Cicely Rue Unstudios

Home
United States
Dallas, TX
Cicely Rue Unstudios

Cicely Rue Unstudios exists to showcase and normalize being black in America by portraying authentic

09/22/2025

I started the day with disappointment. I didn’t advance in a pitch competition I had spent weeks preparing for. For a moment, it stung.

But later, I pitched at the .foundation’s AI Supply Chain Summit. This time, I left the script behind and spoke from the heart. The feedback was the best I’ve ever received.

What could’ve been a discouraging day turned into one of my most affirming experiences. A reminder that every setback can make space for something better.

08/25/2025

This past weekend was special.

I got to volunteer at The M.A.D. Effect: Transform St. Anthony’s Academy and be part of something that truly matters.

We painted walls, cleaned up classrooms, and created a space where kids will walk in and feel like they matter.

Volunteering is something I’ve always tried to do 1–2 times a month. I fell off recently, but this reminded me why I started.

Huge thank you to my friend for the invite, and to for hosting such a beautiful event and vision.

Grateful for every hand, every moment, and every reason to keep showing up. 💛

08/22/2025

By day, I’m a delivery manager at a digital agency.
By night (and every other moment I can find), I’m building SelfSuffi.

It’s not always glamorous. I’ve taken calls on lunch breaks, written grant proposals at midnight, and fixed issues between client meetings.

But here’s the thing: SelfSuffi matters that much to me.

And when you believe in what you’re building, you make the time even when it’s hard.

This season is about discipline, delegation, and dreaming big while keeping one foot in the now.

To every founder juggling both: I see you. Keep building.

08/20/2025

I just got back from the Black is Tech Conference in Houston and it was everything I needed.

The highlight for me was the Founder’s Summit. I had the chance to hear Cornell Emile speak, and what made it so special is that he was a judge when I first pitched at Black is Tech. Now he’s a friend.

We had an incredible conversation about what it means to keep showing up as a founder, especially when the path isn’t always clear.

One message came up again and again during the week:
Be more aggressive. Be bold. Be seen.

I left the conference not just inspired, but ready to move with even more clarity and confidence.

The highlight for me was the Founder’s Summit. I had the chance to hear Cornell Emile speak, and what made it so special was that he was a judge when I first pitched at Black is Tech. Now he’s a friend.

08/06/2025

I’ve been in an accelerator with Impact Ventures this summer, and it’s been a game changer.

On August 7, I’ll be pitching SelfSuffi at their Demo Day and I’d love for you to come!

🕠 5:30 to 8:30 PM
📍 Downtown Dallas – 300 N Houston St

I’m building tech that helps organizations connect people with housing, food, and other essential resources quickly and with care.

07/29/2025

My nature is to work quietly in the background.

But since launching SelfSuffi, I’ve had to do the exact opposite and step out of the shadows.

I’m pitching to full rooms.
I’m reaching out to strangers.
I’m learning to sell and storytelling at the same time.

It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also empowering.

Stepping into the spotlight has pushed me out of my comfort zone, and little by little, I’m getting the hang of it.

Founder life stretches you. And if you let it, it shapes you.

04/18/2025

I haven’t pitched SelfSuffi since a slight pivot and changing up my pitch deck. As I prep for my upcoming pitch competition and ramp up the amount of grants I’m applying to I’ve started to capture myself on video more.

Today wasn’t my best day. I’ve tried so many times to capture the perfect pitch before I realized I’m just tired. I was trying to squeeze it in on my lunch break. I have family things on my mind. To top it off I’m just downright tired.

I’ve decided to just wait to the weekend when I have clear mind and schedule. And can actually get some rest!

04/14/2025

I don’t know when it happen but I hate posting on social. It’s crazy because a couple of years ago you couldn’t stop me from overshading. But I’m growing a tech company and need to get over myself so hears to more posting and sharing.

Thanks to and for the insight on content creation!

08/24/2024

Anywhere with sushi is my happy place 🍣

07/13/2024

Life is great! No drama. Loving friends. Supportive community. Good money. No complaints.

05/16/2024

🌟 Exciting Opportunity to Mentor Young Adults! 🌟

Join us as a mentor for an upcoming session designed to guide young adults through their personal and professional challenges. This is your chance to share your wisdom and experiences, helping to shape the futures of the next generation.

**What to Expect:**
- **Direct Impact**: You’ll work closely with small groups of students, offering them your insights and advice.
- **Engagement**: Students are eager to learn from your journey and experiences. It’s a chance to answer their questions and give back in a meaningful way.
- **Networking**: Connect with other industry leaders who are equally passionate about mentorship and development.

Whether you’re seasoned in navigating career paths or skilled in personal development, your guidance can significantly accelerate a young adult’s growth and confidence.

If you’re interested or know someone who would be a great fit, please reach out to me directly or comment below. Let’s make a difference!

05/14/2024

In my early twenties, I'd tell myself, "I'm going to come up with a great idea that is simple but will make me a lot of money." And I promise I've had many ideas. One of them was technically an Airtag, but specifically for your remote. At the time, I was always losing my Roku remote. I'm pretty sure my assigned FBI agent heard me and sold my idea to Apple lol.

Over the years, my tune has changed to, "I want to be happy. I want to use my strengths to help people. I still want to make a lot of money but on my terms." It took me a while to figure out exactly how I could achieve this. I've worked for companies and myself attempting to fulfill this desire, but nothing stuck.

It wasn't until I got the wonderful idea to start SelfSuffi that I finally checked off the above desires. It reignited my spirit to serve the community. It also challenged me to rely on a team to accomplish that goal (a rare feat for me). It's been a rewarding experience and I'm grateful for the path that led me here.

I finally get to share that moment with you all during our MVP Launch on June 7th from 9 am - 6 pm at Comerica Bank during our Community Affair.

Young Adults will have the opportunity to try SelfSuffi, attend workshops, and provide feedback during a focus group.

If it wasn't for the Ford Philanthropy and Watson Institute , I would still be in planning mode waiting for the perfect moment to release it. However, there is no perfect moment, sometimes you gotta just do it. And that's what I'm doing.

If you would like to be involved send me a DM or check out some of the options below:

Sponsorship Deck (instructions are in the deck): https://lnkd.in/gKYuajC9

Volunteer: Check out the flyer and visit our Eventbrite Link to sign up: https://lnkd.in/gH56iZSe

Address

Dallas, TX

Website

http://www.cicelyrueunstudios.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cicely Rue Unstudios posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Cicely Rue Unstudios:

Shortcuts

Want your establishment to be the top-listed Arts & Entertainment in Dallas?