Love Yourself: When Purpose Becomes Personal

Over a decade ago, I created the Love Yourself Event because I saw a need. During Valentine’s season, while many celebrate romance, others quietly struggle. Some feel lonely. Others question their worth. Many carry silent battles.

So, I decided to create a space that focused on self-worth instead of relationship status. And that helps to raise funds for the S.O. What! Foundation, the youth nonprofit I started.

That mission has guided us every year. However, this year felt different.

After overcoming breast cancer, the message of self-love became deeply personal. It was no longer just about confidence. Instead, it became about survival, awareness, and responsibility. Because of that journey, we, this small  mighty team- our coordinator Staci Franklin and two board members Bilicia Hill and Tammy Hart- intentionally added breast cancer awareness as a focus for the 9th Annual Love Yourself Event in Memphis.

The pink details throughout the evening were not simply decorative. Rather, they symbolized strength, early detection, and hope. More importantly, they represented the reality that loving yourself includes protecting your health.

To make that message clear, I invited my oncologist to speak. Her presence added depth to the evening. She did not just share medical insight. She spoke with compassion and clarity. As a result, the room understood that self-love must include education and action.

In other words, affirmations matter. Yet, so do appointments. Encouragement is powerful. Still, awareness saves lives.

A Community That Continues to Show Up

While the message was strong, the support in the room was even stronger.

Nearly 15 percent of attendees traveled from outside of Memphis. Some drove more than 100 miles. A few even flew in. That level of commitment humbles me every year. Furthermore, at least half of the guests had attended before. Many have supported this event for five years or longer. The same is true for the vendors and service providers. Several have been with us since the beginning.

That kind of loyalty tells me something important. This event is not about hype. Instead, it is about impact.

In addition, this year’s event was nearly double the size of last year’s. Growth like that does not happen by accident. It happens when people believe in a mission and invest in it consistently.

When Family Support Hits Different

Although the crowd was inspiring, the most emotional moments were personal.

My aunt brought my dad from Nashville. He has never attended one of my events before. Our relationship has faced challenges, and he also has health issues. Nevertheless, he chose to show up. That decision meant more than I can express. Sometimes love is complicated. However, presence still speaks.

Even more touching was seeing my 89-year-old Uncle Ray in the audience. Throughout my cancer journey, he called often to check on me. Every time he sees me, he reminds me that I am special. Watching him sit in that room reminded me that this mission reaches across generations.

From elders to new college grads, the room reflected unity. People of different ages, races, and backgrounds gathered for one purpose. They came to grow. They came to connect. Most importantly, they came to invest in themselves.

The Impact Beyond One Night

Although the event lasts only a few hours, its impact stretches far beyond one evening.

Through The S.O. What! Foundation, the Love Yourself Event helps fund mentoring programs, scholarships, and leadership initiatives. Because of community support, we continue to empower youth, college students, women, and educators throughout the year.

Therefore, this event is not just a gathering. It is a catalyst.

The S.O. What! message remains the same:

Overcome Obstacles.
Eliminate Excuses.
Calculate Choices.

When people apply that formula, lives change. Confidence grows. Leaders rise.

Looking Ahead to Year 10

As we close out year nine, planning for year ten has already begun. A decade of impact deserves intention. Moreover, it deserves celebration.

Year 10 will not simply mark an anniversary. Instead, it will represent ten years of healing, growth, resilience, and community.

I am grateful for every person who attended, supported, volunteered, sponsored, and believed. Because of you, this event continues to expand. Because of you, the mission continues to reach further.

If year nine showed us anything, it is this: loving yourself is not selfish. Rather, it is strategic. It protects your future. It strengthens your leadership. It positions you to serve others from a healthy place.

Year 10 is coming.

And without a doubt, it will be amazing.