Where it all begins

A woman with braids and a pink bow in her hair, wearing a black blazer over a pink shirt that says 'Sincerely Mocha,' sitting on a wooden chair, holding a white mug, surrounded by potted plants and candles.

Welcome to SincerelyMocha, a cozy corner of the internet where storytelling meets self-care. Here, I share glimpses of everyday life — from slow mornings and college days to moments of healing, growth, and self-discovery. My goal is to create a space that feels like a deep exhale — honest, warm, and real.

This is a space to slow down and savor the beauty within everyday life. Whether it’s finding comfort in a heartfelt story, discovering balance through wellness, or connecting through shared experiences, SincerelyMocha is a blend of reflection, creativity, and intention. My aim is to create a space for authenticity and connection — where words feel like conversation and every post speaks to the rhythm of becoming.

Close-up of swirling dark coffee with foam and bubbles.
Close-up portrait of a young woman with curly black hair, clear skin, and neutral makeup, posing indoors against a plain light-colored wall.

The Girl Behind The Words

Hi there! My name is Madelynne — Maddie for short — but everyone calls me “Mocha.” Yes, just like my favorite coffee! I’ve always felt that name fits me perfectly — warm, a little sweet, and full of depth.

I’m a March Pisces, which probably explains my tendency to feel everything so deeply. I see the world through a lens of empathy and imagination, and I’ve always been drawn to understanding people — their emotions, their stories, and the little things that make them human. I’m also adopted and a Midwestern native, two parts of my identity that have shaped the way I approach life and storytelling. Growing up, I learned early on what belonging means, how identity can evolve, and how love can look different yet still be powerful. Those experiences taught me to listen closely and to tell stories that honor truth and emotion.

I’m currently pursuing a degree in Mass Communications with a focus in Journalism. My dream is to become an investigative journalist — someone who digs beneath the surface, amplifies voices that are often overlooked, and helps people see the bigger picture behind the headlines. I believe journalism should do more than just inform; it should move people to think critically, feel deeply, and take action.

Outside of my academic path, I’m also a passionate advocate for social justice, particularly around systemic racism and mental health awareness. I’ve seen firsthand how these issues impact lives — sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly — and I strive to use my platform to spark conversations that lead to understanding and change. I believe in the importance of empathy-driven dialogue, and I hope to bridge the gap between awareness and action through thoughtful storytelling.

When I’m not writing or studying, you can probably find me traveling, exploring new cities, or finding comfort in a cozy café with my journal and a latte in hand. I love discovering places that make me feel inspired — whether it’s the energy of a busy street in a new city or the calm of a quiet park where I can reflect. Travel, to me, is about connection — learning how other people live, think, and find joy in their own corner of the world.

SincerelyMocha was born out of my desire to merge all these parts of myself — the writer, the dreamer, the advocate, and the everyday girl figuring it all out. This blog is my personal letter to the world, a space where I explore lifestyle, wellness, and storytelling through a lens of honesty and intention. It’s where I share pieces of my own journey — the messy, the beautiful, and everything in between — in hopes that someone out there might read it and feel a little less alone.

Ultimately, my mission is to use my words to create connection and conversation — to tell stories that remind us that even in our differences, we share more common ground than we realize.

So, whether you’re here for a dose of inspiration, a moment of reflection, or simply to slow down with me — welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.

  • I hope readers leave SincerelyMocha feeling seen, grounded, and inspired to embrace the beauty within their own journey. My goal has always been to create a space that feels safe — a quiet corner where honesty, reflection, and healing can exist without judgment.

    Whether it’s through a poem, a personal story, or a moment of stillness, I want my words to remind people that softness is strength — that it’s okay to move slowly, to feel deeply, and to find meaning in the small, ordinary moments.

    More than anything, I hope Sincerely Mocha encourages readers to reconnect with themselves — to honor who they are becoming and to know that even in stillness, they are growing.

  • I grew up in a predominantly white community — a place that often reminded me of my difference before I even understood what that meant. The racism I experienced there shaped me in ways I’m still learning to name. It taught me what it feels like to shrink yourself to fit in, to question your worth in spaces that were never made to hold you. But it also taught me resilience, empathy, and the power of speaking truth, even when your voice shakes.

    Alongside that, I’ve walked through my own mental health journey — living with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and the quiet echoes of trauma. There are days that feel heavy, but they’ve taught me something sacred: that healing is not linear, and that softness is still strength. These experiences remind me that being human is messy, beautiful, and worth honoring in all its complexity.

    That’s why I care so deeply about social justice and mental health awareness. My advocacy isn’t rooted in theory — it’s rooted in lived experience. I know what it means to feel unseen, and I never want anyone else to carry that silence alone. Through SincerelyMocha, I hope to create a space where truth feels safe, where stories connect us, and where the act of simply being honest becomes its own form of healing.

  • To me, living intentionally means slowing down enough to actually feel life — to move through each day with awareness, gratitude, and purpose rather than rushing through it on autopilot. It’s about being present in the small things — how my coffee smells in the morning, how the sun hits my window, how my body feels when I finally exhale.

    Living intentionally doesn’t mean having everything figured out. It’s about choosing alignment over perfection — saying yes to what nourishes you and no to what drains you. It’s learning to listen to yourself, even when the world is loud.

    For me, it’s an act of self-respect. It’s about showing up for myself with softness, honoring my limits, and finding meaning in the in-between moments. Living intentionally is how I remind myself that peace isn’t something you find — it’s something you create.

  • My signature coffee order is an Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with oat milk — but I always make it my own with three extra pumps of brown sugar and a layer of vanilla cold foam on top. It’s sweet, bold, and comforting — kind of like me on my best days.

    There’s something about that first sip — the mix of cinnamon, espresso, and creamy oat milk — that just feels like a small ritual of joy. It’s my go-to when I need a little warmth, focus, or a reminder to romanticize the moment I’m in.

writing, reflecting, and becoming — sincerely ·

writing, reflecting, and becoming — sincerely ·