Today, we’d like to introduce you to Gladys Stocks.
Hi Gladys, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2007, as a result of being in an abusive relationship, my three-year-old son Jabari was murdered. I spent the next 16 years blaming and beating myself up for what happened to him. Because I didn’t walk away. Last year, after much thought and prayer, I decided to write a book to share my story and hopefully help someone else in the process.
It is my feelings that a lot of time people suffer in silence out of fear of judgement, and I wanted others to know they are not alone I released my first novella “NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT: How Overcoming Grief and Loss Saved My Life in September of 2023. Initially, I wanted to do a candle line and call it “JLS”, but I felt there was more I could do and didn’t want to just stop there.
After talking it over with my aunt, I came up with “Just Love Self,” which is my son’s initial. My mission with the brand is to encourage women of all ages that it is okay to unapologetically love yourself first and not feel bad for doing so. I formed my LLC in February of this year, and I am already signed up for pop-up events in my community and a few book events.
I want to use my experience to show others that it’s not only what you go through in life but how you come out on the other side that matters. I hope to also conduct workshops in the near future about how important the practice of self-care is on mental health and things of that nature!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to learning to re-love myself hasn’t been an easy one, but I can say that my faith has carried me through. I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for grief counseling. Dealing with anxiety, depression, and a severe mistrust of people makes it hard to form strong bonds and build relationships.
I always find myself questioning if someone’s intentions are pure, which can be extremely frustrating. Over the last 17 years, which is what it will be in June of this year, I have had a total of maybe 2-3 different therapists because I make progress, and then I regress into depression.
Losing a child is something that no one in their right mind thinks about preparing for, so it’s a daily battle that never gets easier.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My brand’s main focus is to encourage women of all ages to unapologetically love themselves without feeling guilty. I specialize in making homemade gifts, including bath teas, mugs, water bottles, and home decor.
I believe “my why” sets me apart from others because it’s not about money for me. I truly want to help keep my son’s memory alive, and I felt like this was the best way. I want your readers to know that when they shop with me, their items are truly made with love!
So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
Being an example for other women who may be in a similar situation that life doesn’t end because of losing someone we care about. As parents, especially moms, we will sit in those feelings of shame and blame for too long.
I also hope that my remaining children will see me as an example of what you can accomplish when you never give up. It’s extremely important to me that they see what hard work looks like despite any obstacles. As a single mom, I have been the only breadwinner in my household for many years, and I pray my determination and resilience rub off on them in some way!
Contact Info:
- Website: justloveselfllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justloveselfllc/
