Today was a full-circle moment for me. I attended the Reggae in the Park pop-up vendor music festival, graciously hosted by Delaware Park Casino in Wilmington. It might seem like just another event to some, but for me—this was a big deal. 

It’s been years since I’ve done a pop-up shop. The last time I was at one, I didn’t even fully understand what I was doing there. I was selling eyeshadow I had listed on eBay—no booth setup, no real marketing strategy, no confidence. Just vibes… and a bit of confusion. Looking back, it was kind of a mess. I didn’t make a single sale that day. But you know what? I gained something way more valuable: experience.

As a young entrepreneur back then, I was learning the ropes of independence, how to socialize and connect with strangers, and how to pave my own way out of the hood using my own business as the vehicle. Honestly, the whole idea was genius—if I do say so myself.

But what I didn’t anticipate was the emotional undercurrent that followed me into adulthood: childhood trauma.

I see now that my past shaped how I showed up in the world. Being young, gifted, and not seen taught me to hide. I chased my dreams—but not fully out in the open. I kept part of myself tucked away, scared to be visible. Why? Because when I dared to be my true self as a child, the people I loved didn’t respond with support—they responded with rejection, disappointment, or silence.

That taught me to dim my light. To guard my gifts. To mask my feelings. To feel unsafe, smothered… even unloved.

But today, being at this festival with my products, standing tall and proud, I felt something different—like I was reclaiming a part of myself. It’s not just about vending. It’s about healing, visibility, and walking in my truth.

YouTube short of Event: https://youtube.com/shorts/ylnhQ4yxRqE?feature=share