A Story of Strength, Healing & Empowerment
Ladies, you already know what time it is! Every month, we shine a light on a woman who embodies the power, resilience, and unapologetic realness that Pretty&Ghetto is all about. This March, we’re putting the spotlight on Caralyn, a fierce mental health advocate, writer, and single mother who turned her pain into purpose.
Her story? It’s one of transformation, healing, and standing in your truth. If you’ve ever felt like life knocked you down, if you’ve ever doubted your power, if you’re navigating your own healing journey—this one’s for you.
Turning Pain into Power
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, but Caralyn is living proof that setbacks don’t define you—your comeback does.
She started her journey with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Forensic Psychology, even pursuing a doctorate. But sometimes, the road you think you're meant to walk isn’t the one you’re destined for. After facing personal challenges, including a divorce, she found herself at a crossroads.
Instead of letting her struggles break her, she chose to use them as fuel to help others.
That’s how her mental health blog, Darkness to Dialogue: Living Well with Mental Illness, was born. Through her writing and speaking, she’s creating a space where people—especially women—can feel seen, understood, and empowered in their healing journeys.
Because healing isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving.
Why Pretty&Ghetto’s Mission Hits Home for Her
Empowerment isn’t just a word to Caralyn—it’s a way of life.
She believes that when we own our stories, we take back our power. And that’s exactly what Pretty&Ghetto is all about: lifting each other up, rewriting narratives, and making space for women to thrive.
"For me, empowerment is everything. It’s what helped me rebuild my life, and it’s what fuels my purpose—whether I’m writing, speaking, or simply showing up as my best self every day.”
Sis, if you’ve ever doubted your ability to rise above what tried to break you, let Caralyn be a reminder: You are capable. You are powerful. And you are more than your past.
What Does Community Really Mean?
Let’s talk about it.
Caralyn believes in something we should all live by: there’s enough success for everyone.
There’s no need to tear each other down when we could be building together. Real community is about:
✔️ Support – Standing beside each other, even when things get tough.
✔️ Encouragement – Reminding each other of our worth.
✔️ Sisterhood – Knowing that when one of us wins, we all win.
That’s the energy she brings, and that’s the energy she wants all of us to embrace.
Owning Her Journey: The Road to Healing & Success
Caralyn is not here to sugarcoat things—healing is messy. It’s filled with highs, lows, and moments of doubt. But what she’s learned is that empowerment isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about showing up for yourself every day.
As a single mother, she’s constantly balancing life, mental health, and breaking cycles for her son. She’s teaching him—and the world—that prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
"Each step I take toward healing is an act of empowerment."
Whether it’s blogging, writing, or simply sharing her truth, she’s using her voice to help others navigate their own journeys.
For the Women Ready to Step Into Their Power
If you’ve been thinking about making a career move, starting a business, or just stepping out of your comfort zone—this is your sign.
Caralyn’s advice?
🔥 Trust yourself. Your story, your experiences, your voice—it all matters.
🔥 Start small, but start. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about movement.
🔥 Find your tribe. The right people will uplift you and remind you who you are.
🔥 Prioritize yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, sis. Take care of YOU.
“You don’t have to wait until you ‘have it all together’ to start. Just take that first step.”
Being a Woman of Color in This Space
Let’s be real—navigating the world as a woman of color comes with challenges.
Caralyn has dealt with bias, stereotypes, and being underestimated, but she never let that stop her. Instead, she owned her power.
"I realized that my perspective isn’t just important—it’s necessary. My experiences give me a unique voice in the mental health space, and I refuse to let the world silence that."
That’s the energy we need. Unapologetic, unstoppable, and undeniable.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Bright
So what’s next for Caralyn?
✨ A daily affirmations book for those battling anxiety and depression.
✨ A series of books on overcoming trauma.
✨ Expanding her platform to support even more women.
Her goal? To build a lasting impact in the mental health space and remind women everywhere that their voices—and their healing—matter.
Because we are not our pain. We are our power.
The Fun Side of Caralyn
When she’s not writing, speaking, or changing lives, you can catch Caralyn:
📸 Doing photography – capturing the beauty in everyday moments.
📝 Journaling & painting – expressing her emotions creatively.
🌿 Spending time in nature – recharging and staying grounded.
🔍 Watching true crime – because, why not?
Sis, Here’s Your Takeaway
Caralyn’s journey is proof that no matter what you’ve been through, you have the power to turn your pain into purpose.
She’s not just surviving—she’s thriving, and so can you.
So, to every woman reading this: Own your story. Embrace your power. And never, EVER let anyone tell you that you aren’t enough.
We’re honored to celebrate Caralyn as our Pretty&Ghetto Girl of the Month for March, and we can’t wait to see how she continues to inspire and empower the world.
Now tell us, how are YOU stepping into your power today? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it! 👑🔥✨
Follow us on social media as we get to know Caralyn and introduce her work throughout the month.