Chapter 2026

Michaëlle Martial
4 hours ago
5 min read

Updated: 43 minutes ago

In the spring of 2024, I embarked on a much-needed sabbatical lasting almost two years to address personal and family matters. I hesitantly shut the doors of my studio, POETRY ON MAIN, located in downtown Salt Lake City, with the reassurance that I would eventually return to my craft, my lifelong source of comfort. Eventually, I aspired to rebuild a sense of community with Utah residents, newcomers, and anyone on their journey to self-love.

If I may be vulnerable with you, I will say that next to losing my youngest child 16 years ago, the 2 years preceding and following the closing of POETRY ON MAIN were the most trying times of my life. Less than two years before opening my business, I was not only hospitalized but I also went through a custody battle just as my son was being diagnosed with a genetic disease that had gone unnoticed by doctors from the time he was born. I was told that his medical condition was the reason he was experiencing degenerative symptoms of heart failure for at least 2 months prior to his diagnosis. He was just 14 years old, but my boy was going to die - just like my daughter did - if the hospital couldn't find him a new heart right away. Needless to say, I was devastated. During the almost two weeks he was on the heart transplant list, all I could manage to do day and night was cry, pray, cry again, and then pray some more. It truly felt like a miracle and the answer to a mother's sincere prayers when I received the late Thursday night call informing me they had found a donor match for my baby boy. His heart transplant surgery was anticipated to last more than 6 hours, but it would be slightly shorter than his initial surgery from two Saturdays prior. As a poet, I still find myself without the words to fully convey the pain, loneliness, and also the joy I experienced during that time in my life...

During my two-year hiatus, I had an opportunity to reflect on my new vision for Caribbean Nightingale LLC moving forward. I am thrilled that I have been able to incorporate your suggestions while honoring my feminine energy and who I am as a Haitian-born poet. This new year, I intend to create community with you in the most meaningful way, and as always, it'll be with an added touch of sultry poetry.

*"... And as for me, Your caged bird who has set free - I am soaring over wonders untold, Perching on cathedrals' domes, And perfecting my touch of gold!" - Michaëlle Martial*

It is with a joyful heart that I wish you a happy new year, a joyful Black History Month, and a bubbly love month, which also happens to be my birthday month! To that end, I invite you to celebrate a soulful Sunday dinner experience with me in the serenity of my home. It will feature bold flavors, joyful laughter, and inspiring spoken word poetry. Sign up below.

Let me present my newest creative offerings designed to nourish both your body and spirit

I invite you to join my first venture, TASTE THE CULTURE, which is my Caribbean kitchen where I create the most flavorful organic marinades, condiments, and tropical beverages. Please be aware that my packaged foods are exclusively prepared in my home kitchen. However, takeout meals and catering trays are prepared at a commercial kitchen. And starting in March 2026, I will also be offering a delectable menu of Afro-Caribbean bowls, soups, and wings combos on Thu, Fri & Sat @ 6-10pm for pick up and delivery in Salt Lake City. More details to come!

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you are cordially invited

I also want to invite you to join me for a monthly dinner and spoken word experience in the serenity of my home

I like to call it SOULFUL SUNDAY! Be sure to grab your tickets soon, as this first one is a special celebration for my birthday. This time, the event is restricted to 20 guests, but future dinner experiences will only accommodate 10 guests.

SOULFUL SUNDAY - Birthday Dinner Party

$20.00

February 22, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 PMAddress is in confirmation email

“Life doesn't frighten me at all". - Maya Angelou

Next, join me for self-care through poetry, cooking, movement and meditation with a Caribbean flair

I designed JUST ADD POETRY with you in mind. For your convenience, they are mainly day retreats for now. They happen monthly in my inviting living room and home kitchen. They last only 4 hours. Costs include poetry workshop materials as well as cooking supplies. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat if you have one and your smile.

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make a difference | shop at gladys boutique

My online store's sole purpose is to honor my mother's legacy of Women helping Women. Thank you for your support!

By purchasing handmade items from Gladys Boutique, you are upholding my mother's legacy of #WomenSupportingWomen entrepreneurship, aiding the resilience of women artisans, artists, and young people who have endured domestic violence and other traumas. Your support helps them achieve self-sufficiency, whether in their home country or as immigrants in the US.

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be inspired on your journey to self-love

Welcome to SELF-LOVE CHRONICLES, a blend of historical fiction and autobiography

This blog chronicles my journey as well as a few others' towards healing, self-love, and the celebration of Black Joy amidst life's challenges. We will explore tales of Afro-Caribbean culture and cuisine. Discover the transformative power of poetry that has inspired me to proudly take on the title of "The Caribbean Nightingale."