Hey, friends! I’m so glad you’re here. The Chillness Chronicles is your new favorite inbox treat from Poppy + Monarch — a monthly (for now!) roundup of encouragement, inspiration, and little joys to help you stay grounded, no matter what life throws your way.

Here’s what you can expect each month:
🌿 An uplifting blog post to remind you to take up space and show up fully as yourself.
✨ Thank God I’m Poppin’ — a spotlight on a chronically ill person doing dope things.
🎨 A Poppy + Monarch product feature, because I love making things that speak to your soul.
📚 Relevant Reads — books, articles, or essays that deserve your attention.
🎶 Currently Playing — a vibe check via music and podcasts.
📆 A fun calendar with quirky holidays and moments worth celebrating.
💡 Friendly Reminders to rest, recharge, and protect your peace.

This newsletter is all about pouring into ourselves and each other. If you know someone who’d love The Chillness Chronicles, go ahead and pass it along! Let’s build this community together.

Stay poppin’ and take care,

P.S. Happy Black History Month and happy Valentine’s Day to all the lovers out there :)

Self-Care Is Self-Love: A Love Letter to My Chronically Chill Sisters

But as my body started requiring more from me, I had to redefine what self-care really looked like. And I learned that, at its core, self-care is self-love. It’s choosing you — every single day, in ways big and small.

Self-Care Is Listening to Your Body (and Actually Resting)

One of the hardest things I had to unlearn was the idea that rest had to be earned. That I had to check off every box before I was “allowed” to slow down. Sis, we are not machines. If your body is telling you to sit down, sit down. If your energy is low, honor that. Rest is not a reward; it’s a requirement.

Self-Care Is Setting Boundaries (Without Guilt)

Whew, this one took me a while. As a wife, business owner, friend, sister, and daughter, I used to feel guilty for saying no. But protecting my peace? That’s self-love. Saying, “I can’t do this today,” without over-explaining? That’s self-care. Boundaries aren’t barriers. Rather, they’re necessary limits that help you protect your energy and focus on what truly matters.

Self-Care Is Finding Joy (Even on the Hard Days)

Joy isn’t just for the good days, it’s for every day. Some days, joy looks like deep belly laughs with my people. Other days, it’s rewatching my comfort show for the hundredth time or treating myself to a little gift (hello, enamel pins that spark a ridiculous amount of joy!). Finding small moments of happiness is a radical act of self-love.

Self-Care Is Celebrating Yourself (Because You Deserve It!)

Living with a chronic illness is not for the weak. Every day that you show up — for yourself, for your dreams, for your community — is worth celebrating. You are resilient. You are powerful. And you deserve to treat yourself like the masterpiece you are.

So, here’s your reminder: Loving yourself isn’t selfish. Taking care of yourself isn’t optional. Prioritizing yourself is an act of resistance, an act of radical love, and a testament to your strength.

Let’s keep choosing us, every day.

Meet Sydney Noble

@sydneysnoble
https://thenoblebrandco.com
Detroit, MI

Give us the highlights — who you are, what you’re into, and how does your chronic illness fit into your story?

Sydney Noble is the visionary founder behind The Noble Brand, a wellness and fragrance company rooted in empowerment, self-care, and inclusivity. Her personal journey of self-discovery and self-love, which inspired her to launch The Noble Brand in 2016, is a story that many can relate to. It’s a journey of embracing one’s worth, prioritizing well-being, and engaging in meaningful self-care practices, especially for those in BIPOC and queer communities.

Raised by a single mother who built her own business, Sydney was immersed in entrepreneurship from an early age. She developed a deep understanding of business operations, customer service, and team leadership while working alongside her mother and in various retail and hospitality roles. As a retired professional dancer, she honed a deep connection to physical wellness. At the same time, her upbringing as the daughter of a psychologist instilled in her the importance of mental health — both of which are foundational elements of The Noble Brand.

The Noble Brand Wellness Club is at the heart of Sydney’s work, a digital community designed to make self-care accessible and enriching. The club provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to embark on their personal growth journeys through yoga, Pilates, aromatherapy, and holistic wellness resources. The brand has already gained national recognition, with Harper’s Bazaar naming it one of The 25 Best Black-Owned Candle Brands to Shop Right Now.

Despite facing challenges such as funding barriers and managing a chronic illness while building her business, Sydney has remained resilient. In 2020, she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Scleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh), also known as systemic sclerosis, a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin.

She has creatively bootstrapped her way to success, demonstrating her determination and commitment to her vision for The Noble Brand. Her plans for the future are ambitious, including the opening of a physical retail space, strategic partnerships with wellness industry leaders, and the expansion of the Noble Wellness Club. One of her most anticipated initiatives is Wellnest Fest, launching in August 2025, a bi-annual event that will bring the Noble community together to celebrate self-care, healing, and collective growth.

Sydney’s mission with The Noble Brand is to inspire others to recognize their intrinsic value, prioritize their wellness, and embrace their personal power. Her message to her customers is simple yet profound: You are worthy of good things. This message underpins all of her work and is a guiding principle for The Noble Brand.

What’s your wellness mantra?
Fill your cup and let the world have the overflow.

What’s a small victory you’ve celebrated recently, and how did it make you feel?

What’s the most unexpected lesson your chronic illness has taught you?
Maximize each good day because you don’t know when you may have a bad health day/days.

What’s your “daily non-negotiable” for staying in tune with your health and happiness?
My daily non-negotiable is honoring my boundaries both physically and emotionally.

Who or what inspires you to keep going, even when things feel impossible?
My fellow chronic illness community and my mother inspire me to keep going.

What makes you poppin’?
My open honesty, my empathy, and my creativity makes me uniquely me.

What’s your guilty pleasure self-care splurge? 
A candle from The Noble Brand, playlist or sound bath, and a good non-dairy milk matcha latte or mocktail.

🛍️ Product of the Month: P+M Logo Tote

Discover the perfect blend of functionality and style with the Poppy + Monarch Logo Tote Bag. This chic tan tote, accented with elegant black straps, is a fashion-forward accessory for any occasion. The front pouch adds practicality, perfect for quick access to essentials. Adorned with the iconic Poppy + Monarch logo, featuring a vibrant poppy flower and a graceful monarch butterfly, it’s more than just a bag — it’s a statement. This tote is a must-have for anyone seeking a blend of style, convenience, and charm.

📚 Relevant Reads: February 2025

🎶 Currently Playing

📅 February 2025 Calendar

• ✊🏾 Black History Month

• 🫂 Third Friday of February: National Caregivers Day (2/16/24)

• 🦠 Last Day in February: Rare Disease Day

• 👯‍♀️ 13: Galentine’s Day

• ♥️ 14: Valentine’s Day

• ✨ 15: National Black Girl Magic Day

• 🤝 17: National Random Acts of Kindness Day

• 🍷 18: National Drink Wine Day

• 🧶 20: National Comfy Day

• 🐾 20: National Love Your Pet Day

• 🍹 22: National Margarita Day

💌 Friendly Reminder