Hey, Muse.

April 22 is closer than it feels — and we’ve been thinking about who this room is really for.

It’s for the woman who’s already in motion. Already building, already showing up, already putting in work that hasn’t fully paid off yet. The one who doesn’t need to be convinced that the path is worth it — she just needs to know she’s not the only one on it.

That’s who we built Starting Without a Manual for.

And that’s exactly who Cayla is.

RSVPs are open. Seats are limited. Secure your spot here.

Meet the Muse: Cayla

Most people pick one.

Build the career. Or build the thing.

Cayla is doing both — in real time, without a blueprint.

By day, she’s a TV news producer at 11Alive in Atlanta, navigating broadcast journalism and learning the structure of traditional media from the inside. By night — and in every in-between moment — she’s the host of Almost Grown, a podcast about the messy, honest, sometimes funny reality of figuring out your twenties in public.

Two platforms. Two lanes. One woman still in the early chapters of building both.

What makes Cayla’s story worth sitting with isn’t just what she’s accomplished — it’s where she still is. She’s not looking back at the beginning from a comfortable distance. She’s in it. And she’ll tell you plainly: breaking into media isn’t just about talent. It’s about time, consistency, and the cost of staying in it long enough to grow.

That part — the part before it clicks, before it compounds, before it starts to look like what you imagined — doesn’t get talked about enough.

We invite you to hear more of her story on April 22.

From the Muse Circle

Cayla’s story inspired a deep question, and we wanna hear what you have to say:

What are you currently doing both of — and which one are you afraid to admit you might have to choose?

Answer this in the comments and let us know where you are right now.

Notes for a Muse

The beginning is supposed to feel uncertain.

That’s not a sign you chose wrong — it’s a sign you chose something real. Something that requires you to grow into it rather than just step into it.

Keep building, Muse. The room is starting to fill up.

This Museletter is brought to you by our event partner Golden Hibiscus Botanica — a Black woman-owned wellness brand worth knowing. Show them some love.

Find them here — https://ghbotanica.shop

Hey, Muse!

We’re getting closer to April 22, and our first virtual event Starting Without a Manual is less than a month away.

And as we talk with more and more muses, it’s feeling less about “starting,” more about what it actually takes to keep going.

Because building something of your own doesn’t always look how you imagined. And most of the time, it’s not as visible as people make it seem.

That’s the conversation we’re excited to explore with our next panelist.

Meet the Muse: Sierra

In Atlanta, Sierra has built a reputation for bringing ambitious women together, while recognizing that each of them is navigating their own path.

Through initiatives like Sisters in the City and Word of Mouth, Sierra has created spaces where connection, collaboration, and shared growth happen in real time. Her work reflects a belief that community isn’t just about proximity — it’s about intention.

But even within that, building something of your own can still feel isolating.

“If you’re anything like me, you keep ambitious women around you,” Sierra shared with BtM. “So I think it can be lonely at times to start something from scratch.”

It’s a tension many are navigating right now — being surrounded by driven, like-minded people, while still carrying a vision that’s entirely your own.

Sierra’s perspective speaks to that balance: community can pour into you, but the path you’re building is still yours to walk.

Visibility Check

Everybody’s building. Everybody wants to be seen.

But not everybody is thinking about how they’re being seen.

Notes for a Muse

It won’t always feel like it’s coming together.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t.

People always say you just have to keep going. I hate to say it, but they’re right.

The ones who win see their vision to the finish line.

Keep creating, Muse.

Hey, Muse!

Creative careers rarely come with a rulebook. Most of us are learning in real time through conversations, community, and shared experiences.

That’s exactly why Muse Circle exists.

And we’re excited to share what’s coming next.

Subscribe now

Starting Without a Manual

Our upcoming Starting Without a Manual panel is presented in partnership with Golden Hibiscus Botanica, a wellness brand rooted in herbal remedies and intentional living.

This conversation brings together five young women building careers in media, marketing, and storytelling at a time when the traditional playbook no longer exists. From social platforms to digital publications to brand strategy, each of them is navigating an industry that’s evolving before our eyes.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce you to the voices shaping this conversation.

First up:

Meet the Muse: Meché Leflore

Our first panelist for Starting Without a Manual is Meché Leflore, a storyteller who understands both the creative and strategic sides of media.

A graduate of Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism (Class of 2022), Meché spent five years shaping digital conversations as a social media content wrier and media correspondent for The Neighborhood Talk — one of the platforms redefining what modern media leadership looks like. Through that work, she covered cultural moments and major events for networks including BET and Bravo.

“As someone who’s currently starting over right now, something they don’t tell you is that it is hard,” Meché told BtM. “It’s hard but there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Now pursuing her MBA in marketing, Meché represents something many young professionals are navigating in real time: the transition between storytelling and strategy. Her path reflects a larger truth about where media is headed — understanding culture, narrative, and audience is not separate from business. It’s the foundation of it all.

Recent Reads

BtM talked about why pivoting is so important now more than ever for recent graduates, especially those pursing creative careers, in our latest post: Media is Bigger than Content.

Beyond the Beat

This month’s playlist: Be Your Own Muse

For the moments when you realize the inspiration you’ve been waiting for might actually be you.

Notes for a Muse

Life has a way of unfolding in its own time.

The things meant for you lately arrive exactly when you expect them to. But they have a way of finding you when you’re ready.

Keep going.

Share Beyond the Myc

Last week marked two major milestones in my journey as an artist, and in many ways, they felt like quiet affirmations that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

First, I filmed my very first music video. It wasn’t a traditional shoot or a big-budget production. It was a stripped-down, studio-style session for Behind the Blinds, a new performance series created by ExZACKly. Think On the Radar but with a deeper sense of intimacy. Just me, a mic, and the words I wrote when no one was watching. No filters, no distractions. And while we filmed it from a few angles, the vulnerability was real and so were the nerves.

Days later, I sat down for my first-ever radio interview on the RayThomas Variety Show at Fayetteville State University. That moment meant a lot. Not just because I got to speak on my mission but because I had the honor of debuting three records from Metamorphosis on air—“Diamond in the Rough,” “How We Do,” and “What You Have.”

For years, I’ve been telling stories through songs and blogs. But this was the first time my voice was amplified through speakers and camera lenses. Not just heard but seen.

🎙️ [Watch the full interview here]

Subscribe now

🎥 The Story Continues This Weekend

A new episode of My Digital Diary drops this weekend, and this time I’m shifting the focus to the storytellers behind the music. The pens. The ones who rarely stand center stage but have written the soundtracks to our lives.

From Muni Long to Victoria Monét, from Ester Dean to Babyface, from Johntá Austin to Ne-Yo—their words have shaped generations. Some have stepped into the spotlight, while others have stayed behind it, but the impact is undeniable. And as someone who leads with the pen first, I’ve always seen myself in their journey.

This episode means a lot to me. I’ll be breaking down one of the first songs I ever wrote, reflecting on what it means to be a writer before anything else, and paying homage to the lyricists who made space for girls like me to pick up the mic with intention.

Also—Keri Hilson is back. Her new album is a moment, and I’ll be reviewing it soon. But Pretty Girl Rock alone was enough to shift culture. She reminded us that confidence isn’t arrogance—it’s clarity. That message still matters.

👕 Still Funded by Love

If you’ve been following this journey, you already know—none of this is backed by big labels or industry budgets. It’s fueled by purpose, storytelling, and the people who believe in what I’m building.

That’s what Funded by Love stands for.

It’s more than a merch line. It’s a reminder that passion is powerful and support is sacred. If you’ve been rocking with me, this collection is for you.

→ Shop the collection

Every order helps me keep creating—on my terms, in my time.

🗣️ From Me to You

This season has been full of quiet wins. Nothing flashy. Nothing viral. But meaningful in a way that’s hard to explain. And maybe that’s the point.

I’m learning that visibility doesn’t always come all at once. Sometimes, it shows up in the form of a first take. A mic in front of a camera. A voice coming through car speakers. A message from a stranger saying, “Keep going.”

If you’ve been here—watching, listening, reading, sharing—thank you. You’re not just witnessing the story. You’re helping write it.

I’ll see you soon. Another page is coming.

With love,
Mycah 💌

Share Beyond the Myc

This past weekend, I got to check Dreamville Festival off my bucket list — and while it didn’t go exactly as planned (I got sick after Day 1 and had to skip Day 2), I’m still glad I went. Being surrounded by that energy, that creativity, that music... it was inspiring.

Because of the chaos, I didn’t drop last week’s Mycah’s Pick — but don’t worry, it’s coming this Wednesday instead of Friday! Just had to give myself a second to rest and reset.

Subscribe now

🎵 The Vision Is Taking Shape

This platform is slowly becoming what I always dreamed of. Recently, another singer asked if I could review her music for Mycah’s Pick, and it made me realize… omg, this is really happening.

The very first artist I featured was so appreciative that I showed her love. I even sent her a message encouraging her to keep going, and the way she received it reminded me why I do this. To support, to uplift, to amplify. That's the heart of Beyond the Myc.

👕 PSA: Funded by Love Is Still Live

If you haven’t peeped the Funded by Love merch collection yet… now’s the time. Every piece was created with intention, and every purchase helps fuel this journey.

→ Shop the collection: beyondthemyc.com/fashion

Whether you’re wearing it on campus, at the crib, or in the studio, know that you’re repping something real.

📺 ICYMI: My Digital Diary is a Monthly Moment

Episode 2—The Pen Is Mightier—drops at the end of this month. It’s all about storytelling, timeless songwriting, and how writing helped me become who I am. You’ll hear the story behind one of my earliest songs and get a deeper look at what drives my pen.

✨ Until then, catch up on Episode 1 here:
→ The Dream Begins: Honoring Black Women in Music

📓 The Muse Starter Kit is still available!
If you haven’t downloaded it yet, this is your sign to give yourself a moment of stillness and reflection.

→ [Grab your free copy here]

Thank you for being here — for reading, watching, supporting, sharing and believing. Whether you’ve been around since the beginning or just hopped on the ride, I’m grateful.

Here’s to another page in the digital diary.

With love (and some ginger tea in hand),
Mycah 💌

Share Beyond the Myc

I’m still taking it all in. Episode One of My Digital Diary is officially out in the world, and if you tuned in, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sharing my story while honoring the Black women who paved the way felt like the perfect way to begin.

But this journey is just getting started.

Subscribe now

🛍️ Funded by Love: My Merch is Here!

I’m beyond excited to announce the launch of my Funded by Love merch collection! These pieces are a reminder that every dream I chase is powered by passion, purpose, and the people who support me.

My parents were my first investors. My mom paid for my free Muse Starter Kit because she believed in the vision, and my dad pledged $100 to my free Substack without hesitation. That taught me something I’ll never forget: People who believe in your vision will invest in your future.

That’s why I created Funded by Love. For the people who want to see this dream grow and be a part of the journey.

You can check out the full collection here: beyondthemyc.com/fashion

Every purchase goes toward fueling this journey, and I can’t wait to see you rocking it!

📅 Your Weekly Vibe Check

• Mondays: Start your week with a new Muse Letter in your inbox. I’ll be sharing reflections, updates, and a glimpse at what’s ahead.

• Wednesdays: Time for a deep dive. This week, I’ll be uncovering the stories of even more Black women in music who never got their flowers. You saw some of their names in Episode One, but now it’s time to get to know their stories on a deeper level.

• Fridays: It’s all about Mycah’s Picks! Expect five fresh songs every week, from underground gems to mainstream bops, and maybe even one of my own.

🔎 In Case You Missed It

If you haven’t watched Episode One yet, it’s not too late.

📺 The Dream Begins: Honoring Black Women in Music | My Digital Diary Ep. 1
Watch it here:

Trust me, it’s worth the 35 minutes.

📓 Something Just for You:

My free digital product is still available!

🎁 The Muse Starter Kit is designed to help you slow down, reflect, and pour back into yourself. Think of it as a little piece of my digital diary, made just for you.

→ Download it here: Muse Starter Kit

Because we all deserve moments of stillness.

🗣️ From Me to You

Episode One taught me that storytelling isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. I’m so grateful you’re here, walking this path with me.

Let’s keep dreaming out loud. I’ll see you Wednesday.

With love,
Mycah

If you’re reading this, then you know the time has finally come. My very first YouTube video is officially live! And before you hit that play button, I wanted to take a moment to share a little behind-the-scenes insight on how this all came together.

Subscribe now

When I graduated from college, I thought I’d have time — time to figure things out, to pause, to breathe. But the truth is, time doesn’t wait. Neither do dreams.

So I stopped waiting. I started building. And that’s how My Digital Diary was born: a documentary-style YouTube series chronicling my growth as a woman, an R&B artist and a storyteller. This isn’t a recap after success. It’s a real-time archive of what it looks like to chase a dream with no blueprint, no handouts and no permission.

A Real 23-Year-Old Diary Entry

Episode One, "The Dream Begins," opens with a reflection on this moment in my life — the first year out of college, working full time, living on my own and still pushing to make my artistry a priority. There’s so much pressure to “have it all together” at 23, and honestly, I don’t. But I do have vision. And that’s more than enough to get started.

Writing Was My First Love

Before I ever stepped in a studio, I was a writer. I studied journalism, served as editor-in-chief of a national award-winning college magazine, published more than 65 articles and created my first artist platform, Off the Record, while still a student. My goal? To give talented, overlooked artists a place to be seen and heard.

Even though my medium has expanded, my mission hasn’t changed. My Digital Diary and Beyond the Myc are natural extensions of the work I’ve always done: highlighting intentional artistry and archiving culture through the lens of a young Black woman.

Honoring the Blueprint

In honor of Women’s History Month, I dedicated a portion of the episode to giving flowers to Black women in music — the pioneers, the visionaries and the godmothers of genres who rarely get their credit.

From Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Big Mama Thornton to Betty Davis, Angela Winbush, Minnie Riperton and Linda Martell, these women were innovators long before it was trendy. They weren’t just part of the music industry — they shaped it.

And yet, many of their names remain unknown.

Why This Series Matters

My Digital Diary isn’t about virality. It’s about storytelling. It’s about reflection, culture and memory. I’m showing up not because I have all the answers but because I know the value of recording the journey while I’m still walking it.

This isn’t a polished highlight reel. It’s intentional, vulnerable and real. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between being who they were and becoming who they’re meant to be. If that’s you — this space was built with you in mind.

Watch Episode One

The Dream Begins: Honoring Black Women in Music | My Digital Diary Ep. 1
The Dream Begins is available now on YouTube via Beyond the Myc. Episode runtime: 35 minutes.

Share Beyond the Myc

Final Word

I’m only one episode in, but this already feels bigger than me. Bigger than music. Bigger than content.

It feels like a legacy.

And if you’ve made it this far, thank you. You’re part of something in the making.

With love,

Mycah

I’ve waited my whole life to press upload on something like this.

This Saturday at 8 PM EST, the first episode of My Digital Diary officially drops on YouTube. It’s a 35-minute love letter to the Black women in music who never got their flowers—and a reflection of my own journey as a storyteller, dreamer and ATL-born, DMV-bred R&B artist creating my own lane.

📺 Watch the Premiere → Click here
(Go ahead and hit the reminder bell so you don’t forget.)

This isn’t just another video. It’s a cinematic voiceover experience with overlays, commentary and emotion woven throughout. If you’re someone who’s ever felt unseen, overlooked or “too much” for the world—this one’s for you.

🎙 What You’ll Hear

Soft-spoken voice memos and soul-soaked storytelling.
A journey through rhythm, memory, and meaning—where R&B becomes both diary and documentary.
This is the path of a dreamer with a mic, tracing her roots and raising the volume for every voice that’s ever gone unheard.

This is the journey of an artist who hopes to one day earn the title of the People’s Princess of R&B—not just by telling my story, but by honoring and uplifting theirs too.

📓 Something Just for You:

I also launched my first ever digital product:
🎁 The Muse Starter Kit (and yes—it’s free!)

This is the first edition in my Digital Diaries for You series, a collection of journal-based downloads that go hand-in-hand with my music.
→ Download the Muse Starter Kit here

It’s about rest, reflection and reclaiming your peace. Because you deserve that.

💕 Stay Connected:

• Website: beyondthemyc.com

• TikTok, Instagram, Twitter: @bxmycah

• For behind-the-scenes and cultural deep dives: @beyondthemyc

• Smell like the muse: VS Daring EDP

  ---

🗣️ From Me to You

I don’t care if only five people watch this—if one of them is you, that’s enough.
Thank you for letting me tell stories. Thank you for listening.

Catch you Saturday night, Speakahs. 🦋

With love,
Mycah