Empowering the Next Generation Through Self-Love
Project Love U was founded by Aubrey Gallione, a former college athlete, competitive NCAA Division I cheerleading coach, cheerleading and dance industry professional, and youth development specialist. Aubrey's passion lies in teaching the importance of self-love and emphasizing the role mental health plays in both athletics and everyday life. After experiencing the tragic loss of a young athlete named Hannah to suicide in 2017, Aubrey dedicated her life to educating young adults about the value of self-love and mental well-being. Through accessible exercises and activities, she strives to equip individuals with the tools to incorporate self-love into their daily lives.
We sat down with Aubrey Gallione, founder of Project Love U, to share her mission of empowering young girls through self-love. Discover how her workshops inspire confidence, mental health, and self-worth in this special Q&A.
What is Project Love U?
Project Love U is a workshop designed to teach the practice of self-love and empower individuals to build confidence and self-esteem from within. Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, team-building exercises, and interactive Q&A sessions, participants learn to embrace their authentic selves and develop meaningful tools for personal growth. This workshop is open to anyone seeking to deepen their self-connection and strengthen their sense of self-worth.
Staggering Statistics
The United States has 12 years of required education but not one class that teaches people how to love themselves and foster a healthy relationship with their body and mind. Most mental health issues develop early in life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14. 75% of mental illnesses develop by age 24. According to the CDC, rates of depression and suicidal ideation increase significantly during adolescence, with a noticeable rise around ages 12 to 17. Studies show that bullying, social media use, and family dynamics can all contribute to low self-esteem and mental health struggles in children and teens.
Early intervention, open communication, and fostering a supportive environment are crucial in addressing these issues and promoting healthy self-esteem. Suicide is a significant concern among young adults. In 2020, it was the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 24. Suicide Prevention Resource Center. While suicide rates are generally higher in older age groups, the impact on young adults remains substantial, with approximately 13.62 suicides per 100,000 individuals aged 15 to 24 in 2022.
How do you define self-love, and why is it so important for girls to learn this at a young age?
For me, the definition of self-love is true self-acceptance. It's the practice of accepting and valuing yourself unconditionally, exactly as you are, without change and without seeking outside validation from others. Self-love is so important to learn at a young age because it truly lays the foundation for everything good in this life. It cultivates a healthy sense of self-worth, resilience, and emotional well-being that guides you through all your relationships and experiences. When children grow up understanding their values and treating themselves with kindness, they build confidence and develop the tools to face challenges with strength. This foundation of self-love empowers them to pursue their dreams, form healthy relationships, and navigate life with a sense of value and purpose.
What advice do you have for parents trying to instill self-love and confidence in their daughters?
Start young. Have those uncomfortable conversations. Be intentional about creating space for open, honest, and vulnerable discussions about what it means to love yourself exactly as you are. The world we live in can be tough, and with just a click, our children have access to endless amounts of information that can shape their self-worth. Social media, societal pressures, and early exposure to unrealistic standards can have a profound impact on how they see themselves.
Moms, your daughters are watching and learning from you. The way you speak to yourself matters deeply. How you talk about your body in front of them, especially when looking in the mirror, sets the tone for how they will view themselves. Let’s model the love, kindness, and respect we want them to give themselves.
It’s incredibly challenging because many of us women never experienced this kind of self-love growing up, and now we’re learning it ourselves while also trying to teach it to our kids. We’re navigating uncharted territory, trying to break cycles and set new examples, all while still figuring it out for ourselves. It’s not easy, but by showing up and doing the work, we can create a healthier, more compassionate environment for our girls to grow in.
What’s been the most surprising or perhaps rewarding thing about starting this organization for you?
The most rewarding thing is getting to carry on Hannah's legacy. The most surprising thing has been the overwhelming love and support I’ve received. The messages from strangers saying, “I wish I would’ve experienced and learned self-love like this at a young age,” have been deeply moving. The most rewarding part is knowing that I’m walking in my purpose. By being vulnerable and sharing the traumatic experiences I’ve gone through, I’m able to help others feel less alone. There’s no better feeling than watching a girl light up with confidence at the end of the workshop when she realizes that the things she once saw as flaws are actually what make her uniquely beautiful.
Can you share with us a bit of what is covered in your workshops?
Our workshop is packed with hands-on activities that keep the mind and body engaged, making it easier to absorb and retain information. We have open, honest conversations about what self-love truly means and how to incorporate it into our daily lives. Together, we explore the impact of body image and how societal pressures shape the way we view ourselves. We also discuss practical ways to combat these narratives and embrace self-acceptance. Through interactive exercises, participants are encouraged to connect more deeply with themselves while building meaningful relationships with others, fostering an environment of growth, confidence, and empowerment.
Where do you see Project Love U in the next 5 years?
I envision Project Love U as a transformative force that positively impacts lives far beyond just a workshop. I see it growing into a brand—a movement—that becomes a staple for young people and also adults my age. I see it as a space where individuals can connect, learn, and grow, fostering self-love and confidence at every stage of life. I imagine it becoming a beacon of empowerment, inspiring countless people to embrace their authenticity.
What message do you hope every young girl and her parents take away from their experience with Project Love U?
If there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s that you are always enough, just as you are, and the world is undeniably a better place because you’re in it.
To inquire about experiencing a workshop reach out to Aubrey at Aubreyprojectloveu@gmail.com
Thank you, Aubrey, for sharing the heart behind Project Love U. To learn more about her mission or to book a workshop, visit www.projectloveu.co or follow @_projectloveu on Instagram. Let’s continue empowering young girls to embrace self-love and confidence!