FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2025

In the Wake of Tragedy, Local Artists Turn to Joy and Community Healing Through Weekend of Wellness Events

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Just days after the tragic April 17 shooting at Florida State University,, Tallahassee residents gathered in the heart of the city’s art district for a weekend of healing, creativity, and joy. Hosted by Chill Roadside THC Bar & Stuff, a rising business in the Railroad Square Art District—an area still recovering from last year’s devastating tornado—the two-day weekend of wellness featured collaborative programming by local art and wellness collectives.

“Though many businesses and collectives decided to postpone their events, which totally makes sense and was emotionally appropriate,” said Teylor Parks, founder of Breathe in Color, “I really felt as though we needed spaces for community and joy this weekend—and given how people responded, I’m so glad that we did.”

Parks, a Florida A&M University alum, upcoming graduate student at Florida State University, and current Miss Black Leon County USA, led the Saturday programming with her wellness collective Breathe in Color. The day featured a powerful four-part art and mindfulness series:

• A journaling session with Parks of Breathe in Color, helping guests ground their emotions through reflection.
• A crochet class led by Grains from Sand founder and FAMU student SaNanda Thomas.
• A painting workshop with local educator and artist Ayesha Whitt of Whitt’s Kreations.
• An open mic experience curated by FAMU student Jamielle Lawson of Dreams 2 Reality 850, uplifting local voices in spoken word and music.

On Sunday, Yasmire Whigham of Within Me LLC, a certified yoga instructor and Tallahassee native, closed out the weekend with a gentle outdoor yoga session that introduced many community members to the practice for the very first time.

“We really just wanted people to

 have an opportunity to experience joy this weekend, especially given all we’d endured and continue to face in our everyday lives,” said Parks. “People need to know that they can still rely on their community for connection and healing, especially during tough times.”

Chill Roadside THC Bar & Stuff plan to continue their collaborative efforts with regular creative and wellness events that nurture joy, creativity, and collective care in Tallahassee and beyond.

Media Contact:
Teylor Parks
Founder, Breathe in Color
parksteylor@gmail.com | breatheincolorinfo@gmail.com 

LINK TO MEDIA