go of perfection. Only if you stop pretending you’re “fine” all the time and instead allow yourself to move through the pain while still building something beautiful.

Getting back to me hasn’t been about returning to the woman I was in 2021. She’s gone. Instead, it’s about embracing the woman I’m becoming—the one who’s learned resilience in the face of unimaginable loss, the one who can still sparkle even through the tears, the one who’s redefining success not just as financial wins but as peace of mind.
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I don’t have all the answers yet. But I know this: I’m still here, I’m still building, and I’m still finding my way back to joy—day by day, project by project, breath by breath.
Because even in grief, even in loss, we can still find our way back to ourselves.
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My First Caribana Weekend in Toronto

9/8/2025

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If you’ve been following my blog for a while, then you remember last summer I had my bags packed and my outfits laid out for Caribana in Toronto—only for life to throw me a curveball. Instead of feathers, fun, and soca music, I spent the weekend in bed with a stubborn sinus infection. Not cute. Not fun. And definitely not the Toronto experience I had been dreaming of.
This year? Redemption. I finally made it to Caribana Weekend in Toronto, and let me tell you—every second was worth the wait.


The Purpose of Caribana
For those unfamiliar, Caribana (officially known as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival) is one of the largest cultural festivals in North America, celebrating Caribbean culture, music, and traditions. It’s more than just a parade—it’s a full-on cultural movement. Streets are filled with vibrant costumes, steel pan bands, delicious food, and people from all over the world coming together to celebrate the beauty of Caribbean heritage.
The festival has roots tracing back to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, but Toronto has made it its own, creating a space where Caribbean culture is not only honored but also shared with the world. It’s an atmosphere you have to experience at least once in your lifetime—the music, the colors, the energy—it’s unmatched.


Destination Toronto Delivered the Eats
When I wasn’t dancing in the streets or soaking up the parade energy, I was eating. And if you know me, you know that’s just as important. Destination Toronto made sure I had some memorable culinary stops on my itinerary, and baby, they did not disappoint.


Bar Mordecai
First up: Bar Mordecai. This spot is giving retro-glam lounge with serious personality. Inspired by Wes Anderson films, it feels like you’ve stepped onto a movie set—complete with bold colors, playful design, and an energy that’s both cool and cozy. I couldn’t help but laugh when I realized I had actually been here before on a date years ago (but that’s a story for another blog post). The nostalgia mixed with the flavor made this stop extra special.


Cocktails are the star of the show here, and they didn’t miss. I tried one of their signature creations that was as beautiful as it was delicious. The menu is designed for sharing, with playful small plates that keep the night flowing. Bar Mordecai is the kind of place where you can start your evening—or end it—knowing it’ll always be memorable.


Casa Morales
Next up was Casa Morales, and listen… this spot stole my heart. It’s a cozy Mexican restaurant with a warm, welcoming vibe.
Casa Morales is all about authentic flavors and hearty portions that make you feel like you’re eating in someone’s home kitchen. Their tacos? Flavor-packed. Their margaritas? On point. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t just serve you food—it serves you an experience.


Toronto: The Place to Be
What I love most about Toronto is how alive the city feels—especially in the summer. Caribana is definitely the crown jewel of the season, but honestly, the city doesn’t stop once the feathers and parade floats are put away. From food festivals to art shows to exploring neighborhoods like Kensington Market or Queen Street West, Toronto has an energy that carries you from summer straight into fall and beyond.
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If you’re looking for a destination to close out your summer—or to plan your next trip any time of year--Toronto is it. Caribana gave me the excuse to finally get here, but the city itself made me want to come back again and again.


Final Thoughts
After missing out last year, finally experiencing Caribana was everything I imagined and more. The celebration, the food, the culture—it all reminded me why travel is so important. It’s about connection, joy, and making memories that stay with you long after the weekend is over.
Toronto gave me all of that and then some. So, if Caribana has been on your bucket list—or if you’re just looking for a vibrant city with amazing food and culture—go ahead and put Toronto at the top of your list. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
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    About Morgan

    Morgan Angelique Owens  is the author of "Finding My Sparkle" and Founder & CEO of the MAO Brand, Professional Pretty, and Curvy Cardio, LLC.
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    Morgan is a dynamic travel and beauty blogger, and a seasoned media correspondent. She has been featured on television programs and in publications all over the country.

    As an entrepreneurial powerhouse—she wears many hats, including Author, Consultant, Speaker, and Brand Ambassador. Morgan uses her vision and voice to coach and uplift women and young girls, sharing the wealth of knowledge and expertise she’s honed in the realms of physical and mental health, beauty, personal empowerment, and lifestyle content.

    With her passion and fashion-forward savvy, Morgan bridges the gap between brands and underserved audiences, creating authentic connections.

    ​She is dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses to invest in their futures and discover their own sparkle.

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