Ciara Freeman of Cypress on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Ciara Freeman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Ciara, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
These days, my life is a mix of work, learning, and a lot of reflection. Most of my days are people-centered and fast-moving, which keeps things interesting and constantly evolving. I spend my time helping individuals work toward stability and growth, so no two days ever look the same. Outside of work, I’m deep in my doctoral studies in public health, and my evenings are usually spent reading, exercising, or spending time with my fur babies. It’s a busy season of life, but one that feels intentional and aligned with where I’m headed.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ciara, a public health professional, doctoral student, and lifestyle content creator based in Los Angeles. My work sits at the intersection of community, equity, and storytelling. By day, I work in a people-centered role focused on growth, stability, and access, and outside of that I’m pursuing my doctorate in public health with an emphasis on community health and equity.

Alongside my professional and academic work, I’ve spent years building a fashion, travel, and lifestyle platform rooted in authenticity and real-life experiences. While my content has evolved over time, I still collaborate with brands like Fabletics and CeraVe, and share moments from my everyday life: traveling, trying new restaurants, attending events, and highlighting meaningful moments with the people closest to me, including date nights with my boyfriend and outings with my mom.

What makes my brand unique is that it’s never been about perfection or trends, it’s about showing up honestly in every season of life. Whether I’m talking about career growth, wellness, style, or simply enjoying the city I live in, my goal is to create content that feels relatable, grounded, and reflective of real experiences. Right now, I’m focused on aligning all parts of my life: career, creativity, and personal growth, in a way that feels intentional and sustainable

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I believed there was a single timeline I had to follow and that falling behind meant failing. I no longer believe that. I’ve learned that life unfolds in its own way, and meaningful growth does not always happen on a schedule.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
The last time I changed my mind about something important was when I decided to pursue my doctorate in public health. I had been focused on my career and wasn’t sure going back to school was the right move, but I realized it would let me combine my passion for helping others with research and creating real impact. It was a big decision, but one that felt right for where I want to go.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, but it’s not the full picture. In real life, I’m much more reserved and quiet, and I tend to observe more than I speak. What people see publicly is a more intentional version of me, while the private version is where I recharge and reflect.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop overthinking, comparing, and worrying about things that don’t truly matter. Life is too short to spend time stressing over approval, minor setbacks, or things outside my control. I’d focus on what brings meaning, joy, and connection.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ciarafreeman_