Give The Girls Their Flowers: Cieja Springer
Cultural Strategist | CEO of “I Said That” | The Media Blueprint
I am the moment and the main-character. I'm from Harlem. My life and my days will always be a movie.
Cieja Springer is unmistakably Harlem—bold, intentional, and never playing small. As the founder of her own agency, she's built a lane that blends creativity, cultural commentary, and sharp storytelling. Whether she’s shopping on Madison Ave or moving with Calla-Lily energy, one thing is certain: Cieja doesn’t just show up—she takes up space and owns the moment.
In this feature, she talks about growing up, showing up, and why being rare is its own kind of power.
Let’s get into it.
Bury My Ashes at Bergdorfs.
〰️
Bury My Ashes at Bergdorfs. 〰️
Q: If your life was a novel, what would the title be?
Cieja: “Bury My Ashes at Bergdorfs”
Q: What’s a moment in your life that felt like a main-character moment?
Cieja: “Everyday. I am the moment and the main-character. I'm from Harlem. My life and my days will always be a movie. ”
Q: If you could describe yourself as a flower, which one would it be and why?
Cieja: “A Calla-Lilly for its beauty and a Lotus Flower for its rarity and power.”
Q: What’s a song that instantly makes you feel like that girl?
Cieja: “This is a hard-one. I'm going to go with my Harlem sister Kelis, Bossy. But also Who Dem Capleton”
Q: What’s your go-to “romanticize your life” activity?
Cieja: “Shopping on Madison or 5th avenue.”
She's still fly and doing things the way she wants. She'd be proud and the gag would certainly be over the ‘wears’.
Q: If your younger self saw you today, what’s the first thing she’d say? Would she gag?
Cieja: “She's still fly and doing things the way she wants. She'd be proud and the gag would certainly be over the 'wears.' Like damn she has those??”
Q: What’s something people assume about you that’s totally wrong?
Cieja: “That my default setting is the be abrasive. I just don't take any prisoners. But also, I am a very kind person and fair. So if I do happen to go off on you, it was with reason. Like you definitely did something to me one too many times.”
Q: Who in your life has truly given you your flowers (figuratively or literally)?
Cieja: “Outside of my Husband and my family, you, my bestie, my close friends from undergrad (they know who they are - east 99), my Sorors and my damn self.”
Q: What’s a lesson you learned the hard way, but you’re grateful for?
Cieja: “That everyone isn't truly for you. It's been a long road with friends and acquaintances and sometimes you have to acknowledge the role you played, well always, but it's a hard pill to swallow to come to the realization that people don't really want to see you successful or happy. And sometimes, its the people you champion and support the most who do you dirtiest. I also didn't realize how many people were insecure or valued themselves based off popularity or proximity to those they deem popular. It's super weird.”
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who doubted you?
Cieja: “Ha! No advice, would tell em to keep doubting and thank you!”
Q: What’s a fear you’ve conquered that you’re most proud of?
Cieja: “Taking a chance on myself again and believing, truly believing I am capable. In the way my parents and nieces and nephews believe in me which is hard to match at times. They think I can do anything in the world. Literally.”
Q: What’s a quote or mantra you think is a total scam?
Cieja: “ Time heals all wounds.”
I have good energy/vibes. People also compliment me on my confidence a lot which I genuinely appreciate.
Q: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
Cieja: “Hmmm I have good energy/vibe. People also compliment me on my confidence a lot which I genuinely appreciate.”
Q: If you could have a two-hour conversation with any woman (alive or passed), who would it be and what would you ask her?
Cieja: “Julia Child. I just know we would cook and cut up. I watched her cooking show every day as a kid - I wanted to be a Chef for a really long time. I'd ask her if she's enjoying Heaven and try and find out what my Father is up to on those gold paved streets.”
Q: What’s your favorite book-to-flower pairing?
Cieja: “Jazz by Toni Morrison and I'd choose a Venus Fly Trap. The book is scandalous.”
Q: What’s a fictional character (from a book, TV, or film) you know you’d be besties with?
Cieja: “Whitley from A Different World.”
Q: If your personality was a fragrance, what would the top notes be?
Cieja: “Sandalwood, Black Currant Blossom and Fig.”
Q: If someone made a bouquet based on your energy, what flowers absolutely have to be in it?
Cieja: “Calla-Lilly, Hydrangeas, Ivy Leaves, Peonies, & Anemone.”
Q:What’s something you love that people wouldn’t expect?
Cieja: “Museums, Drawing & Silence!”
Q: Which book made you want to drag the author for emotional suffering?
Cieja: “The Coldest Winter Ever. Every one went out sad. It was ridiculous.”
Shopping on Madison or 5th avenue
〰️
Shopping on Madison or 5th avenue 〰️
Q: If you could give yourself flowers for something you’ve done lately, what would it be?
Cieja: “Can't talk about that yet, but you know what it is.”
Q:What’s one thing you want more women to believe about themselves?
Cieja: “You can shine with other lights.”
Q:What’s something you love that people wouldn’t expect?
Cieja: “My Husband and more of what you already know about that I can't say yet.”
Taking a chance on myself again and believing, truly believing I am capable.
Cieja doesn’t just walk into rooms—she shifts the energy. From Harlem roots to global strategy, she’s learned that being rare, being brilliant, and being yourself is the ultimate flex.
Whether she’s channeling Whitley or curating excellence behind the scenes, she’s living proof that you can shine brightly without dimming anyone else.
"You can shine with other lights."
💐 Follow Cieja on Instagram @itscieja. Read more inspiring interviews in the "Giving the Girls Their Flowers" series.
