Meet Cecily “Cece” Gooden

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecily “Cece” Gooden

Hi Cece, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Everything I’m doing now I’ve been doing since I was a little kid. I born in Queens, NY, and raised on the west side of Detroit. I used to create short plays and musicals for my parents. I would write stories; I had my own production company at 12 called No deal productions. Had my own radio show and ran my own magazine made out of construction paper. I had a very active and imaginative mind as you can see. I started off modeling as a kid and teenager. When I was in high school, I didn’t have the proper guidance to help me on my path to becoming an actress. I had to find my own way. I started taking classes at Michigan Actors studio in 2011 and that’s where my acting career started to grow. I started auditioning all over Michigan and eventually started getting booked for films, web series, plays, and commercials. Like any career, Acting has its ups and downs, during my down moments I decided to tap into my love of media. 2019 I created Lux Talk Podcast, and I launched my own business selling Sunglasses called Luxury Lewks. I knew I wanted to start my own business but I didn’t want to slap my name on anything. Everything I do it has to make sense and be true to who I am. I’m known in my friend circle as the “Diva” and always wearing fashionable Shades. I been wearing sunglasses since I was a baby! Sunglasses are such a statement piece, and I decided to Sell Shades! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This road has been smooth sailing!!! NOT LOL! Sometimes I wish the road was smooth and less complicated but then again, the obstacles and struggles I’ve had on this journey molded and shaped me into the woman I am proud of today. I had to learn that everyone’s journey is different no matter how similar or the same the goal is. With acting, I didn’t have a road map. When I started social media wasn’t popping like that. I had to find auditions through posters on walls, ads in newspapers, and certain websites that had postings. I had to find my own identity as well, what kind of actress do I want to be, how do I want to be represented but also trying to build my resume. Being outside of these acting circles, always feeling I was missing my mark. Putting in work and feeling like it wasn’t paying off because my peers was passing me up. I had to learn to not pay attention to other people and also had to evaluate the way I was going about my career, taking accountability is key! Same struggles with Podcasting and having my own business. How do I stand out when everyone is acting, everyone has a podcast, and everyone is selling clothes or sunglasses, but I know there is only one Cecily Gooden. That keeps me going. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I think it’s a mixed between being known for my show Lux Talk Podcast and my acting. My podcast is in everyone’s face weekly for the past few years so it’s easier for people to remember but the ones that’s been down since day one know I’m an actress as well and now owner of Luxury Lewks. 

I am most proud of my resilience. My bounce back game is quick , swift, and strong! I’ve had a long journey with my personal and professional life and the odds are constantly against me, but I keep going. I never give up; the dream and goal remain the same I just switches up the journey 

Being Cecily Gooden is what sets me apart from others. I’m the mood; I’m the vibe, I set the tone. I am the Tone LOL 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Right now, I’m loving downtown! I’m loving the new cool hangout spots, restaurants, the vibe. It’s always something to do! I love that we are slowly but surely starting to support each other. I’m loving how Detroit is starting to become the staple of independent films. We are running Tubi! LOL 

I dislike the crime of course but that goes without saying. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopluxurylewks.com/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/CeceGooden

Image Credits
Julius Greene IV
Sheair Smith