Exploring Life & Business with Nina Marie Mathews of Love Thyself

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Marie Mathews. 

Hi Nina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Love Thyself LLC was built off pain and I turned it into Power. My ex was verbally and mentally abusive throughout our ten-year relationship. I thought I was going to get married and start a family with this man, but God had a different plan for me. As the years went by, I felt myself drifting away into depression. I was living for a man that wasn’t living for me. I put him before God and me and now I know why our relationship was never blessed. I loved him more than I loved myself and wanted to please him so badly, but I was never good enough in his eyes. I felt like I couldn’t live without him, so I did whatever I had to do to try and “keep him”. Our relationship was always one-sided and I allowed him to control my life. The verbal abuse got worse over the years. His words would cut so deep that I would be mentally scarred.

At the beginning of 2016, I decided it was time for me to move back home to Denver, CO. I was living in Missouri at the time. This was a tough decision but I wanted to cut all ties with my ex. I wanted to find who I was again and I knew with him still being in the picture I wouldn’t be able to heal the way I needed to. I started my self-love journey in September of 2016. I remember asking myself, “Who is Nina?” I was so lost that I couldn’t answer that question. I started praying, Lord help me to know who I am!” At that time I was struggling with depression and low-self-esteem. I was drinking a lot because I wanted the pain to go away. I didn’t feel it was worth living life without the person I thought I would be with for the rest of my life. I did have suicidal thoughts but I never acted out on them. I felt so broken and defeated. I didn’t understand why someone I loved so much didn’t love me back.

God showed me that He is love. He showed me how much he loved me by saving me from my darkness. I never knew a love like His. The scripture 1 John 4:8 says, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” God began showing me true love, and true love doesn’t hurt. He started the process of restoring my broken heart. I surrendered to Him and once I accepted God’s love for me, I began seeing the love for myself.

At the end of December 2016, I came up with the idea of starting a t-shirt line called, “Love & Appreciate Thick Thighs”. We as women constantly get told that our bodies aren’t good enough! I wanted to inspire women all over the world that might be insecure about their bodies too.

In January of 2017, I did my first professional photo shoot. I always wanted to be a model but was never confident enough to do it. After the shoot, I found self-love. I accepted who I was and truly loved myself inside and out. I made a vow to myself that I would no longer let negative people influence the way I feel about myself.

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in April of 2017. I then founded my business, Love Thyself LLC, on September 10, 2018. I wanted to create a safe space for young girls and women and help them through their self-love journey. I have done over 10 workshops and over 5 speaking engagements so far. These young girls and women have truly helped me along the way.

Over the last two years, I was faced with finally dealing with my own baggage that was holding me back for so long. Sometimes I still struggle with my past, but now I’m healing from it. This self-love journey isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it. I am excited about my future and just trusting the process along the way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Learning how to build my business and finding out what it takes to be an entrepreneur, are a couple of struggles I’ve had on this journey so far. I always had ideas in my head, but I was in need of a business plan. When I finally made the decision to ask for help, I hired Tonoa Manuel, a business strategist and founder of SIYG Consulting Firm LLC. Tonoa helped me with a strategic plan for my business, which led to networking opportunities and growth for my business. Through that experience, I learned that it’s OK to ask for help when needed. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Love Thyself LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I founded Love Thyself LLC on September 10, 2018. I provide self-love workshops and do speaking engagements to bring forth the importance of loving yourself. In my workshops, I provide worksheets and interactive activities for the girls and women to work on. I create a safe space for them to truly focus on themselves.

My goal is to be part of the after-school programs in elementary and middle schools. I truly feel if self-love was taught in school, a lot of kids would know who they are at an early age.

My passion, drive and willingness to want to help others sets me apart. I am most proud of the growth of my business.

When I started doing these workshops, I was still dealing with my own heartache and pain, but I knew that would help my healing process as well. I never went into detail about my abuse until my last workshop, “Love is never painful”. That was my breakthrough workshop because, for the first time, I was truly transparent and was able to go into detail without me being judged.

Even though my target market is young girls and women, I do have some boys and men attending my workshops. A lot of them say they want to learn more about self-love too. I don’t do it all the time, but when I do it’s good to hear from their perspective.

I love what I do and I’m so glad I’m able to help others along the way. I plan on traveling the world to bring forth the importance of self-love.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was such a tomboy. Lol. I remember wanting to do everything my brother was doing. We loved playing outside. I have always had a loving and caring spirit. My friends always said I was outgoing and friendly. I was always quick to help others. Seeing other people happy has always brought me joy. 

Contact Info:

• Email: lovethyselfllc.co@gmail.com
• Website: www.lovethyselfllc.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovethyselfllc?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovethyselfllc.co/

Image Credits
Nina Marie Mathews