Today we’d like to introduce you to Alissa Tillman.
Hi Alissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
HYLY started as a personal journey of self discovery. Back in 2019, I found myself in a really low place. I always say I was “a hot mess,” because that’s honestly how I felt. I was disconnected, unsure of who I was, and just overall lost. I ended up moving back to my mom’s house to reset. I didn’t have any direction, but I knew I wanted a sense of purpose.
That season became a turning point for me. I started looking inward and something really beautiful started to happen. I taught myself how to love me. YouTube was my therapist, I learned about journaling, mirror work, mindfulness and healing techniques. I created a gym routine, changed my eating habits and went on a sobriety journey. It was a complete 180 from my previous lifestyle. And little by little, I was peeling back layers of my self doubt and started connecting with myself in a way I never had before.
One day while recording a video, the phrase “HUG YOSELF & LOVE YOSELF” just flew out of my mouth. I hadn’t planned it or written it down—it manifested itself.
At first, I thought the saying would just be an intro to my videos. But as I transformed, so did the vision. It became important to me to share with other women and girls how they too can get out of self-doubt, insecurity, and confusion like I did. That’s how Paint & Grow came about. My go to workshop for bringing people together to heal.
Fast forward, HYLY is now a nonprofit foundation dedicated to inspire girls to grow, heal, and connect—with themselves and with others. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and events, we encourage confidence, resilience, and self-love from the inside out.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, it has definitely not been a smooth road. When I started this journey, I was in a place of depression, insecurity and self sabotage. I didn’t have a clear plan or roadmap, I just knew I didn’t want to feel worthless anymore. So, in the beginning, the biggest challenge was facing myself. Letting go of the habits and mindsets that kept me small. Like avoidance, people pleasing and negative self talk.
And on the nonprofit side, there is still learning curves. Trying to figure out funding, building a team, and staying grounded in the mission when life is lifeing. But every struggle has brought wisdom, and each challenge has deepened my faith with myself.
We’ve been impressed with HUG YOSELF & LOVE YOSELF, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
HUG YOSELF & LOVE YOSELF (HYLY) is more than a brand, it’s a mindset. We’re here to inspire girls to release self-doubt and embrace self-love through acceptance, accountability, and intentional action.
We specialize in helping girls break free from stagnant, disempowered thinking and step into purpose-driven, action-taking mindsets. Whether through creative workshops, one-on-one coaching, or wellness events, everything we offer is rooted in self-awareness and kindness.
What sets us apart is our belief that when a girl changes her mindset, she doesn’t just change her life—she changes generations. We’re not just teaching self-love; we’re breaking generational cycles.
I’m most proud that HYLY is real. It’s authentic, energetic, and Pink!
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is when I’m showing up fully, for myself and for the things I truly desire. I’m not someone who’s satisfied with complacency or mediocrity. When I do something I once thought I couldn’t, it gives me a deep sense of joy. That’s when I know I’m evolving, becoming, and aligning with the woman I say I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hugyoselfloveyoself.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugyoself.loveyoself?igsh=bnNzbjNuZGh1bjFt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1QTYHhRA75/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Muhammad Delane
Sajaad Delane
Marilyn Miner
Lolita Bryant-Moye
