As I reflect on my time here, I think about the ways I’ve evolved through cultivating a deeper relationship with myself and centering my spirituality. And in honoring my complexities, I’ve recognized the importance of healing, forgiveness, and creating space for more abundance. 

Throughout my spiritual journey, I’ve heard many spiritual leaders share the importance of healing the “inner-child” by recognizing and accepting the things that caused me pain in my upbringing. Through acknowledging my childhood traumas, I began to uncover the origin of my wounds and learned that I have deep attachments to outdated beliefs, unrealistic expectations, projected perspectives that were knowingly and unknowingly passed down from the people in my life. This revelation liberated me in a significant way. I learned that my pain didn't start with me and though the damage is not my fault it is my responsibility to turn my pain into peace.

As a step towards healing my “inner-child” and as a  birthday gift to myself, I curated a photoshoot that honored Baby Cham by highlighting the places that were signature to my upbringing. Signa- Cha is a photo series that pays homage to the parts of Queens that made me, me. Home is where the heart is. So this month, I will be taking you to the places in my childhood community that reinforced liberation. Take a ride with me. 

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The Laundromat: Quality Time

My mom and I went to the laundromat on Saturday mornings. Most times we walked but if we were lucky, a family friend would pick us up and give us a ride. I can close my eyes and still picture the clothes in the washing machine moving back and forth between clockwise and counterclockwise motion.

I remember standing in front of the dusty industrial fan on hot summer days and asking my mom for a $1 so that I can go to the coin machine and get enough quarters to purchase gumballs and crybabies. My mom, a citizen now but an immigrant then worked two to three jobs at a time. So I always looked forward to spending time with her each weekend. Though unconventional, the laundromat symbolized the importance of spending time with family; my mom specifically.

As I reflect, I can see so much of her in me. My mom taught me the importance of resilience in pursuing my dreams. And on my birthday, I thank her for bringing me into this world and shaping me into the woman I am today.

Photography by: Daniel Randall

Makeup by: Teshaka Ellison

Creative Directors: Chamique Francis

Stylist(s): Chamique Francis & Brejae Washington

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