Happy New Month, Dolls!
In last months journal, we had a lovely conversation about “Surrender” in the comments section, thank you to everyone who left comments. It feels good to know that we’re all processing similar thoughts/feelings together.
This month, “Self Actualization” is the word that’s been coming to mind.
What does Self Actualization Mean?

There are people who spend time wondering “Can I reach my full potential?” and there are people who spend time wondering “How can I reach my full potential?”
Which type of person are you?
Becoming all that you can be certainly isn’t a simple task, but as I dive deeper into the idea of self-actualization, I began to see that tiny steps in the right direction are the best way for me to reach my full potential and Self Actualize. So, that’s exactly what I’m challenging myself to do.
Self-Actualization can be as simple as looking in the mirror and saying “don’t wait on your weight to live the life you want”, or reminding yourself that “Health is a Practice, not a Pant Size” as you lace up your sneakers for a workout.
As we enter a new month, I am becoming the founder I want to be for my new company, Cocoa by CeCe. I’m becoming the kind of influencer I want to be, making sure my purchases and recommendations on my website are as thoughtful, intentional and sustainable as possible. So far you dolls have been receiving the new CeCeOlisa.com well– you dolls are leaving more and more comments on my website which brings me so much joy! I love Instagram, but it means a lot to me that we’re all coming home to this website. Thank you! Now for the good stuff… Life Updates…
Personal Life Updates
Of course, I didn’t forget that this is the month of love, if you’re flying solo or are boo’d up come February 14, you should take the time to celebrate you by buying a nice Valentine’s Day gift for yourself take a page out of my closet and beauty shelf with 13 Gifts to Buy Yourself for Valentine’s Day. I am more committed than ever to my weekly Artist Dates around New York City. The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you, last month I went to see the Virgil Abloh ™ Figures of Speech exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum (click to read). “Quotes to help you build confidence in February (click here to read)” will help you kick off the month of love with some refreshing quotes that make great screensavers for your phone. If you’re looking for cute plus size SuperBowl outfits that are flirty, cozy and warm, I’ve put together a little plus size fashion inspo book of outfits in “Plus Size SuperBowl Outfits (click here to read)“. If you need a secret weapon to combat dry winter skin, check out my deep dive into the power of squalene oil (click here to read). I’m putting squalene in as many cocoa by cece products as I can!
Professional Life Updates
I’m proud to share that I’ve expanded my body care line, Cocoa by CeCe. This month, I released the Cocoa by CeCe Mini Hand Facial Kit (click here to shop). The high-performance Mini Hand Facial duo works to hydrate dry, distressed skin and reveal your softest hands ever. I love taking a few moments out of my day to give myself a mini hand facial and I hope you will too! Shop: Mini Hand Facial Kit ($20).
Madonna Quote on Self Actualization
No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself.”
Thank you for reading!
I love your journal. That’s is one of the changes I have made in 2023, I am
constantly telling myself “do it even though you don’t feel like it” , by following this instruction I am making tiny steps to the person I want to be and eventually I want have to tell my self to do it , one day it will just come natural.
Thank you Jessica Doll, I love your mindset! “do it even though you don’t feel like it” is me at least once per week during my morning workout time. The funny thing is I never regret a workout after it’s done. haha! CeCe x
Thanks for living your best life! I have completed many projects in 2022 that will propel my “leave the planet in a better place” philosophy…I’m working with The Richmond Symphony Orchestra to redesign their performance attire – no more uncomfortable tuxes and tails. Working on a related separate ten piece wardrobe. And I’m manufacturing it in Senegal. You know my background with Marvel Comics and my husband’s legendary status, I broke away from my previous producer and am working with one of my husband’s fans who is producing my vision to do CosMODA: Cosplay Runway. In November his friend had a flood in his comic store and I am creating a new Upcycled comicbook jewelry line called Power Pieces: Heroic Adornment. I ran out of inventory from Christmas and in searching for workers to help, I am working with an organization I met called HELP and they are providing me with twenty capable artisans to help with handmade production. I will pay them but also the sales will go back to building schools and potable water programs for the village. Working with Morehouse Medical School in Atlanta too. It’s all very full circle for me. Not only the Power Pieces empowering for the wearer, but for the creators/makers as well.
Thanks for your constant inspiration. Continue on with courage and love.
All the best for 2023!!
Catherine Schuller
Wow Catherine Doll, so happy to hear from you! It’s wonderful to know that you’re doing your part to leave our planet in a better place. All of the projects you’re working on sound INCREDIBLE! Congrats! CeCe x
I love love Madonna’s Quote. At 62, I am definitely striving this year to be come a better version of myself!