We had the good fortune of connecting with Catherine Buccello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catherine, what do you want people to remember about you?
Legacy is an interesting yet important factor for me since the passing of Nipsey Hussle. When we lost Nipsey Hussle the story was way too familiar, it hit home. I knew more about the impact Nipsey had over his music. The way he bought the block back, owned masters, changed his life from gang banging tolerating and educating and helping those in his community think and see differently. Loss and death are inevitable, however leaving an impactful legacy, not many can say that they do. It was from that moment that I decided I wanted to be an Agent of Change and a Vessel as a Healer. I admired Nipsey and Kobe because we openly heard and watched them make mistakes, and learn and grow from them. We are not perfect people, we will make mistakes that will effect one, some, or many people. However, how can we become better human beings my growing from it? How else can we encourage and inspire others to not just accept whatever they did or are not doing, and use as an opportunity to better and change. Once we start changing within and growing, it becomes a domino effect. Now our peers are inspired and want to do better, which leads to them inspiring their peers, their family members, their loved ones, etc. I want people to remember my transparency of my life. The ugly, the good, the bad, the happy, the sad, and how every one of those experiences helped shaped and propel me. How I did not let adversity stop me or throw the towel in. How even in the darkest moments of my life in losing my mom, I am able to openly grieve yet continue to identify and fulfill my purpose of being a healer, a safe space, an advocate, a voice! A Goddess who cares about the soul of the community and the mind of the culture.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I want people to know about my story is, that it is not unique. It is not Earth Shattering or unheard of. It is relatable. However, I choose to share my story. I choose to share my story so no one ever has to feel like they are alone in their story or in their journey. I am choosing to be unapologetic and authentic af, on purpose! We were conditioned to behave this way, follow these rules, look accordingly, and essentially code switch. It’s exhausting. I am showing up as myself in all of these spaces that celebrate and do not celebrate me. I am representing what it means to walk in your truth and be comfortable expressing yourself the way that makes me the most comfortable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Eat: Black Owned or Local Neighborhood favorite spots! Comfortland/5 Buros for Queens, Bklyn Blend and/or Aunts et Uncles – Brooklyn Drink: Omars Kitchen – LES Visit: Manhattan and just explore! Having one destination or site in mind and just walking aimlessly throughout the city is one of the best things you can do! There is always something popping up in NYC Hang Out: Harlem & Brooklyn ! Dancing at the Shrine! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Person: My Mom. I always dedicate my motivation and have used all of my written essays on who inspires me most to be my mom. However, losing my mom at the beginning of the year, opened so many connections and provided so much needed clarity in my life. I miss her every day, however the way she shows up for me now in the non physical form is so much louder than when I had her physical presence, that I just want to dedicate every blessing as a thank you to her! Organization : www.blackmencrytoo.com !

Website: www.blackmencrytoo.com www.retrobarbie.com

Instagram: @blackmencrytoo @retrobarbie92

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinebuccello/

Twitter: @monster_barbi3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQtISF9RByGaL-fTIwrNRqA

Image Credits
Eddin Martinez – Eddin Media

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