It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, all over town… And that was exactly the vibe at a recent Holiday Event, hosted by Brooklyn Pop-Up in collaboration with The Museum of the City of New York. The energy was festive, creative, and full of holiday magic — a true celebration of artistry, community, and the season.

More than 30 talented, independent makers filled the museum’s grand lobby with art, jewelry, home décor, textiles, gifts, and handcrafted treasures. Being among them — sharing space, creativity, and conversation — reminded me why I love what I do. There is something powerful about standing beside other artists, each of us telling our stories through the work of our hands.

For Cealle Creative, it was a wonderful opportunity to introduce my designs to a new audience, connect with collectors in person, and celebrate the spirit of the season alongside people who genuinely appreciate craftsmanship and storytelling. I was also pleasantly surprised to reconnect with a fellow Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) affiliate — the Chairman of Textile Design — who extended an invitation to attend a virtual class presentation where BFA students showcased their innovative work, including beautifully hand screen-printed commemorative scarves created for the United Nations as a wearable reminder of the significance of the Charter, 80 years after its signing.

But the moment that moved me the most happened unexpectedly.

While sharing one of my signature designs, Barnyard, I played a short clip of me interviewing my grandmother in Alabama — standing in front of the very image that inspired our Sweet Memories collection. As her voice echoed through the space, something in me shifted. I tried to steady myself, but the emotion rushed in before I could gather myself. Right there, in the middle of the museum floor, the tears began to flow.

It was a reminder that my work isn’t just product — it’s memory, heritage, and legacy. It’s the thread that connects where I come from to who I am becoming.

And in that moment, surrounded by a community of other artist all with their own unique talents and stories, I felt her with me.

The weekend was filled with beauty — meeting new friends, connecting with a new customer base, sharing conversations that lingered, and even treating myself to a fun, unexpected pair of earrings.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, supported, listened, and felt the story behind the art. And thank you to Brooklyn Pop-Up and the Museum of the City of New York for creating such a meaningful space for artists like me to shine.

With love,
Cealle