All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

Disclaimer: Everything expressed below is my personal experience and opinion. It is not meant to offend anyone or cause controversy but to hopefully inspire and to break stigmas. When I decided to create my platform Lovely Chicas besides wanting to inspire and empower women, I wanted a special space where I could be me and express myself through fashion. Growing up it was difficult, almost impossible to be myself, the reason being I was raised in an extremely legalistic Spanish Pentecostal church from the late 80’s until early 2000s.  Being Pentecostal was even harder for women because everything was considered a sin; we had to wear skirts because pants were considered a way to provoke men sexually. I was that church girl in high school with the skirt. The one who even in below zero winter weather wore skirts. Funny thing, even in my skirts I always made my outfits look fashionable. Makeup and jewelry weren’t permitted as well. The list of things that weren’t allowed was long. Couldn’t go to movies, couldn’t dance, couldn’t wear makeup, couldn’t get your ears pierced, couldn’t get tattoos, couldn’t cut your hair and the list went on and on.  Your salvation was literary based on your exterior appearance and if you didn’t follow the rules you were disciplined. They were extremely controlling, very separatist and believed only they would get saved. Let’s be real, we all face hardships and are battling through difficult situations. We don’t need the stress and suppression of being judged over human made dogmas. This religious culture marginalized women and was extremely sexist, I had to suppress so much and even grew up with an extreme fear of God. When the reality is that God is love. He is righteous, graceful, and merciful. I have come to know the true God who loves me for who I am not what I wear. God calls of to be free not chained to false beliefs that aren’t even biblical. The drama I lived through was horrible- everything was about judgement, criticism and gossiping. I was an innocent pure church girl and the way men who were leaders would try to destroy me was unreal. It was all a game of hypocrisy. There are so many things I could share but I prefer to keep them private. The situations I lived through left traumas in me that only God could heal. Sadly, there are many religions that have similar dogmas and marginalize women. Though, I do believe women should dress modestly because there is a fine line that shouldn’t be crossed. I can only pray these false beliefs and rules are broken as people discover the truth of Gods real love and freedom. So, having been obligated to wear skirts all the time I began to hate them. When I left that religion, I literally threw away my skirts. Now, in 2023 denim skirts reappeared and have become a fashion trend. I must admit I was very self-conscious about incorporating this style into my wardrobe again, but a Christian friend advised me to do it and make it my own. So, I did it and let me tell you it has been liberating. I reclaimed who I was and felt I broke off a lot of baggage from the past. Obviously, I made the look my own with some Pentecostal fire and a little spice.

No matter what I went through and though I disagree with many Pentecostal beliefs I am grateful I was raised in the Christian faith and was led to have a relationship with God. I am fully transformed by Gods love and grace. I no longer hold onto the beliefs nor traumas of the past. I’m so glad I put all that behind me and live with another perspective.  Within the negative there was a lot of good because I made lifetime friends in the church. Our best times were at the youth camps. To this day we still guide and strengthen each other. If you can relate and grew up in a Pentecostal or similar religion, I’d love to hear your perspective and story. Be Lovely, Be You Charlene Gonzalez

Self-love has become a viral subject….it seems everyone talks about it. Personally, I’ve always been an advocate for self-love because its has been key to being a better person. Honestly, when it comes to self-love it’s harder said than done. It’s not something that happens overnight. It took me years to fully love and accept myself. Self- love is a journey, and we must commit to practices that help nourish that love every day. Working on loving ourselves is essential so that we can overcome our limiting thoughts and live a life that truly shines. Practicing self-love allows you to be good to yourself and in the process become a better human being.

First thing to understand and internalize is that God loves you and no one will ever love you like He does. He doesn’t care who you are, what you’ve done or accomplished. He loves everything about you. Allowing God to love you and opening your heart to His love is essential in your self-love journey. God wants you to love yourself. Loving yourself does not mean you’re narcissistic. God does not want us to go through our lives filled with hate, anger, disappointment, low-self-esteem, or insecurities.

Another important point is to eliminate the idea that you have to be perfect. Perfection is overrated, besides NOBODY is perfect. Ditching the idea of perfection is very important in the practice of self-love. Also, understand that society has built unrealistic expectations and standards. You are unique and irreplaceable don’t ever compare yourself to anyone else.

Stop being so tough on yourself. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. We all have an interior critic that wants to make use feel worthless and insecure. This even prevents us from living up to our potential and fulfilling our purpose.

In your self- love journey think about the purposeful life God wants you to live where no shades of self-hatred exist. In your journey always remember that you are important and very loved.  

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez

I’m officially a New Yorker, again. If you’ve been keeping up with my blog, you know that for the past 16 years I had been living in Puerto Rico but in January 2022 I decided to move back to my hometown in New York.

Moving was the hardest decision of my life though I’m more than confident of the decision I made. I lived my life in PR since 19 to 36 years old. That’s a lifetime of experiences. Though, since January I had been living in New York for a year I had not gone back to Puerto Rico to finish the moving process which included shipping my belongings and selling my car. Honestly, I was truly prolonging this process because its not like I’m moving to another state, I’m literally moving across the ocean. I was so worried about everything I had to do and pack. I owned a lot. I’m a home décor and fashion lover not to mention the 10 years of being a blogger and influencer in which I worked with hundreds of brands and was constantly gifted products. I literally had 3 full closets of clothes, over 130 pairs of shoes in addition to tons of beauty and makeup products. My solution was to donate 75% of my belongings. I’m still surprised on how I accomplished it but I managed to pack my life into 6 boxes.

The moving process was bittersweet, so many emotions were involved. Not to mention saying goodbye to family and friends. Many don’t know because I’ve always loved to keep my life private but even while having a busy career in blogging and social media, for many years I also helped care for an aunt who was very sick. Saying bye and closing that chapter was very hard but it was time to fully focus on my life and goals.

As the flight took off on my way back to New York I saw Puerto Rico grow smaller in the distance behind. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions and couldn’t help cry leaving behind 16 years of memories, experiences and many loved ones. While the tears blurred my eyes all I could do was feel grateful. Grateful for every good and bad experience that has made me the strong and powerful woman I am today. Though life has led me through a new path and I’m starting from zero I’m not scared because God id in control. This new chapter of my life is fully guided by God.

Thank you, Puerto Rico, for all the blessings you gave me. Hasta luego mi isla preciosa.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez

What a rollercoaster these last 365 days have been. 2022 has been a life-changing transitional year full of many surprises, plot twists, closed doors, new opportunities and so much more. No matter what has happened this year I am grateful God has given me victory over everything. This year has been one where I found a lot of peace and happiness. Trusting God has been essential.

As 2022 ends, we’re called to reflect and set intentions for the new chapter ahead. The arrival of another year provides an opportunity to reinvent ourselves and reevaluate the ways in which we move through the world. Take the time to consider what you want to release in 2022 and what you want to bring into 2023. If you believe in “New Year, New Me”, this is the time to analyze who you are now and who you want to be in this new year. Set your desires and intentions to be the protagonist for the rest of the year.

Most importantly for this new year, trust God and make him the center of everything you do! Make working on your mindset a priority as well. Always remember that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react. If you change your mindset, you change your life.  Set negativity aside and focus on positivity. Changing your mindset is life-changing and it’s attached to your journey of becoming a better version of you. Remember that you are powerful and can accomplish any goal if you work hard.

My life goal has always been to live with purpose and intention, so I plan to continue working toward that goal this new year.

These are a few of my personal intentions for 2023:

Have a more intimate relationship with God

To be a better version of me

Lead with love

Do more of the things I love

Experience more peace and happiness

Continue living with purpose

Embrace change in all forms

Be present in the moment

Invite joy into everyday life

Stay focused and work even harder for my career & business goals

Be open to new opportunities and possibilities

Make those around me smile

Focus on wellness caring for my body with healthy choices

Whatever your personal intentions and goals may be for this new year I claim that 2023 will be a year full of blessings, amazing opportunities, where all your goals are accomplished.

Be Lovely, Be You

Charlene Gonzalez