Hey y’all, it’s been a minute. If you’ve been wondering where Afro.Beer.Chick has been, the short answer is… life. Sometimes life doesn’t just tap you on the shoulder, it pulls up a chair, pours a drink, and makes itself comfortable. Between school, work, family, health, and just trying to hold it all together, I had to hit pause and take a step back.

This past year has been wild in the best and hardest ways. I graduated in May, which was such a proud moment after putting in so much time and dedication. And because I’m not one to stop growing, I’m set to graduate again this December in another degree program. Balancing that with a full-time workload and family responsibilities has been no joke. There were days I was writing papers between work calls, running errands for family, and trying to remember the last time I had a decent night’s sleep.

Finding Balance and Healing

Then there’s health, the part of life that doesn’t always get talked about enough. I had to slow down and listen to my body, which is something I used to ignore for the sake of pushing through. But the truth is, burnout is real, and no amount of ambition or caffeine can cover that up. I had to remind myself that taking care of me doesn’t mean I’m giving up, it means I’m getting ready for what’s next.

I learned that healing isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, mental, and spiritual. It’s saying no when you need to, resting without guilt, and trusting that what’s meant for you won’t pass you by.

Still Watching, Still Rooting, Still Here

So, no, I haven’t vanished. I’ve just been quietly lurking in the background, observing, reflecting, and realigning. I’ve watched the beer world continue to shift, seeing new faces, new breweries, and new energy entering the space. It’s been inspiring to watch, even from the sidelines. Afro.Beer.Chick has always been about authenticity, voice, and unapologetic representation, and that hasn’t changed. I’ve just been preparing to come back stronger, with more intention, and with something real to say.

I still love seeing how the Black beer community continues to thrive, with dope brands like Moor’s Brewing and Funkytown Brewing holding it down for the culture. Watching that kind of growth keeps me inspired and reminds me why I started in the first place.

What About the Podcast?

“Still standing, still sipping, still speaking my truth — Afro.Beer.Chick is far from done.”

And for everyone who’s been asking about This Chick Talks Beer, trust me, I hear you. I can’t even tell you how many times someone has asked, “When’s the podcast coming back?” It warms my heart every time. I’ve been toying with the idea of bringing it back, maybe in a new way that fits where I am now. I haven’t made the final call yet, but the mic hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s sitting right here, waiting for the right moment, and when that time comes, I promise it’ll be worth the wait.

Evolving and Moving with Purpose

This time away taught me that silence doesn’t mean absence. Sometimes it means evolution. I needed that space to recharge, to grow through the chaos, and to remember why I started this journey in the first place. Afro.Beer.Chick isn’t just about beer, it’s about creating space, telling stories, and showing up as your full self, no matter how messy or complex life gets.

So consider this my soft re-entry. I’m still here, still passionate, still that chick with the kick ass afro and a beer in hand. I’m moving with more purpose now, more self-awareness, and a deeper appreciation for balance. And let’s be clear, I still unapologetically talk my shit and stand on it. Always have, always will.

The best part of stepping back is realizing that the story isn’t over, it’s just getting good again. The best is yet to come. Cheers to that. 🍻