Rise Up Designs

This week’s cup of cafecito comes with a side of graduation glitter, family feels, and a  little  rock ‘n roll. ☕💃🏽✨ Let’s start with  Gracie , my little star who just graduated  5th grade ! 💐🎉 This was no ordinary graduation—she’s part of the very first class to go from Kinder all the way through 5th. From district honor choir to silver medals in roller skating, this girl is already collecting wins like it’s her job. Middle school better  bring it , because Gracie’s coming in hot. 🔥 Then there’s  my nephews, Ricardo and Ralphie , who both graduated in  Laredo, TX  and reminded me that our family doesn’t just show up—we  shine . ✨ 🎓  Ricardo  graduated from  Alexander High School , earning  Magna Cum Laude Honors 👏🏽. I didn’t make the ceremony but I  did  attend the celebration—and let me tell you, that party brought so much joy. What made it extra special? His band with his brother  Benny  did ...

Sometimes the biggest wins don’t come from big crowds or big booths… They come from a two-hour craft fair at an elementary school , under paper flowers, surrounded by community, family, and the unexpected magic of handmade joy. This week’s flex? A Fiesta-themed event hosted by my niece Gracie’s school , and y’all — it ended up being everything. Gracie, the Accidental CEO 👧🏻✨ Knowing she might get a little bored, I brought Gracie some silicone beads to play with while she sat at my booth. You know, just something to keep her busy. Cut to: Gracie crafting up the cutest little keychains you’ve ever seen , and casually laying them out on the table like she’s been doing markets for years. No sign. No price. Just sitting there being adorable. Then it happened… A woman walked by, picked one up and said, “Oh my gosh… these keychains are BEAUTIFUL!” 😍 I blinked. Gracie blinked. I said, “Yep! They’re for sale!” ( Internally: Are they? They are now. ) The lady BOUGHT it. Gra...