Flashback to February 16, 1999. I was seventeen, sitting in the audience at the State Theatre New Jersey on a class trip, waiting to see someone who had already done what the world said wasn’t possible.
That person was Marlee Matlin. The first Deaf actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress in Children of a Lesser God.
At the time, for the Deaf community, it was more than just a win. It was proof. Proof that we belonged in spaces that rarely saw us. Proof that being Deaf didn’t mean being overlooked or hidden in the basement.
I remember hanging on every word as she told her story. How she got started. What it took. What it meant to be seen and celebrated. She spoke with clarity and confidence. She knew who she was and didn’t let being Deaf stand in her way.
After the talk, I had the chance to meet her. I asked, “How did you really get there? How did you make it into the spotlight?”
Maybe I was hoping for a shortcut. Or at least the cheat code.
She smiled and said, “Were you even paying attention? I already told you.”
She had. But I was too starstruck to take it in.
I didn’t fully understand it then, but I do now.
It was a combination of ambition and luck. That’s what it takes.
And 26 years later, it still rings true.
I never thought I’d meet her again. But I did. On June 9, I saw her at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC for the screening of Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, a documentary directed by the brilliant Deaf filmmaker Shoshannah Stern. Like many of us, Shoshannah was inspired by Marlee, too.
The film wasn’t just about her career. It asked something deeper: What does it really mean to be the first?
For Marlee, it meant carrying the weight alone. The pressure. The isolation. She said the industry is still cutthroat. And it’s still not easy. Hollywood doesn’t exactly roll out the Deaf-friendly carpet. But because of her, others haven’t had to walk in alone.
I hadn’t realized just how much she’s done or how hard she fought to make space for the rest of us. She’s always pushed for our community to be seen and heard.
I got to thank her in person. I told her she should get another tattoo on her wrist. One that says unstoppable. Because that’s exactly what she is.
She looked at me and said, “Ooh, I like that.” So if she shows up with new ink, I’m definitely adding ‘inkfluencer’ to my résumé. You heard it here first.
I also got to chat with Jack Jason (Marlee’s longtime interpreter), Shoshannah (the powerhouse Deaf director behind the film), and Liz Tannenbaum (Marlee’s BFF and an all-around ray of sunshine). It felt like we were longtime friends catching up, not just meeting for the first time. It didn’t feel like networking. There was an ease to it. A shared understanding. I left that night with goosebumps, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.
It’s easy to forget how far we’ve come when there’s still so far to go.
But Marlee reminded me: we’re never walking in alone.
Maybe we’ll meet again. And if we do, I hope it’s with something meaningful in the works. Just putting that into the universe. 💫
Takeaway:
Some moments remind you why you started. Why visibility matters. Why being seen and heard still isn’t guaranteed.
Marlee opened the door. But it’s on all of us to keep it open and make space for those coming next.
Back then, I caught a glimpse. Now I see the whole frame.
And I’m holding that clarity close as I keep creating with purpose. Through Lovecore. Through storytelling. Through how I choose to show up.
Lovecore HQ: What’s Been Happening?
The Love Buzz PJ Set is still hot this season. People are loving the retro 80s vibe. If you haven’t noticed yet, they’re making a comeback everywhere.
Still PJ-less? Babe, that’s a crisis.
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Savannah Dahan aka Savvyasl dropped an awesome ASL music video to The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars while wearing the PJ set. I had no idea it was coming, and it completely made my day. That kind of surprise? Made me do a happy dance.
I met up with Vanessa Berger, founder of Raise the Volume, and we’re teaming up for their fall fundraiser fashion show. It’ll be my first runway collaboration, so I’m excited… and a little (okay, very) nervous. But I’m in.
I also hosted a booth at my first Deaf Expo Celebration at Bruce Street School for the Deaf. It was such a fun day. I got to meet new faces and quickly learned that people really love seeing the clothes in person. It hits differently than shopping online.
And on the wholesale side, I’m still waiting to hear back from two boutiques that are interested in carrying Lovecore. Fingers crossed something clicks soon.
What I’m Loving Right Now (Because Sharing Is Caring):
📺 TV Series: Ginny & Georgia. A modern Netflix series that blends heart, humor, and high stakes drama in a way that’s wildly entertaining and emotionally real. I especially love that there’s a Deaf dad played by a Deaf actor and the whole family signs. The ASL is on point. Sure, I might sign things differently sometimes, but the representation? 100% yes.
📖 Book: Click: How to Make What People Want by Jake Knapp. This one’s for my fellow idea people. If you’ve got something brewing and don’t know where to start, this book will help you stop overthinking and start building. It’s a fast read, and it’ll get you from “maybe one day” to “here’s my plan” in just a couple of days.
🧴 Skincare: Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray. If your skin is angry, stressed, or just plain dramatic… this stuff works. It helps calm visible irritation, reduce redness, and support your skin barrier. One spray at a time. It’s ridiculously refreshing.
👙 Bathing Suit: Beach Riot, Leona Riviera Azure Tidal Crepe. Summer’s here, and it’s time to squeeze your pale self into something flattering that won’t annoy your skin. This suit is high quality, comfy, and fun with zero itchy hot spots. You know that is one of my biggest pet peeves.
🫖 Drink: Rishi Botanicals Turmeric Ginger Tea. Buy, drink, repeat. This one’s high on my all-time favorites list. It’s bold, flavorful, and smooth. None of that bitter aftertaste you get with other turmeric ginger blends. Hot or iced, it’s delicious.
What’s Next?
Banana boxers. Yes, still happening. The artwork is going through yet another round of tweaks (because good things take time and plenty of second opinions). Summer has everyone bouncing between iced coffee and vacation brain, so things have slowed a bit… but we’re still peeling forward.
I may not be as active this month as my family and I are heading to Greece to visit relatives for a few weeks. Sun, beach, and way too much feta are calling.
Until then… stay cool, wear your cutest PJs, and remember: love is always in style. 🫶🏼
XO,
Nickie
P.S. I shared mine. Now you share yours. Hit reply and tell me what you’re loving right now. No gatekeeping allowed.
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