Don’t you love how love smells like Godiva chocolate right now? I’ll admit it, I’m not mad about it.
It’s a short month with big Valentine’s energy. I got married on February 15, so clearly I’m more romantic than I let on. Shh, just don’t tell anyone.
I always thought I wanted a summer wedding. Turns out, I went rogue at the last minute.
And now we’re here. Issue 12. I didn’t expect to make it a full year of writing. A full year of pressing send without talking myself out of it. That feels worth pausing for.
Like dating, this is what sticking around actually looks like. The honeymoon phase is over, and nothing’s faded.
I’ve read plenty of newsletters over the years, but writing this consistently is a different kind of commitment. Some weeks I have something clear to say. Some weeks I don’t. Either way, I show up.
That’s always been the point.
I started Love Issues because I wanted a place to write honestly while building Lovecore and figuring things out as I go. No polishing it to death. No pretending I have it all figured out. Just growing as I go.
A year later, that hasn’t changed. I’m glad I kept going, even when I wasn’t sure anyone was reading.
I write from my lived experience as a Deaf person navigating the world, work, and relationships. I lead with humor because that’s how I move through life. And I care about being blunt, because people can feel when something is real.
Not everything I write will land for everyone. That’s okay. I’m not interested in being universally liked. I’m interested in being true. Love, to me, has always been an action. A choice. Something you practice, not something you pose with.
Twelve issues in, pressing send anyway.
If you’ve been here since the first issue or this is your first time reading Love Issues, I’m really glad you’re here. I’ll keep showing up as myself. And if there’s something you want more of, hit reply and tell me. I’m always listening, both literally and figuratively.
Love still wins.
Now I want to hear from you!
I’m working on the next Love’s Gone Bananas drop and instead of guessing, I’d rather ask.
Boxers or shorts? Youth sizes? Extended sizes? What do you actually want to see next?
I made a short survey and I want your honest take. If you’ve ever wanted a say in what Lovecore makes next, this is it.
👉 Click here to take the quick survey
Lovecore HQ: Quick Dopamine Hits
📰 Print Moment: Lovecore landed in Somerset Hills city lifestyle magazine thanks to the Raise the Volume fashion show. Seeing the brand in print was very cool. Seeing it spelled as Love Core was… less cool. It’s one word, babes. Still taking the win.
🫶🏼 Community Collab: I’m teaming up with Naima from @healwithnaima for a Self Love & Affirmations community event in Philly this Saturday, February 7th. Expect fun activities, real conversations, and a little reflection on how we show up for ourselves and for others. This one feels special. I’m looking forward to it!
🍌 Bananas Update: The Love’s Gone Bananas short-sleeve button-down is now coming late March. Turns out production closes for Chinese New Year. Didn’t know that. We wait.
🎨 Meet the Artist: I shared a three-part reel on Instagram introducing Stuart Adelman (@inksplats), the artist behind the Love’s Gone Bananas collection. You’ll get a peek inside his studio and see him answer my three fun questions in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
What I’m Loving Right Now (because I refuse to enjoy things alone)
🍿 Binge: His & Hers on Netflix. Moody, twisty, and the kind of show you promise yourself just one episode of. Lies.
📚 Read: Currently undecided, which means I’m halfway through three different books and fully committed to none of them. Temporary phase.
🧴 Skincare: Anua PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Glow Pad. Hydrated. Glowy. Makes me feel like I drink more water than I actually do.
✨ Look: I haven’t been out of the house because it’s been freezing. Just an old sweater that says “Always Cold” and basically living under blankets.
😋 Snacks: MASA tortilla chips. Clean, crunchy, three ingredients. That’s it. I like that.
What’s Next?
A few things are in motion right now. More community moments, more intentional collabs, and more reminders that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.
Yes, the honeymoon phase is over. Just know we’ve got a long, wild ride to go. That’s the fun part.
XO,
Nickie
P.S. Love still wins. Had to say it again. 🫶🏼
