Plot Twists and Pivots
I’ve always been a daydreamer—the kind who can spend hours visualizing how things could look if anything were possible. In my mind, my dreams feel so real and tangible. But reality? Well, reality sometimes hits like an ice-cold bitch slap.
What I’ve realized, though, is that visualizing isn't just about wishing for what you want. It’s about aligning with what your heart truly desires. It’s a practice, not just a daydream.
Dreams on Paper
You know how life has those funny little coincidences? The other day, I caught my daughter snooping through one of my old journals from my teenage years. Naturally, I had to make sure I didn’t write anything too embarrassing. But what did I find? Blew my mind.
There it was—in my own teenage handwriting—a page where I had written about dreaming of starting my own clothing line and pondering what my brand’s tag would say.
Turns out, the dream was always there, just hanging out in my subconscious. It’s wild how what we daydream about often becomes the quiet roadmap guiding us toward our goals. Whether you’re building something new or rediscovering an old passion, it’s so important not to lose sight of what makes you, you.
When Plans Take a Detour
Fast forward to today, and I still can’t believe I launched my first product just three months ago. It feels surreal. But let me tell you, it didn’t go as planned.
The original idea? A complete collection with three pieces: a long-sleeved Henley top, a tank top, and shorts. What actually happened? A crash course in the not-so-glamorous side of production.
Being completely new to this industry with zero connections made, finding suppliers—fabric, pattern makers, cut-and-sew services—was way harder (and pricier) than I thought. I couldn’t swing enough fabric for all three pieces on a tight budget. So, I had to pivot and start small—just the Henley top.
And honestly? I was nervous. I didn’t think one piece was enough. I worried no one would like it enough to buy it (cue imposter syndrome doing its thing).
But you showed up. If you snagged one of the Henley tops—thank you! You’re the real MVPs of this journey. Your support turned a nervous “What if?” into a confident “What’s next?” and I couldn’t be more grateful.
👆 (A peek at what almost was! This tank and shorts set didn’t make the cut, but every ‘almost’ leads to something better.)
Sometimes, when things don’t go as planned, you just gotta take a detour. Sure, it might be a bit bumpy, but it can still take you where you need to go. I’ve learned that staying on the road today will bring you to your desired destination tomorrow. It’s all about thoughtful planning, embracing the detours, and keeping that drive strong.
Bringing the PJ Set to Life
Now, about that PJ tank top and shorts set—there was no way I was letting go of that vision. Even when my original fabric plans went sideways, I decided to change course. I spent hours refining the design to capture the fun style Lovecore stands for.
Thanks to the Henley top's success, I could reinvest and buy a fresh roll of fabric. And not just any fabric—100% organic cotton, made in the USA. Because I want Lovecore pieces to feel better, do better for the environment, and support our economy.
Changing the fabric led me to switch up the colors and designs. It’s like when you’re on a long highway drive and decide to take the scenic route just to keep things interesting. That’s exactly what I did here.
I’m super excited to finally share what the set will look like! It’s dropping sometime this month, but here’s a sneak peek:
👆 (Just a little tease—it’s comfy, cute, and oh-so-Lovecore!)
Takeaway:
Sometimes, the dream you envisioned takes a detour. But if you stay true to what matters and adjust your course with intention, you might end up somewhere even better.
Lovecore HQ : What’s Been Happening
✨ Double Giveaway Fun: I teamed up with @reallyrenca and @coda_gl for two giveaway reels featuring Lovecore socks. I love Renca’s humor and the creativity she brought to the reel. Humor is my love language—it makes your heart lighter. Coda G’s reel was no less amazing, encouraging viewers to share something they love about themselves. Love is the message behind this brand, and seeing it come to life through others is everything! 🤟
Congrats to the winners, @jojosavea and @lovetea9—hope your feet feel all the love and none of the cold!
👋 Meeting Coda G: I went to Florida for a two-day business event and asked Coda G if she wanted to meet IRL since we’ve been virtual friends for the past month. I thought it was a long shot, but she said yes! Meeting her was the highlight of my trip. She truly advocates for our Deaf community and genuinely wants to help. Big hugs her way—I’m so glad I stumbled upon her IG page when it popped up as a “suggested account” to follow. Gotta love when life’s little coincidences lead to big connections!
🎨 Behind the Scenes: I had the chance to visit a commercial printer plant to check out fabric color samples for the PJ short sets. Watching my design come to life on fabric? So cool. Getting a peek at the production process? Equally awesome. Nothing beats the thrill of holding that first printed fabric in my hands. Not gonna lie: I may have hugged it. 🤫
🏆 Surprise News: I’m so honored to share that Deaf Women United (DWU) selected me as one of the 31+ Deaf Women’s Herstory Month 2025 Spotlight. This recognition means a lot to me—it’s a validation of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into Lovecore. But really, this recognition isn’t just for me—it’s for everyone who believes in lifting up our community. It’s a reminder that when one of us rises, we all do—because there’s plenty of room at the top (and it’s got better views).
Deaf Culture Buzz:
🎶 Celebrities brought ASL interpreters to the Grammys!
Yep, you read that right. At the Grammys on Sunday, February 2, stars like Victoria Monét, Paris Hilton, CeeLo Green, and Cynthia Erivo showed up with their own ASL interpreters.
Why? In response to Charlie Kirk’s totally tone-deaf claim that ASL interpreters are a “distraction” and that Deaf folks should just “stick to closed captioning.”
The Deaf community’s reaction? Oh, they clapped back—loudly and clearly. Silence? Please. They made more noise than a toddler with a pot and a wooden spoon.
This sends a clear message: accessibility and inclusion are not up for debate. Period.
We’ve got a long road ahead, but this is a step forward—a small win. Whether critics like it or not, accessibility is here to stay—they better get used to it.
What I’m Loving Right Now (Because Sharing Is Caring):
📺 TV Show: Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix. It’s a ‘true-ish story’ of wellness influencer Belle Gibson, who faked brain cancer to rack up Instagram followers and cash. Yes, it’s as crazy as it sounds.
📒 Planner: Today I Awaken Planner by @todayiawaken. I’m a sucker for jotting down my goals and plans, and this one helps me stay on track with my purpose. It’s not just beautiful—it’s brilliantly practical. Plus, it’s from a Deaf-owned business, which makes supporting it even sweeter!
💄Makeup: Milk Makeup Kush Brow Shadow Stick. Fuss-free brows? Yes, please! I’m big on eyebrows, and this is my go-to brow stick.
💎 Jewelry Obsession: Kris Nations Pill Enamel Necklace. Because sometimes, we all need a chill pill—especially when real ones aren’t an option. 😜
☕ Hot Caffeine Fix: Four Sigmatic Organic Lion’s Mane Ground Coffee. It’s mushrooms in disguise, and I swear I feel 10x smarter after a cup.
What’s Next?
I’ll show a sneak peek of what I’ve been working on with a Deaf illustrator. Here’s another hint: What’s a monkey’s favorite food? 🍌 (Trust me, it’s going to be bananas!)
Better yet, I’ll share how fabric printing differs from paper printing—a real lesson for a graphic designer. Sometimes, I learn things the hard way! 🤦🏻♀️
And that’s not all… More love, more fun, and maybe a few surprises are coming your way. Stay curious—and perhaps a little nosy—catch you in the next issue!
Hit reply and let me know what you’re dreaming up these days—I’d love to hear from you! 🫶
XO,
Nickie