Ever feel like you’re just trying to keep up?
I keep waiting for life to slow down. Instead, it just keeps adding more tabs. Work, home, unread texts, those random calendar reminders you swear you didn’t set—it piles on. And somewhere in the chaos, we’re told to “find balance.” As if that’s not just one more thing to squeeze into a day that’s already maxed out.
At this point, life’s more like a mashup of Squid Game and Queen’s Gambit—strategy, survival, and no clue what the rules actually are. Maybe I should channel Bobby Fischer for help… or at least try not to knock over the chess pieces while I fake confidence.
It’s been four months since I launched Lovecore Apparel. Things are moving—and also, I’m doing five jobs at once. So the energy I’m choosing right now?
Breathe. Curse under your breath. Feel good now.
Thank you, spring, for tricking us into thinking longer days mean we have time for balance. Cute.
No spiraling. No fighting the current. Just moving with it—choosing what feels right instead of what’s “supposed” to be right.
Call it cliché, but I stand by it: Live in joy. Lead with love.
That’s the kind of love Lovecore stands for—choosing it on purpose. Even in the mess. Especially in the mess.
A couple weeks ago, I went to the Whitney Museum in NYC to see All Day All Night by Christine Sun Kim, a Deaf artist whose work explores communication, sound, and identity.
One part of the series made me smirk—Degrees of Deaf Rage, a set of black-and-white drawings mapping how everyday moments can trigger different levels of frustration or anger.
I got it before I even read it. Because I’ve lived it.
Funny enough, I was in a yoga class the other day, trying to follow the flow. The instructor spoke as she moved, her voice guiding the room. But to me, it was just noise—louder, sure, but not clearer. That’s the thing with hearing aids: they don’t filter; they just turn up the volume on everything.
Then she made a joke. The class laughed. And I was just… there. Balancing. Stretching. Guessing. Trying to catch up—again.
That moment? Definitely had 360-degree Deaf Rage potential. I felt the frustration. The class wasn’t accessible. And yeah—I would’ve laughed. I love a good laugh.
But I didn’t rage. Not because it didn’t matter. But because I’ve never seen my Deafness as a limitation. Not a problem, either.
That doesn’t make everything easy. But that mindset makes things clear. And that clarity shaped my life. I’ve always believed things don’t happen to us. They happen for us.
Even the hard stuff. The missed moments. The times you feel behind or invisible—those are fuel.
They build something deeper: resilience, empathy, vision.
And I’m grateful for all of it.
So if you’re feeling like you’re swimming upstream or falling behind, pause. Breathe. Whisper, “WTF.” Feel good now.
You’re not stuck. You’re a fish. 🐟
Keep going. You’re doing better than you think.
And I promise—there’s power in the flow.
Behind the Seams: PJ Set Woes & Wins
Speaking of flow… mine usually comes with a few bumps, bruises, and fabric regrets.
When I switched up the fabric and design for the PJ tank top and shorts, I quickly realized the color I saw on paper didn’t show up on fabric.
Newsflash: fabric printing ≠ paper printing. Duh. Any graphic designer should know that—but hey, I’ve been out of practice for 13 years as a full-time SAHM. So yeah. That’s my excuse.
You can imagine my disgusted surprise when the first prototype came in. The color looked like salmon. Lovecore is meant to feel warm, playful, and vibrant… not the sad kind of salmon that shows up uninvited on a Tuesday.
Thankfully, the vendor knew exactly what I was going for and helped match the original color. Major relief.
Takeaway: You’re gonna mess things up. Keep going anyway.
Cry a little. Then fix it. That’s how we roll.
Swim weird. Swim wild. You’ve got this.
Lovecore HQ: What’s Been Happening?
PJ Tank Top & Shorts Drop
Because of the fabric fiasco, the drop is slightly delayed. It’s now in production and should be ready in about 2 weeks. Worth the wait.
I’ve also reached out to a few influencers in the Deaf community who align with the Lovecore mission. Fingers crossed they’re down to collab for the PJ set.
Send some good energy my way—or if you know someone who might be a perfect fit, I’d love an intro.
So… what’s up with the bananas? 🍌
Monkey’s favorite snack is now officially a Lovecore vibe. Last month, I hinted I was working with a Deaf illustrator—and yes, actual bananas are involved! Humor + love = the perfect recipe for a playful, feel-good design. And honestly? These little bananas look like they’re throwing a dance party. It’s giving joy, and I love it.
We’re putting the design on men’s boxers because… of course we are. The guys need love, too.
What I’m Loving Right Now (Because Sharing Is Caring):
📺 TV Show: The Residence – A new Netflix mystery drama (inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s book), set during a White House state dinner with a murder to solve and an eccentric detective leading the way.
Shoutout to my boy Michael Spady, a Deaf actor who landed a short role—watch it for him!
📚 Book: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. I haven’t read much fiction lately, but this viral fantasy/romance series kept popping up. Dragons, tension, spice, and apparently… accessibility. Word is there’s a Deaf character and everyone signs. Let’s go.
💄 Skincare: Athena Club Whipped Shave Cream. Super rich, super clean, no weird ingredients. As a proud Greek, I love the name—I almost named my daughter Athena, so this feels fated.
💍 Jewelry Obsession: My Oura Ring. It tracks sleep, stress, movement, and more—and it actually looks good with everything I wear. Since I got it, I’ve had more good days than bad ones. Coincidence? Don’t care.
☕ Gut Health Fix: The Beauty Chef Glow Powder Supplement. Tastes good, makes me feel better, and works with literally anything—water, smoothies, yogurt, you name it.
What’s Next?
My birthday’s on the 7th! I won’t say how old I’m turning… but the hill has been climbed, the view was great, and now I moisturize religiously. 😉
My birthday wish? That you love the PJ set when they drop on April 11—because I really, really do.
Between that and the dancing bananas, spring is shaping up to be fun. I’m also thinking about what’s next for summer… but I haven’t landed on a design yet.
Got an idea? A summer must-have? A random shower thought?
Hit the comment box. Tell me what you want to wear this summer. Let’s build something fun together.
Happy Easter! Happy Passover! Happy whatever you celebrate! 🫶 Talk soon.
XO, Nickie