Getting Back to Me: A Season of Self-Discovery, Healing, And Fashion
How Going Home, Reconnecting With My Roots and Stepping Out Helped Me Find My Spark Again
Happy Friday! My fourth quarter started off in such a unique way. I ended September with what I called my “grounding tour,” which simply meant getting back to my roots. I spent some time in Buffalo, where I’m from and Detroit, where I used to live. It was good to be around family and reconnect with the inner child in me. I honestly can’t remember the last time I spent two full weeks at home, probably the summer after freshman year of college when I was 18, so ten years ago.
It felt good to just be, no rush, no responsibilities, no pressure. I got to show up for loved ones in ways I haven’t been able to in a long time. Usually, I’m only home for a quick weekend, so I don’t get to see everyone. This time, I even saw my childhood home and got my hair done by my childhood stylist, who’s been doing my hair since I was four and yes, we did a new color!
Lately, I’ve been in a season of rediscovery, getting clear on who I am and what I love. The last few months felt mundane, like the spark in me was fading. To find it again, I had to go back to the start and reconnect with my inner child. Somewhere in the noise of the world, she got lost.
This season is about silencing outside voices and hearing my own. When will I ever be this young and single again? It’s a time of reflection, assessing where I’ve been, who I’ve been showing up as, and why. I’m keeping the parts of me that I love and letting go of the ones that no longer serve me. I’m trying new things, revisiting old passions, and allowing growth to happen, even when it feels uncomfortable.
The Bible says, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” but I’ve learned you can’t love others well until you truly love yourself. And love is honest, it tells the truth. The truth is, there are things in me showing up that I don’t like. Some habits and mindsets were holding me back. Change doesn’t happen with a simple switch; you have to dig deep and heal from the root.
Back in August, I wrote
Self Care Reset: The Road to Loving Myself Again about practical ways I’ve been falling back in love with myself, things like weekly roses and solo movie dates. I’ve been staying consistent with those rituals, even while traveling.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I used to be the event queen. I started going to networking events in college and fell in love with the energy. I may be an introvert, but I love connecting with like-minded people and being in rooms that challenge me. Those spaces push my creativity and remind me what’s possible. I even met some of my closest friends at events like those.
While I was in Michigan, I went to four networking events, ran a 5K, and even tried a new workout class. It felt so good to be back in my element. It just so happened to be Michigan Fashion Week; a full week of events celebrating fashion, beauty, and creativity in Detroit.
Michigan Fashion Week, founded by Loren Hicks, brought together designers, models, photographers, stylists, and more. There were two fashion shows; one for streetwear and another for high fashion, featuring over 25 local designers. Plus, three mixers at The Style Guru Boutique, Coach, and the beautiful rooftop venue Cielo.
I actually met Loren a few years ago, and seeing how much Michigan Fashion Week has grown was inspiring. What better way to jump back into networking than this? I called up my girl, J Blair, a Detroit designer, and we hit the town. Being in rooms full of ambitious, creative people filled me up. There’s something about being in those spaces, it stretches your mindset and reminds you that people are really out here chasing their dreams. It makes you reflect on your own goals and reignites your drive.
Since coming back to Atlanta, I’ve been intentional about getting out again, attending events, connecting with new people, and staying in rooms that push me forward. Because truthfully, it’s not always about what you know, but who you know. This season is all about getting back to who I am and rediscovering what makes me feel alive.
