Today we’d like to introduce you to Caela Collins.
Hi Caela, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am an Intergenerational Storyteller dedicated to being the reason people feel safe, seen, understood, and accepted without reason. Witnessing my mom and grandmother, both entrepreneurs who owned community daycare centers, I was immersed in an environment that centered around the art of nurturing and self-expression. Caring is woven into my ancestral DNA and quilted in the molecular fabric of my cornea, allowing me to focus on my inner fire in order to let in the light that leads the way for others who want to ignite theirs through Storytelling.
Honestly, I never saw myself as a writer; for me, writing was just a cathartic outlet for my spiritual, mental, and emotional expression—a hobby that blossomed into my passion and mission in life over time, much like a childhood best friend evolving into a soulmate in a cheesy romcom. I wrote tons of stories and poems growing up but the light switch didn’t get flipped into action until I was in college.
It was during my Editorial internship at *Taste the Style* (now *The Chill Times*) that I realized people not only enjoyed what I had to say but more importantly, their love for the taste of my homemade, crafted words—a unique recipe for how I said it. A simple thank you email acknowledgement from owner, Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton—“Caela, you’re one hell of a writer”—completely enlightened me. This recognition sparked a realization: my words matter.
Folding in the idea of labeling myself as a writer mixed with a spoonful of self-reflection on my journey, allowed me to cook up the conclusion that storytelling and nurturing have always been ingredients for my story. Instead of hanging out with friends for breakfast in middle school, I chose to assist the pre-k students before the morning bell. Rather than ghosting my high school hallways during my sunny summer break, I returned as an art camp counselor for middle-schoolers. Instead of sleeping in before my college classes, I cosplayed as a morning person, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, helping freshmen acclimate and assuring them I was a safe place. And rather than leaving tech questions to IT as a professional in my 20s, I opted to teach my work Aunties and Uncles the latest smartphone features and computer tricks. In exchange for watering others, I grew into a heartfelt listener who explored various worlds, learned colorful perspectives, and gained a beautiful collection of intergenerational stories.
My book ‘Food Is Love,’ emerged from this nurturing journey, inspired by an Advertising & Society term paper on the history of food blended with my childhood experiences. At the heart of this story is Catori, a vibrant six-year-old girl whose adventures celebrate the power of food as a medium for love and connection. I crafted Catori to embody individuality and resilience, drawing from the lessons my family instilled in me about embracing oneself and finding strength in self-acceptance.
In 2018, I launched an open artist call for illustrators to send in sample sketches of my potential main character as follows: 6 yrs old, Female, Black/ African American with brown skin, curly hair, white sneakers, jean overalls, red & white striped bell sleeve shirt. This was all while not having the manuscript completed, that was my procrastination insurance to see the project through and it worked!
I chose an SVA (School of Visual Arts) college student, Jeongin (Jen) Yoon, whose art I emotionally connected with and we started building the illustrations together: her as the artist, me as the art director. My intention as the director was to have artwork so beautiful & special, that even an adult would want the pages as prints on their wall. I’m 100% Indie (independent) and own ‘Food is Love,’ so I had total freedom to create a book that didn’t exist on bookshelves. ‘Food is Love’ is the only book of its kind in the entire world. Every detail was intentionally and intricately designed. ‘Food is Love’ breaks the wheel of traditional boundaries, designed to be an intergenerational read. Every character’s outfit was purposefully crafted, symbolizing their unique identities and experiences. I had the freedom to infuse my message of love and acceptance into every page. Through Catori’s journey, I aim to inspire readers to celebrate their individuality and recognize that food, much like love, is a universal language that connects us all.
From recipe to dish, my idea of ‘Food is Love’ became a tangible reality after finding an illustrator, manuscript editor, and book publisher through a series of Google deep dives and YouTube marathons. Ultimately, my goal is to empower others to embrace their unique stories and find strength in self-acceptance—just as I learned to do through my family’s teachings. By sharing ‘Food is Love,’ I hope to encourage readers to honor their journeys and celebrate the beauty of self-expression. To further this mission, I am collaborating with artist Kim Balacuit to create a limited edition “Scrookbook,” a Scrap-Cookbook for readers that will be in a special edition of “Food is Love.” This edition will feature a new cover designed by Jen Yoon. Additionally, I am developing a chapter book series that follows Catori’s journey, intended to grow with the reader as she ages and learns valuable lessons. I’m currently in the drafting process of the second book in the series.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If the road is smooth, I can bet everything it leads to a haunted house; the drive may be smooth, but the destination often feels lackluster or regretful. Choosing the narrow path means opting for the road less traveled, and that path usually holds the esoteric knowledge that famous storytellers like me (just a little manifestation plug) need to thrive through time.
It was overwhelming navigating where to start because there quite literally is no roadmap for the literary world as an aspiring author, but I focused on what I knew best, writing from the heart. I went to a well known book conference in NYC and brought my book, ‘Food is Love,’ to show publishers and immediately I was shut down because I didn’t have a literary agent. So I looked into getting an agent, which is a marathon in itself. You have to write something called “query letters”, aka bunch of tailored cover letters but has a specific format and requires research on each and every individual literary agent and what they’re looking for based on their profile. It’s an insane matchmaking application process that’s honestly draining.
Quick flashback scene to college: I won an Instagram contest and got to go to a well-known poet’s birthday party which was at a museum in Harlem and we saw a private theatre showing a one-woman show exploring mass incarceration. I invited my mom as my +1 because she always took me to plays as a child. On the elevator it was me, my mom, and a woman who launched a very well-known multinational digital media and entertainment website. I was too nervous to speak but literally years later when I was on the brink of quitting writing altogether, I found her email and sent a note saying “remember me?..,” and luckily she did. I got her reply email when I was in line to try my first Popeyes chicken sandwich, a pretty iconic memory. From there, she connected me with a literary agent.
My agent inspired and encouraged me to take my writing further and create a chapter book series stemming from my children’s book. At the time I never considered chapter books but I took on the challenge. After many failed attempts to get an editor, I finally found one and workshopped the manuscript for two years. Then a heartbreaking moment, but blessing in disguise happened, when I completed the manuscript for the first chapter book, the agent and I decided to part ways due to a difference in vision. I was devastated and didn’t write for a while. The agent felt like hope, but finding an agent is a lot like finding a therapist or like goldilocks, the matching ideals in vision needs to be just right. I knew in my soul that my manuscript was gold, and just because one person didn’t connect with my vision, didn’t make my work unworthy and it definitely did not determine the value of my work. However, I was heartbroken when that happened but then remembered my birthday, July 31st, the same birthday as an author who got turned down time after time, after time, only to create the largest selling story series in literary history. So I did what I knew best, wrote from the heart, allowing the world to catch up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the heart of my work, I am a “Fire Starter,” meaning I use my inner light to ignite or reignite others’ inner fire. My brand focuses on igniting self-discovery and inner strength, where my stories serve as a beacon of light, guiding people back home to themselves. Through my company, Caela Enterprises, LLC, I channel this purpose into everything I do, from writing and creative direction to social media consulting, branded partnerships, and experiential brand management.
I specialize in genre-bending & intergenerational storytelling, particularly as an indie children’s book author. My books are designed to be young enough for bedtime stories, advanced enough for young readers, and timeless enough to become classic keepsakes. My work resonates across ages, speaking to both the child and the adult in all of us.
In addition to my literary work, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with incredible clients, including Kahh Spence, and transitioning into digital storytelling after the pandemic. What sets me apart is my ability to blend creativity with business acumen—combining the heart of an artist with the mind of an entrepreneur. I founded Caela Enterprises, LLC at 23, guided by my inner-motto: “Head in the Clouds, Feet on the Ground.”
What I’m most proud of is the way my work helps people rediscover their own power and passion. Whether through storytelling, creative direction, or consulting, I’m passionate about empowering others to shine brightly. My work is an extension of my belief that dreams are meant to be realized, and I am honored to play a part in helping others turn their visions into reality.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is waking up without an alarm clock. It is having the ability to travel whenever and wherever I want. It’s connecting with kind strangers in new lands, immersing myself in their experiences, and listening to new stories. It’s about being open and curious to different cultures, learning colorful perspectives from new people, and soaking it all up freely with adventurous ease, imaginative wonder, and abundant bliss. I know I am successful when people of all ages read my book, Food is Love, and feel their inner fire reignite.
‘Food is Love’ leads adventurous souls down paths of self-discovery, creating a safe haven even in darkness. Through storytelling, it serves as a mirror that reveals the magic of embracing every part of who we are. Success is knowing yourself, loving yourself, trusting yourself, and being unapologetically yourself—much like the fiery main character, Catori, and much like readers of all ages who are brave enough to find adventure around every corner and seek the unseen.
Pricing:
- Paperback $15
- Hardcover $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caela.org/
- Instagram: @Caelacudi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caelacollins/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Food-Love-Caela-Collins/dp/1545661758/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1SJD2LU82I6EI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KJ2JHMqbfqfm_zgi8p36cg.LgyPaFGGXZp-ggQmf26EvzpPkCGBxKCEFqc8scdNqhE&dib_tag=se&keywords=caela+collins&qid=1730347834&sprefix=caela+collin%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1
