The November Edit: Protecting Your Inner Circle

Let’s keep it real for a second. Is your circle actually feeding your soul, or is it just draining your battery? Because you can’t build a throne in a room full of people who only know how to tear things down.

The air finally has that real November chill, and honestly, it makes me want to pull my energy inward. As the founder of the Alona Leoine Foundation, I spend so much of my time thinking about how I can pour into others, but this week I’ve been reflecting on who is pouring into me. At 19, I’m learning that this is such a pivotal season for all of us. Whether you’re a teenager navigating high school or in your early twenties trying to figure out your career, we are the architects of our own lives. The people we allow into our space determine whether our dreams actually get to bloom.

I’ve had to learn that gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you for the good things. It’s about being grateful for the discernment to see what doesn’t belong. When I’m designing for Alona Leoine Couture, I have to be incredibly selective about the designs I use. If the vibe isn’t giving or the material isn’t good quality, the whole intention failed. Your life works the same way. You are the high-quality silk, Sis. Don’t let yourself be sewn into a story with energy that doesn’t match your value.

The Life Skills Edit: Checking the Roots

Before we get into the holiday rush, let’s do a quick root check on our social circles. This isn’t about being mean; it’s about being a woman who knows her worth and is building her life with intention.

• The Vibe Check: When you leave a conversation with someone, do you feel lighter or do you feel like you just finished a long shift? A sisterly connection should feel like a soft landing, not a heavy lift.
• The Reciprocity Rule: Gratitude should be a two-way street. If you are the only one holding the umbrella, eventually you’re going to get wet. Look for the friends who check on your soul, not just your status.
• The Growth Alignment: Are the people around you comfortable with your evolution? As you lean into your femininity and build your empire, you need a village that isn’t intimidated by your glow.

The Duality of the Season

As we move into these quieter months, I’m finding the balance between my inner Whitley Gilbert and Dominique La’Rue. I’m using Whitley’s sharp focus to organize my vision for the end of the year, while keeping Dominique’s mysterious and unapologetic power as I navigate new spaces. You contain multitudes, and the right circle will celebrate every single version of you.

Tonight, I’m lighting a candle and just sitting in the quiet of my own sanctuary. I’m writing down the names of people who truly make me feel safe, seen, and supported. Those are the ones getting my best energy this month. We are building lives of excellence, but that excellence starts with the peace we protect behind closed doors. You are the prize, and your circle should always reflect that.

Stay feminine, stay focused, and remember: Your gratitude is a magnet for more grace. You are a Goddess building a foundation of truth, and your inner circle is the garden where your future grows. You’re just a woman, but the world finds its beauty in the peace you choose to protect.

With love,