I didn’t expect to be writing this, but I’ve been thinking a lot lately.
I’ve decided to shut down Lovecore Apparel.
This brand has meant more to me than I can put into words… creatively, personally, and emotionally.
So over the next few weeks, I’ll be clearing out remaining inventory and closing this chapter.
It’s been fun. It’s been real, but I’m pivoting into something more stable… like competitive hot dog eating.
And I’ve already been training full-time.
…
Kidding. Relax.
April Fools 😉
Seriously though, if you believed that for even a second, we might need to talk about your trust issues lol.
Birthday Energy Incoming 🔥
My birthday is in 6 days.
I’m actually really excited for this month. Not just because I’m getting older, but because the weather is finally warming up… even if it’s just a bit.
I know some people love winter. I don’t get it. I’ve basically been living in my sauna for the past four months.
This time of year always feels like a reset for me. Kind of like spring cleaning. Opening the windows, letting fresh air in, shaking off whatever winter was.
I have more energy, I’m moving again, finally out of hibernation.
Also, I don’t know what it is, but I swear getting older makes me feel younger.
Maybe I just care less now, or know myself more, or it’s just Aries energy.
Either way, I’ll take it.
Deaf Theater Run
Lately, I’ve been getting into Deaf theater a bit more, and the range is… mixed.
I saw two shows last month. TRASH and Jeanine Tesori’s Violet. Very different experiences.
One is a musical. One is not. I enjoyed both, but TRASH hit me in a different way. It felt more profound, probably because it was so relatable. As a Deaf person, I didn’t have to sit there trying to piece it together. I just got it. That internal understanding is already there.
The story is packed with layers. Emotional baggage, identity, relationships, Deaf life in a hearing world, all wrapped in literal trash on stage. The concept is smart. Not new, but smart. A human jukebox translating ASL to spoken English? Genius. Audience participation? Fun. Voting on the ending? Even better.
But here’s where it gets interesting.
My Deaf friend who came with me wasn’t feeling it. Sitting there, watching it unfold, she leaned over and basically said it felt like we were just reliving our own lives. Nothing shocking. Nothing new. And honestly, she’s not wrong.
For hearing audiences, it’s eye-opening. For Deaf viewers, it can feel a little too close to home.
Which made me think… what if the story pushed further?
What if it shocked us too? Made us pause. Made us laugh at the absurdity of it all. The heart is there. The intention is there. I just wanted it to go further and take more risks.
I did love the style though. The audience participation, choosing the ending, that part felt alive. It made me think about how a story like this could stand out not only as an educational window but as something that actually hits everyone.
Because at the end of the day, everyone is dealing with something. Deaf or not. It’s all about how we choose our hard.
Then there’s Jeanine Tesori’s Violet.
Completely different tone. More classic, more expected.
A girl is scarred as a child and grows up feeling like a “freak.” She sets out on a journey hoping to be “fixed,” meets Monty along the way, then Flick, who becomes the real connection. By the end, she learns to accept herself, scars and all.
It’s a good message, just felt a bit outdated to me.
The whole idea of chasing beauty, wanting to be “fixed,” imagining a different face… I understand where that comes from. There’s real pain in learning to accept something you didn’t choose.
The performances were strong. Seeing Deaf performers own that stage, feeling the buzz in the room, that part always hits.
But story-wise, I wanted more edge. Less predictability, more tension. Something that feels more current. Something that catches you off guard.
Still, it’s worth seeing.
It makes you feel, think, and maybe even argue a little with the script, which is part of the fun.
So What’s the Takeaway?
Both shows matter. Both deserve their flowers. And they’re pushing Deaf stories into spaces where they haven’t always been seen.
But here’s the one thought I left with, sitting there after it all ended:
Are we telling stories to be understood… or to be felt?
There’s a difference. One explains. The other stays with you. You carry it home. You think about it later without even trying.
And if you know anything about me, I’m always choosing the second. Always have.
So whether it’s theater, your work, your relationships, or your own identity, ask yourself:
Are you expressing… or are you playing it safe?
Lovecore HQ: Quick Dopamine Hits
📦 Promo in Motion: I’ve been working on ways to get Lovecore out there. Not just online, but in people’s hands. Booth days are coming, and I want the brand to be seen, recognized, remembered.
💌 Love Series (IG): I started a Love Series on Instagram. Part confession, part connection. Honest thoughts and unfiltered feelings people don’t usually say out loud. I genuinely love people and want to bring the community closer together, so this felt like a way to do that. It’s about spotlighting people’s personalities and bringing out a side you don’t always get to see.
If you’ve seen it, you get it. If you want to be part of it, hit reply and let me know.
What I’m Loving Right Now
(because I refuse to enjoy things alone)
🍿 Binge: Virgin River on Netflix. Easy watch, a little predictable, but sometimes that’s the point. I’m not here for stress, I just want a good love story.
💌 Cards: Cerulean Rooster custom greeting cards. Back into sending real mail again, which feels oddly satisfying. Also love supporting a Deaf-owned stationery brand that does it right.
🧴 Skincare: Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer. Smooth, rich, does what it needs to do. I’m no angel, but my skin has no complaints.
✨ Look: The Quinn Faux Leather Jacket. Slight edge, pulls everything together without trying too hard. Wore it to see Violet and got compliments.
😋 Protein: Heart & Soil Chocolate Whey. Been working out more these days, so I’m trying to feed my muscles. A clean option if you’re trying to keep up with your protein intake.
What’s Next?
Now that it’s warmer, I’m stepping back outside, out of hiding, back into the mix, working on a few projects I haven’t talked about yet. I’ve got an idea for a summer edition… just need the right collaboration to bring it to life.
XO,
Nickie
P.S. Competitive hot dog eating is still my backup plan. Just in case 🫶🏼