To you, I say “Sak Pasé?” – Creole for “What’s happening?” If you give me a “M’ap Boulé” in return, it’ll sure be an interesting conversation starter. If you can’t tell yet, I’m Haitian-American. Often in my poorest attempts, I still try to speak a little native tongue when I can.

As a Salisbury University alumnae and current Senior Executive Assistant, I’ve learned that life doesn’t allow us to take trips through cloud nine when we want or need it the most. My mantra is, “Never a failure. Always a lesson.” I choose to put my energy where the light shines. Standing next to people who feel like the sun. Growth to me means seeking questions with worthwhile answers. What can I do to better my relationship with others? How can I press towards new goals? Where will my next check-in at DCA take me?

Even here in Washington, D.C., on casual strolls down town, I make the most of moments by paying attention to the little things around me. Seeing the value in small things like a couple lost in love on the rooftop at Lost Society or chance encounters at Decades in the heart of Dupont Circle. Through family, the things we call work, and the songs love makes us sing reminds me to not take things like my last name for granted. For now I know, just as water is to life, it matters. And every day, I am still being guided where I, Mel Lauture, am meant to be, no matter what does or does not happen by way of being a woman.

This site will be a safe place of sharing those unspoken beauties in the world. So, however you found me on the internet —Full of Instagrammers, Facebookers, and Tweeters — I’m just glad you picked this moment to take a stroll with me online.