MEET THE FOUNDER
“It doesn’t matter where you start—it matters that you do. And the love you deserve begins with you.”
Hi, I’m Maty Ethel—founder of Love You First Journey, self-love coach, movement guide, and passionate advocate for healing from the inside out.
I started Love You First Journey in 2021 during one of the darkest chapters of my life. I felt lost, disconnected, and numb. The joy I used to feel from moving my body, being around loved ones, or just showing up as my vibrant self—it all felt out of reach. Asking for help was hard. Therapy wasn’t on my radar. And honestly, I was ready to give up.
But little by little, I found my way back to myself—through self-love.
Not the cliché kind. The real kind. The messy, intentional, everyday kind. The kind that requires grace, growth, boundaries, and truth.
Love You First Journey began as my personal path to healing—but over time, it blossomed into a full movement. A space for women—especially former athletes, coaches, and leaders—to reclaim their worth, rewrite their story, and return home to themselves.
Now, LYFJ is more than a brand. It’s a lifestyle. A community. A reminder that no matter where you’re starting from, you are worthy of love—especially from yourself.
Let’s grow, heal, and rise together.
You belong here. 💕
So, what is
Love You First Journey
It’s a reminder, a movement, and a lifestyle centered around one truth: you deserve the love you give to everyone else.
This space was created to help you reconnect with yourself — to celebrate your growth, honor your healing, and rediscover your worth. Whether through community events, guided challenges, or moments of mindfulness, we’re here to remind you that loving yourself first isn’t selfish — it’s the foundation of everything.
Our philosophy is rooted in four pillars of self-love — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health — each one guiding you to show up for yourself more intentionally, boldly, and unapologetically.
Because when you learn to love you first… everything else starts to align.
MENTAL
Your mind deserves care and space to breathe. From mindfulness and journaling to therapy and mental breaks, tending to your thoughts creates clarity, resilience, and peace. It’s okay to pause—it’s powerful to heal.
PHYSICAL
Your body is your home—care for it with love. Through joyful movement, deep rest, and nourishing food, we honor what our bodies can do, not just how they look. It’s about feeling strong, balanced, and alive from the inside out.
SPIRITUAL
Whether it’s prayer, meditation, nature, or simply being still—spiritual health grounds you and gives life meaning. It’s about finding connection beyond the everyday noise and leaning into what brings you peace and purpose.
EMOTIONAL
Your feelings matter. Emotional health means embracing every emotion, setting healthy boundaries, and showing yourself grace even in hard seasons. It’s choosing compassion for yourself as much as you give to others.
