When Cristina Jerome, founder of Off Worque, moved to Los Angeles during the pandemic, her career in marketing was at an all-time high. After working with brands like Topicals, RCA Records, Camille Rose, and more, Jerome soon found that her growing resume created an even greater gap in her time outside of work.
“I realized I was extremely burnt out very quickly,” she tells xoNecole. “I didn't have anything going for myself outside of work, and a lot of my work became my identity.”
After a colleague suggested that she might benefit from taking some time off and using her free time for activities, she realized one problem: she didn’t have any hobbies. This lack of a work-life balance showed Jerome that she not only needed to create a space that prioritized hobbies in her life but also for other individuals in LA experiencing the same challenge.
For Jerome, the Off Worque lifestyle is all about setting healthy boundaries around the time for work and when it’s time to have fun. It aims to “create opportunities through events, workshops, and more for people to relieve burnout, unplug, and connect.”
Today, Off Worque gauges its community interest to curate activities like hikes, sketching in the park, co-working happy hours, paint and sips, and more to meet the needs of its members. “One of the prompts for the Slack group is to tell us your hobbies and the things that you want to try, she says. “It's all coming from the members and what they want to do because they're the heart of this group.”
For xoNecole, Jerome shares her tips on how to cultivate a “worque”/life balance, prevent burnout, and decenter our job titles from our identity.
On how to decenter yourself from your job title and find fulfillment in other areas of life:
“For me, I removed my work from my [social media] bio. That was step number one.
Instagram is kind of a portfolio now, where people go there to see who we are professionally and personally, so I removed it from my bio and put 'very well marketing resume, but I'd rather be off work.' My pinned posts [on Instagram] used to be my projects, but I started to remove my outward [online] appearance from my professional to my personal.”
“I also stopped introducing myself as ‘I’m Cristina and I do XYZ.’ Instead, I say, ‘I’m Cristina and I’m from Virginia.’ That’s been a much better talking point than what I do for work. If someone asks, I'll tell them, but usually people don't ask unless you're really getting into the thick of the conversation.”
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On how to create systems that help prevent burnout:
“I practice the 80/20 mindset and incorporated that into Off Worque. It’s spending 20% of your brain power towards the things that you have to do and spending 80% of your energy doing the things that you want to do. This could be a hiking trip, a hot girl walk, or just going outside to breathe fresh air. For me, my non-negotiables are going outside, getting a coffee, and catching up with friends, and my pottery classes.”
“When it comes to setting boundaries, I would get a lot of anxiety having to email people back, but now, it’s I say, ‘Hey, I got your message. I'll get back to you when I can' and I make my list for when I'm able to get back to people. Nothing is a fire drill, we’re not saving lives.”
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On how to explore hobbies and creativity while maintaining financial stability:
“I'm going to be honest with you — this is not the best advice for everyone, but I quit jobs. I will say, I do have a savings account, and I know a lot of people may not be able to afford to have a savings account, but I've put myself in a position to be able to do that because I know that about myself.”
“To your point, we can not afford to not always have some sort of income coming in and to pay our bills, I just don't give it enough of my brain power. I used to hyperventilate a lot and be like, ‘Oh my God, I have to finish this’ and ‘Oh my God, these people are depending on me,’ but you're gonna get the work done, and you’re going to have something to look forward to after.
"Overall, stability is not a real thing. I've never really gained anything from chasing a bag; I've always gained more from chasing my creativity and being creative, and money always followed. It always works out; you always land on your feet.”
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The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
