XCITE's Sweet Connections

01/28/2026

Something new is coming soon, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Over the past 10 years as a travel professional — and through living in three countries, traveling to 22 countries (and counting), and relocating internationally multiple times with three large dogs and a cat — I’ve learned something important:

Relocation isn’t just about logistics.

A new country doesn’t automatically create a new life.

Culture shock is real. Identity shifts happen. Old patterns can follow us if we’re not prepared.

That’s why Purpose Filled Passports™ and Inner Mojo Coaching™ are coming together to launch Arrive Well™ Relocation Readiness — a program designed to support people moving abroad with clarity, emotional readiness, and cultural preparation.

Arrive Well will combine:

✨ relocation planning + goal setting
✨ trauma-informed coaching and identity transition support
✨ culture shock and integration preparation
✨ guidance so you don’t carry emotional baggage into a new chapter

And I’m honored that a portion of proceeds will also support the Inner Mojo Rising movement, empowering teens and young adults through inner healing, leadership, and purpose development.

More details coming soon — I can’t wait to share what we’re building.

💬 If you’ve ever moved to a new place (especially abroad), what’s one thing you wish you had emotionally prepared for before arriving?

11/12/2025

Hello XCITE's Family!!

I wanted to personally share what I’ve been working on — something that means more to me than anything I’ve ever built.

It’s called The Inner Mojo Rising Movement, and it’s already touching lives in the U.S., Mexico, and Cape Town. We’re helping teens and adults heal emotionally through journaling, creativity, and mentorship — giving them tools to rise from within.
This is Phase 1 of a bigger vision that will grow into Your Inner Mojo Lounge — a healing and creative sanctuary that will fund these youth programs long-term.

Every donation helps us train mentors, send wellness kits into the townships and at-risk communities, and open the door to healing for communities that deserve it most. Even just $5 helps! And if you can't donate please just share, share, share! You never know who may know someone, who knows someone who knows someone!

Thank you for believing in me and for helping make this vision real.

With love and gratitude,
Chlarissa 🌿

https://www.gofundme.com/f/gcw2eh-a-global-healing-empowerment-movement-and-lounge/cl/o?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_tc&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&lang=en_US&attribution_id=sl%3A10510597-3581-43e0-adce-603f7bfa625c&ts=1762975903

07/08/2025

Greetings XCITE Family!

We haven’t kept in touch as much as I promised, but we think about our XCITE Family often. We miss bringing smiles through our birthday parties and the bonds we built in the community over ice cream. A lot has changed since I last updated you!

The kiddos are growing up. Do you remember our youngest son? Can you believe he is now 5’11 and in a size 14 shoe? He completed 9th and 10th grade last year so he will be starting the 11th grade. Our daughter Cai is now 17 and starting her senior year. She has her sights set on attending an international law school. Our oldest son has changed career fields and is learning cybersecurity.

We truly enjoyed our 3.5 years in Mexico. We made incredible friends as we continued our mission of community impact through our non-profit, The Hardy Brothers Foundation (www.hardybrosfoundation.org). We donated money, volunteered our time, and even adopted a community to provide food and medical supplies.

We are now spending time in Africa as we continue living out our purpose of making a difference. One of those ways is through a non-profit, Humanitarian Global Alliance (www.ppeforall.org), where we aim to provide PPE to anyone who needs it, particularly underserved communities.

I’ve also written 4 books, which can be found on Barnes & Noble, Ingram Spark, and Amazon that discuss overcoming generational trauma. One of the books is an anti-suicide book geared toward today’s youth who are facing emotional challenges. You can find more information on www.ChlarissaHarrison.com. I also offer coaching to our youth to help them find their way at www.yourinnermojo.com.

Last but not least, we would like to share some additional FUN and EXCITING news. There is a new, phenomenal laser tag company in town! TAGS Laser Quest!! TAGS is owned by former XCITE customers (Tyler, Ava, Grady & Shelby = TAGS 🥹🥰) who have become family. (Little Ava was our bestest hostess at XCITE's Sweet Connections!) I couldn't decide on my favorite pictures of this beautiful family, so now you have a few! Haha

Side note: Tyler is also a gifted woodworker (as seen by the beautiful handmade piece in the photo that was engraved by another small business owner and friend, Sherry Newsome Murphy, called Creative Sonshine, LLC. She is just as amazing!)

TAGS is ready to bring a new level of XCITEment to your parties and corporate events. Check them out at www.TAGSLaserQuest.com. You can also call 980.285.2622.

If you thought XCITE was good, wait until you try TAGS! Don’t wait...Book TODAY!

11/30/2023

Greetings all! A dear friend is closing her business to pursue other opportunities. Please let me know if you are interested in purchasing furniture at a steeply discounted rate. Make your best offer! I'll get you in contact with her!

09/16/2023

One of the last small businesses/people that I was able to support before my departure was my Cameron Dennis and Spacehead Salon in Charlotte. She is now my favorite esthetician in Charlotte.

Cameron did an amazing job on my facial massage and eye brow tint. I am soooo proud of this young woman. She has pushed through every hardship and just life (because we all know life is ghetto sometimes) to keep her head up. I hated to lose her at XCITE but we all wanted what was best for her health and boy has she found her groove!

Be sure to check her out at Spacehead Salon at 2017 Central Ave Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28205. This shop is sooo far out cute with it's space theme.

09/15/2023

Whenever I come back in town, I am always going to support small businesses...especially when they are good friends and just good people in general. My Purple Rain tea from Simply Smoooth Nutrition was sooooo good! Make sure you check them out in Belmont for healthy, delicious teas and smoothies!

117 S Main Street - Belmont

Note: They also own Helms Plumbing which has been a lifesaver for me on more than one occasion!

09/15/2023

During my visit to Gastonia, I was blessed to also be able to visit Herban Berry which is located in our old building (1206 S York). There you can find all types of natural and inspiring self-care products! I made sure to stock up on soaps, teas, natural hair products, drinks and more. She even sells delicious (AND HEALTHY) frappes, teas, etc made to order. She also has some grocery items such as African Jollof. (I grabbed a bag of that too!). I can't wait to try the cran cherry spirit sipper. I have never seen anything like that before so my curiosity is peaked!

I forgot to mention that they do paint and sips, aromatherapy classes and more!

Make sure you support small business ESPECIALLY if they are good people like this owner.

09/11/2023

Another quick update for those who asked that we keep you posted on how we are...

A proud mom and dad would like to report that Miss Cai passed the entrance exam, exceptionally, and has been accepted for concurrent enrollment in Keystone International School. Cai will taking additional classes with children around the world while still attending her United Nations aligned school in Mexico. She will have access to international level learning resources in order to obtain a double diploma (Mexican and American) at the end of of her high school studies.

Her ultimate goal is to be a "rich auntie" who is able to support herself and her desired bougie lifestyle 😂 by becoming an attorney. She would like to attend college in Europe unless she gets a full ride stateside. She will have to put in the extra effort and time but I have no doubt she will be successful.

09/11/2023

On Day 2 after our grand opening in 2018, one of the customers left her credit card and didn't return to get it. I took to Facebook to hunt her down like a stalker to give it back. 😂 She and her family became regulars. Little Ms Ava became one of our greeters with her super cute "Welcome to XCITE'S!" 😍

We began to hang out with them away from the store and that adorable family are now family to us. Last summer, when we decided to close the shop, we purposely delayed our departure so we would be around for the birth of their newest bundle of joy, Mr. Grady Quinn. We were blessed to see him arrive just as we were headed off to our new adventure in Mexico.

Its been over a year since we closed and made our big move. Last week, they flew all the way to Mexico to stay with us for a few days. We had a blast. My heart is full. ❤️💜🩵

I will forever be grateful for the friendships that we made at XCITE'S and the impact that so many of you had on us. We miss you all, dearly. Just know that our doors are open to you. 🙏🏾

Family isn't always blood. 🫶🏿

07/19/2023

Even from a distance, we try to give back to the community that we love and once again, we end up on the news. 🤦🏾‍♀️ Please be aware of what happened to us.

https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/man-says-gaston-college-basketball-players-ruined-home-he-rented-them/GOFZVXVLFVC7PHOJWLPDVZPM54/?fbclid=IwAR2QogqA2H-5XunG8v8k9rTzNS7y37YrJzv7QJk0lfPsaPPeijrUM_FqDF8

“I opened up my home because you said you needed help,” he said. “And in return, you destroy my property.”