How to Practice Radical and Unconditional Self-Love During the Season of Love

It’s that season again when you see love in the air and all around. Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate who you are and show everyone special how much you appreciate them. But this year, why not take some of that loving sentiment just for yourself? 

Yes, we’re talking about unconditional self-love — a practice we should prioritize and practice every day, especially during this season! Unconditional self-love isn’t always easy when society tells us what love looks like. Let us assure you: your unique worth shines through even amidst the pressures of everyday life. 

We spoke with Meline Rose, Haitian-American Host and founder of Brwn Liquor Candle Co., on the importance of unconditional self-love, especially around this time of year, ways we can get started on our self-love journeys, and her journey behind creating her YouTube series and home luxury brand. 

Tell us about yourself. 

Simply put: I am Meline Rose, a woman on a mission to realize my deepest dreams by way of Hosting, Entrepreneurship, and Love. 

Now share your story and journey that led up to becoming Meline Rose, the Haitian-American Host and Entrepreneur.

My journey began at birth, truly. I grew up as a reserved and timid girl, but one thing I’ve always had was my voice, and I used it unapologetically. I used it to speak up for myself, to defend others, to write, and to belt my heart out in the shower. Lol. I never shied away from using my voice, and eventually, that same voice began to connect with people, and the rest is history and still being written. 

Let’s get into it! There are three holidays focused on love and joy: Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Black Girl Magic Day. It’s a time centered around loving your gals and loved ones, but not often yourself. What does unconditional self-love mean to you?

Unconditional self-love, to me, means I love myself too much to stay in rooms where love isn’t present and trust myself to make the right decisions. Unconditional self-love, to me, means setting firm boundaries around the things I will not accept — even if it means moving on from long-term relationships to protect the relationship with myself. Unconditional love means to me that I am worthy, even when I may fall short. 

Why is self-love important, especially in your singleness?

Self-love is important in singleness because it teaches you to accept yourself, truly. Often-times we seek validation from outside of ourselves, and when we don’t receive the validation that we hoped for, we believe something is inherently wrong with us, and that’s just not true. When we accept that we are whole - beautiful - and wonderfully made (perceived flaws and all) via the practice of self-love, we welcome others to see us and treat us the same.

How is self-love synonymous with self-care, self-esteem, and self-confidence?

I truly believe everything starts (and ends) with self. If you do not love yourself, you cannot properly identify nor take care of your needs, and when your needs aren’t being met, it affects your self-esteem and self-confidence; it all works hand-in-hand. Building your self-esteem/confidence all starts in the ways that you show up for yourself. 

Burnout is real! What are some best practices to check in with ourselves when our love tank is low, and we need to prioritize pouring into ourselves again?

Number one best practice: Knowing when — and being comfortable with — saying “NO” and meaning it. The truth is, we’re going to have to turn people down in order to honor our own capacity, no matter how it makes them feel. How about how YOU feel?

Oftentimes burnout occurs when we do not honor the word “No,” and take on more than we even want to chew. 

We highly recommend watching your YouTube because you give some amazing tips on dating yourself around this time of year. What are some ways our members can get started on their self-love journey? How can they date or love themselves around a time that is centered around loving others, particularly for our ladies who have been in their single season for some time and for those who just recently entered into singleness?

I think it's important that we all know that Valentine’s Day is for singles, too. Valentine's Day is all about spreading love and experiencing it, and knowing that love doesn’t only exist in romantic relationships. It's in friendships and your relationship with yourself and your family.

The self-love journey, I believe, starts when you make a decision to honor the season that you’re in – no matter how frustrating it may get.

Treat yourself to solo dates and trips, buy yourself (or someone you love) flowers, celebrate your loved ones, and be intentional with how you show up because it influences your self-esteem. And honestly, when you feel like you cannot show up for yourself and you’ve fallen into the trap of self-loathing, try to dig that love out of someone else and find inspiration.

Tell us about Brwn Liquor and your journey in creating this amazing brand.

Yes! Brwn Liquor Candle Co. — my baby — was honestly conceived at the height of my own self-love journey. During my journey, I discovered the power of aromatherapy and affirmations, and how both combined enhanced my overall feelings of confidence and self-assurance, thus, Brwn Liquor was born. 

Your mission is to advocate self-love, normalize leisure and welcome luxury. LOVE!! Why is it essential to create this for your customers?

Thank you! Man, life is about having quality experiences; your quality of life directly reflects your mental health. I think it's important that we balance out our responsibilities with self-care, intentionally enjoying our downtime, and creating luxurious experiences in our everyday lives – even if luxury to you is grabbing Starbucks instead of Dunkin’ (no shade) or burning a candle from Brwn Liquor Candle Co.

Do what you have to do to make life worthwhile.   

As a customer, you can see the intentionality behind the names of your products and their meanings. Why did you choose bible scriptures and affirmations?

I think it's important that we are intentional with how we speak to — and about — ourselves. Our inner dialogue shapes our lives, and we must implement positive words into our product line as a continuous reminder. 

What’s the one thing our community should #StayNotedd on when it comes to self-love this season/year?

Ooohh. I think the Notedd community should always #StayNotedd on the truth of self-love — that it isn’t selfish and only enhances the relationships that are GOOD for you and exposes the ones that aren’t. 

So, #NoteddTribe, what does unconditional self-love mean to you? Let’s take this season as an opportunity to embrace ourselves fully — with hearts full of unconditional self-love. Take this time to focus on YOU - shower yourself with unconditional self-love, get to know yourself intimately, and learn to love yourself completely. Empowering ourselves can start this holiday – by reminding us all that meaningful Valentines begin from within.