Is this thing on?

Hey friend,

So here’s the thing: I’ve been writing to you for a while now—sending little reflections, heart dumps, and late-night thoughts into this cozy digital space—and it just hit me…

I’ve never properly introduced myself.

Which is very on-brand for me, honestly. I’m the girl who will be deep in a heart-to-heart at brunch before you even know my last name. But let’s fix that, shall we?

I’m Angel Jae’. I’m the voice behind Nurtured Notes.

Born on the island of Puerto Rico. Spent half my life in Boston, MA ads the other in Coastal Virginia, where I currently still reside. Mama of three under 8. Lover of soft mornings and deep conversations. Writer of everything from journal entries to cultural think pieces to letters I probably should’ve sent but didn’t.

I love doughnuts and pastries. Don’t tempt me with a good time.

I love a good lil’ cocktail.

I believe walking is a great form of exercise and therapy all in one.

I’m a lover girl. A lil sensitive.

I’ve been writing since I was 11. It started with song lyrics for church (yes, ma’am—very much a praise & worship pen back in the day but not no more! That’s another story), then short stories for school, and eventually long, dramatic journal entries in notebooks I kept under my bed. Writing has always been how I process the world. How I survive it. How I make sense of the messy, the mundane, the magical.

I started this Substack in the middle of postpartum fog—tired, teary, and feeling like I was disappearing into the background of my own life. I needed a space that felt like mine. Somewhere I could be both soft and sharp. Somewhere I could write like nobody was watching but still secretly hope someone was.

This space became my way of reaching out.

Not shouting—but whispering:

“Hey. You too? You feel this too?”

What you’ll find here?

Stories about motherhood, womanhood, my culture, healing, identity, food, faith, and freedom.

Sometimes it’s a letter.

Sometimes a mini-essay.

Sometimes it’s just a little note I hope lands in your spirit like a hug.

My writing isn’t polished on purpose.

It’s honest. Tender. A little scrappy.

Like your homegirl telling you the truth on your couch with a glass of wine.

Fun fact? I got married at 19, divorced by 21, and somehow still believe in big love. Hahahaha.

I’m bilingual (Spanglish is a love language in this house), a little bit introverted, a little bit silly, and definitely still a work in progress.

If nothing else, I hope this space reminds you you’re not alone. That softness is still power. That storytelling is sacred. That you’re allowed to be messy and magical all at once.

So now that you know me…

Tell me something about you.

Drop a comment, hit reply, or just vibe quietly in the background. Either way, I’m grateful you’re here.

With love + notes,

Angel Jae’