CAVE STORIES AND BLOGS
Story of a Cave Girl
Chloe’s Story..
My name is Chloe and I’m from Belfast. My passion for helping people and the community stems from my upbringing. I grew up in and out of the care system. I lived out addiction and abuse throughout the years but around 2020 – 2021 I had an encounter with Jesus. I heard the gospel on a YouTube video while sitting on my bed in the early hours of the morning. The message the man spoke was that God came down to this earth from his throne in the form of man (who did not sin his entire human life) to pay my penalty on the cross for my sin. He rose from the grave 3 days later and conquered death. Due to his holiness, his perfect blood paid the debt of all the wrong things I’ve ever done and he did this just because he loved me and wanted a relationship with me. (For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23).
The youtuber said that God has done this deed for the whole world knowing that they could never earn their way to him because their good deeds are like black rags to him (Isaiah 64:6) but yet he still loved me and made a way for me to be with him. I never knew what love felt like until that moment. It was overwhelming. It felt like that youtuber was directly speaking to me the whole time especially when he stated ‘If God left heaven to suffer in this way for you and all the bad things you’ve done, What do you think he is going to do to you when he returns for judgement and you’ve rejected him and his love?’. Instantly the fear of God came upon me and my eyes were opened to my life and all the things I had done. I believed at that moment and I felt both the love and fear of God at the same time and I knew I was cared for. It was the kind of fear you get when you steal something as a kid and an adult catches you. It’s the fear that prevents you from doing it again. I knew that God was there and I knew if I rejected him in that moment I would regret it. My life was in shambles and swamped with addictions, I prayed to God “God I’ve nothing else to live for and I want to live for you”. 4 years ago I had this encounter with Jesus and since then my life transformed. I’m sober now, not by my strength but by God’s. I haven’t had sleep paralysis since encountering Christ and I was able to eat and put on weight. I Threw out all my tarot cards and changed my environment and the people I surrounded myself with. I discovered community through volunteering with multiple charities.
I’ve seen the benefits of community work and I fell in love with it. I have seen the benefits of creativity in the community and how it helps people towards healing, building relationships, friendships, and trust. I learned how having a good community can help aid a sense of self, dignity, self-worth and significance. Although many communities exist not all communities are healthy for individuals to grow and feel supported and loved. I want to show care and love towards others the way Christ cares and loves me. I’m not perfect and I still make mistakes so I need to trust in him and his perfection. This is the heart behind Chloe’s Creative Cave. So many people are starved of kindness, love and freedom.
Although Chloe’s Creative Cave is faith-based I’m not here to force religious beliefs on anybody. The cave is all-inclusive and welcomes all diversities and faiths into workshops without judgment. The projects are about building community and creating a safe and nurturing environment for every individual no matter your faith or background and we do this through art and biblical foundations.
I hope all the best for you and if you have made it this far thank you so much for reading my story. All the best mucker.
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Meet our C3CAVE Creative Collaborators
A massive part to project C3Cave is my desire to support the professional growth of artists who are starting up. My goal for the future is to pay our collaborating artists who facilitate workshops for their time as the Community Cave starts to grow.
Stewart
Photographer @ Bull house east Christmas event
Andy
Musician and rapper @ our skills day workshops
Socials unavailable
Ose
Oil Painter @ our dock cafe drop by sessions
David
A photographer at our C3Cave pottery pop up @ Native Coffee
Calie
A Potter @ C3Cave pottery pop up @ Native Coffee – Handbuilding
Story of a Cave MAn
Story of a Creative Collaborator
Hello. My name is Andy. I’m thirty years old and I come from the Shankill Road. For years now I have had a heart for young people and communities who may not have such stable foundations at home. Whether I have been working in schools or youth clubs, it’s been my number one focus to provide a safe space for young people to chat as deeply or as little as they like. I am especially passionate about how creative writing can benefit people who may be experiencing trauma, whether they know they are in trauma or not.
I find all creative writing beneficial, whether it be rap music or poetry. I feel strongly that although in schools there is access for people to learn to play instruments (which I’m also all for and play myself) I truly believe they miss a greater opportunity to encourage young people to express themselves freely in their writing. Not everyone is a painter, or a “Musician” but people are gifted in ways they don’t even know themselves.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to collaborate with a friend of mine in her business C3 Cave. I took a workshop for Chloe in a Youth Action event to show young people how to create hip hop music and encourage them to write if it’s something they even have the slightest interest in. I also performed a rap for them based on the inner child theory, where the adult addresses the inner child then the inner child responds. The young people of this workshop responded in the most beautiful way. I know in my whole heart that this is something massively lacking that would do wonders for young people and vulnerable adults.
C3Cave offers many things, and when it comes to these workshops it excites me that you may be the next individual or company we work with. C3Cave offers all the creative workshops to help nurture their gifts and future selves in a safe supportive community. I don’t believe there is anything else even close to what we offer at C3Cave and we sincerely look forward to meeting you soon.
Short Thoughts + Captions
CONFESSIONS OF A CAVE GIRL
Blog post – confessions of a cave Girl
Eleanor – Shining light
I know it was a while back but on January 22nd, I was painting a butterfly in Café Nero, Belfast city center, just taking some time for myself. 🦋 Out of nowhere, this lovely woman came up to me and said many kind words, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed after a rough day. Her name was Eleanor—which was wild, because my Granny’s name was Eleanor too, and my middle name Elle comes from Eleanor. It means shining light. Pretty cool coincidence, right? When I told her what her name means, her smile could’ve lit up the whole café.
She said she was 90 (could’ve fooled me, she didn’t look it) and that she’s an artist too. She adored this butterfly I was painting and said her favorite piece she ever drew was a drawing of her kids many years ago. As we talked, I realized she showed signs of dementia, which her daughter later confirmed.
When her daughter popped out to the car, Eleanor got flustered and a bit lost, so I stayed to chat and help calm her down. Dementia is such a difficult condition—it doesn’t just affect memory, but can cause confusion, anxiety, and moments of disorientation, just like Eleanor experienced. It’s heartbreaking to see how it impacts not only the person but their family too. Even so, moments like this remind me how powerful kindness and connection can be in helping ground someone who feels lost no matter what is causing them to feel this way. I love using art as a tool to help people reconnect with themselves and others.
She reminded me so much of my Granny Eleanor—kind, loving, and full of light. It’s been a long time since I saw my granny. When I left and went into care I was disowned from the family and blocked from seeing her again. She was soo loving towards me and holds a special place in my heart. Names are so interesting, aren’t they? Hearing Eleanor’s name and story brought up old memories of my childhood with my granny. This butterfly I painted is now named Eleanor – Shining Light. This day started as a self-care retreat after a hard day but then became something very special.
Blog post – confessions of a cave girl
There is more to an artist
In my little creative bubble, I pour feelings into what I create. That might be through painting, but it’s the same for all kinds of artists—dancers, singers, writers, anyone who uses their craft to express themselves. For me, it’s about capturing the moments, the light and dark, the playful and heavy. Through creating, I search for the light tucked away in the shadows.
What we make as artists often says more than words ever could. At first glance, it might seem simple—a painting, a melody, a story, a dance—but there’s always something deeper. Art is full of secrets, waiting to be uncovered. And when you take time to know the artist behind it—when you see their soul, their story, their struggles—it adds a whole new depth to their work. Every creation is a reflection of the artist, an open window into their world.
But creating isn’t easy. It’s messy. It’s brave. For many, art is a way to pour out vulnerability and start healing the wounds within. And life already judges us enough. As much as we put ourselves into what we make, the harsh comparisons and criticism can hit hard—it can crush the very courage it took to share a piece of ourselves.
So, when we look at art, whether it’s on a canvas, in a song, on a page, or through movement, we should approach it with kindness. We should look beyond the surface and search for the story, for the person who’s laid a part of themselves bare for the world to see. Every brushstroke, every lyric, every sentence or step is a reflection of a journey—and that deserves respect and understanding.
BLOG POST – CONFESSIONS Of A cave girl
The Obsession
Anyone close to me can tell you about my obsession with collecting notebooks.. They have been a good foundational tool for me to be creative They are a canvas for endless creativity. Here I made a list to prove it…
1. Journal Your Thoughts: Document daily reflections, dreams, and goals.
2. Art Sketchbook: Create doodles, sketches, or detailed illustrations.
3. Creative Writing: Write short stories, poetry, or even start a novel.
4.Travel Diary: Chronicle your adventures with notes, sketches, and mementos.
5. Recipe Book: Compile your favorite recipes, with notes on personal touches.
6. Mood Board: Paste inspiring images, fabric swatches, or color samples.
7. Bullet Journal: Plan your days with to-do lists, habit trackers, and calendars.
8. Gratitude Journal: Write daily entries about what you’re thankful for.
9. Dream Journal: Record and interpret your dreams each morning.
10. Project Planner: Organize ideas and steps for your personal or professional projects.
11. Fitness Log: Track workouts, progress, and goals.
12. Vision Board: Map out your future aspirations and visualizations.
13. Quotes Collection: Write down inspiring quotes from books, movies, or conversations.
14. Brainstorming Pad: Jot down spontaneous ideas for various projects.
15. Photography Journal: Add notes and sketches alongside printed photos.
16. Letters to Yourself: Write messages to your future self.
17. Language Learning: Practice vocabulary, phrases, and doodles in a new language.
18. Mind Map: Visualize your thoughts, goals, and connections between ideas.
19. Budget Planner: Track expenses, savings, and financial goals.
20. Scrapbook:Collect tickets, postcards, and other keepsakes.
21:Bible journal or prayer book
BLOG POST – CONFESSIONS Of A cave girl
Two sides to the same coin- Letting go and holding On
Letting go is one of the hardest things to do, but it’s also one of the most powerful. We always hold on to things—whether it’s relationships, memories, old habits, or even old versions of ourselves—because letting go feels like giving up or losing control. It can be uncomfortable or scary to let go of what’s familiar, even when it’s dragging us down. But letting go isn’t about losing, it’s about clearing space for something better, even if you can’t see it yet.
On the flip side, knowing when to hold on is just as important. Not everything heavy is meant to be dropped. Some things are worth carrying—relationships that matter, dreams that push us forward, or values and faith that keep us grounded. Holding on means staying true to what really matters, even when it’s hard.
The trick is figuring out when to let go and when to hold on, and honestly, that’s not always easy. You’ve got to reflect and ask yourself the hard questions: “Is this helping me grow?”, “Am I holding on out of fear, or is it truly worth it?” You’ve got to learn to trust your decisions—and lean on prayer or advice from people you trust—to figure out the right move.
Perhaps letting go and holding on aren’t opposites to each other. They’re two sides of the same coin. Both take courage, and both are about moving toward something better. It’s about finding balance in and among your life, trusting the process, and knowing that whichever path you choose, it’s shaping you into the person you’re meant to be.
BLOG POST – CONFESSIONS Of A cave girl
Relax – Only God is perfect
Perfectionism Just Gets in the Way
You know that feeling when you’re trying to learn something new, and suddenly perfectionism decides to crash the party? It’s annoying, right? That constant need to “get it right” can make learning feel frustrating instead of fun.
But here’s the thing—perfection was never the goal. Growth is. Mistakes? They’re part of the process. They shape us, teach us, and, honestly, make things a whole lot more interesting.
If you grew up with high expectations placed on you, chances are perfectionism has wormed its way into how you see yourself. When every mistake feels like proof that you’re not good enough, it’s easy to forget that messing up is normal. That’s why it’s so important to remember this: You are not your mistakes. You’re being moulded by them and once you stop seeing them as failures and start seeing them as lessons they will add to your development.
Don’t be afraid to mess up, show that you’re not perfect, because no one is! We connect with people who are real, not people who pretend they never make mistakes. Owning your failures makes you more relatable, more genuine, and honestly, more free.
Take pottery, for example. No one sits down at the wheel and throws a perfect vase on their first try. Clay collapses, shapes warp, glazes don’t turn out quite how you imagined. But those “failed” pieces? They’re proof that you showed up, put your hands in the clay, and tried. That matters way more than getting everything perfect.
Perfectionism tricks us into thinking mistakes mean we’re not good enough. But the most skilled people in any craft got there by embracing failure—not avoiding it.
So, if perfectionism is making you doubt yourself, let it go. Shift the focus. Mistakes don’t hold you back—they shape you. P.s – Only God is Perfect xox
BLOG POST – CONFESSIONS Of A cave girl
If you were a tree?
Today was sunny and quiet with some very interesting conversations. I love how every individual has unique perspectives and views on life according to their experiences and we are all learning new things every day and growing at different paces. Growth seems like a controversial topic sometimes. Many people claim we don’t need to change or we are perfect how we are, claiming growth is an illusion or a marketing plan. It’s not my place to comment on others and their stage in life but my perspective of growth comes from when I look and analyse myself. The who I was four years ago compared to the who I am now and the who I desire to be in the future in regards to character, morals, faith, and love are different. I have grown and I have so much more to do.
I am always trying to take healthier steps forwards to better myself. I’m aware I will trip along the way and slide down the hill I’m slowly climbing but it’s about the persistence and analysing myself constantly so I see all areas. “Ok what could I do differently next time?” God is my helper here as I’m definitely not perfect and this girl has her issues they just aren’t so public or on show for the world to see! My question however is what holds you back? What stunts you growing and keeps you stagnant? Think of yourself as a tree, strong, tall but what is the ground like in which your tree is standing on? Is there anything causing the roots to rot? How long does that tree remain strong and tall before it eventually dies? Are the branches starting to dry out that hold the fruit and flowers? Are the buds blossoming in confidence or hesitant to? It’s not easy to look at yourself and a lot of the time it can trigger us especially if it involves childhood and unhealed situations. Here is another analogy. You are a tree and two of your branches are anxiety and depression. You can’t just chop off the branch of anxiety or depression it will grow back. Won’t you need to find the root cause resulting in this outcome in your life? Any way this is just something I was thinking about today
CONFESSIONS OF A CAVE GIRL
‘The elephant restored’
Trigger warning: This post includes themes of childhood loss, family separation, and trauma. Please read gently.
When I was young, My sister met me and my brother during contact. She gave me a giant elephant teddy and him a lion—both bigger than we were at the time. I still remember her running toward us, arms wide. That was the last time I saw her. She passed away young, but in that elephant, she gave me something I still carry: her love.
So on the way home, my guardians at the time took the elephant and sent it back. My brother was smart he held on to his lion. I lost something joyful that day, and for a long time I believed I wasn’t allowed to keep joy at all.
My logo is an elephant. Most people think it only represents the story of “learned helplessness”—the way people, after being hurt or denied too many times, learn to accept the limitations placed on them by others. Like the elephant that’s trained to believe it can’t break free, even when it’s strong enough to break the rope. I’ve expanded on this story on my website but to me, it’s more than that. The elephant holds both love and a precious memory—frozen in time, but still alive in me. A reminder that even when life gives little love, someone will choose to show it.
Four years ago, I met God—through the gospel.
In Him, I found a love far greater than anything I’d ever known. A love that didn’t just comfort me—it rescued me. I came to understand that I’ve always been truly cared for by God, through His sacrifice on the cross, just so I could know Him.
Now, when I see the elephant, I remember:
I am taking back what was taken—
my voice, my joy, my worth.
It’s slow. It’s hard but I know if someone tried to take it, it meant it had value. And what has value can still give rise to hope—not because it was never lost,
but because it was never beyond restoration. My elephant and sister were taken but the love that came from God?
It can never be taken.(Romans 8:38–39)
And that truth is my greatest comfort.
It reminds me to keep choosing love—and to choose to share it,
the way it was shared, and is still being shared with me, by my God.