How Social Media And Fate Led To This Couple Reconnecting 10 Years Later
During this sit-down conversation, xoNecole spoke with Jayell Climpson (38) and Giselle Climpson (35), a married millennial couple with a shared love for creativity. As successful entrepreneurs, they have found a way to allow their passions to elevate their lifestyle. Giselle is a coach, creator, and consultant, and Jayell runs a radio show and is a music artist and professional.
In fact, it’s their love of entertainment that first united them when they were only teenagers chasing their dreams. However, when they connected ten years later, the pair realized it was something much deeper - maybe even fate - reconnecting them. Keep reading to learn how this couple's single season, spirituality, and shared values help create an unbreakable bond.
xoNecole: So I hear you two have a pretty interesting story! Walk me through how you met the first time and how we got to the present.
Jayell Climpson: Initially, we met back in the day on MySpace. At the time, I was an up-and-coming music artist looking for public relations. Giselle and I connected on that, and before you know it we, were talking on the phone. The whole PR thing just went out the window.
We communicated long distance for almost a year before we met in person. I thought she was attractive from her pictures, but we’re both sapiosexuals - so we’re really all about mental stimulation. Still, it got to a head where she was like, ‘When are you going to come see me?’ So I looked up a Greyhound because she was in Alabama - and I came the next day.
Then we met up in Alabama, had a lot of fun, and I went home. After that, we dated for a while before separating. It wasn’t a bad breakup; we were just busy. I was on tour as a music artist, and she was traveling, on 106 & Park and doing all kinds of things through her dance team. So, it just ended naturally.
Giselle Climpson: Anyway, fast forward about ten years. It was Leo season, and I was living downtown, and decided to get on Tinder - because it was my birthday (laughs), and I saw him! He looked so cute! I did my Googles and saw all he was doing and was proud of him. So, of course, we swiped each other and ended up linking up later on. We’ve been together ever since and got married in spring of 2019.
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xoN: Wow, and so much can change in ten years. So I have to ask, what do you think you both learned during your single season to prepare you?
Giselle: I’m a manifester so I made sure to be very intentional. I didn’t focus on things I didn’t want in a partner, but rather things I did- and I was very clear. I mean, I was like, I want a millennial, music-lover, a man who is really a friend - like all of those things. I didn’t want to be with someone for survival, I knew I wanted to be desired and truly in love.
Jayell: Yeah, a lot of the same for me. Also, a big thing was I learned to trust my instinct. That’s part of the reason we linked back up. Like, I remember seeing something on TV that said the person you end up being with will most likely be someone you’ve been with before. So when I saw that, I started scrolling through my phone, looking at all my ex-girlfriends. I remember thinking it could be her or one other girl. That night, I looked at her Facebook and everything and fell asleep. Next thing you know, a couple of years later, we came back around.
xoN: That’s kinda magical. What was it like seeing each other again after all of those years? Do you remember your first date?
Giselle: Well like I said, it was my birthday weekend. So we met at Atlantic Station (a popular area in Atlanta) while I was just shopping. And I just remember being taken back because he used to be a bit more slender, but he had changed. I was like, oh, he’s a man now! I hadn’t realized how much we had grown because, back then, we were really just kids following our dreams. So now that we were in our late twenties, it was such a realization.
Jayell: I just remember thinking how crazy it was. One of the first things that stood out to me was her intelligence. I was just listening to her thinking, 'She’s a wife.' That was my famous quote. I actually told her that. She has that Goddess gene, she’s full of strength, but she’s also feminine. You don’t meet too many women in their divine feminine.
I just remember thinking how crazy it was. One of the first things that stood out to me was her intelligence. I was just listening to her thinking, 'She’s a wife.' That was my famous quote. I actually told her that. She has that Goddess gene, she’s full of strength, but she’s also feminine. You don’t meet too many women in their divine feminine.
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xoN: Now you both are very in sync - even the way you move. That usually means you really have experienced life together. Can you talk to me about a challenge or adversity you’ve had to grow through together?
Jayell: Like I said we’re very spiritual and we had to learn to meet in the middle. What I mean by that, is her feminine had to embrace her masculine, and my masculine had to embrace my feminine. For example, when we first got together I was so in my masculine - all I wanted to do was work. But when you get married to a woman who revels in her feminine, that’s not going to work. So I had to learn to embrace my feminine by going on vacation, taking time off, and indulging in self-care and love. Loving your work doesn’t mean you’re loving yourself.
Giselle: Yes, just to echo him - I come from a very girly girl world. Like, it was all about me and my girls top-down riding around having fun - like, I didn’t know. There’s nothing wrong with that. But when you decide to get into a relationship with a, man you have to create space for the masculine energy he’ll be in 100% of the time. I still romanticize my life, but he’s really helped ground me. Sometimes girls live for their girls. But when you grow up, you have to be mature in your time and energy and decide what your priorities are. For me, my priorities are my family and our pets. Other things still matter to me for sure, but it’s all about finding balance.
xoN: Finally, I’ll close with this, how did you know this was something special, a relationship that would lead to marriage?
Giselle: For me, I was very focused on my career and creating my dream life. I had never even dated seriously until me and him got together. That’s another plus that we have, we didn’t have serious relationships, or kids or anything like that outside of each other.
But I ’ll be honest, I wanted to like - have his baby, and I never thought about anything like that with another man. It was like, all of a sudden, I wanted to release all of that career-focused mindset. I just wanted to be with him. Also, I didn’t ask anyone any questions. You know how women always have to talk to our girls? I didn’t do that. Of course, I had friends for support. But I felt very grounded in my decision to be with him. It was internal.
Jayell: I’ll take you back to that first date where I said she was a wife. I had a long time to think about that. And I realized she’s not just a wife - it was because she’s my wife - the one for me. Before saying that out loud, I was not even thinking or looking for one. But the simple fact that she came to me so organically, I knew early this was for me.
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Kirby Carroll grew up in VA but now calls Atlanta, GA home. She has a passion for creating content and helping brands grow through storytelling and public relations. When not immersed in work, you can find her sipping a mimosa at brunch or bingeing a new TV drama on Netflix. Keep up with her on social media at @askKirbyCarroll.
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
Although many years have passed since the whirlwind that was 2020, I finally feel like I am settling into a state of rest, joy, and relaxation after two and a half years of feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, and overworked. During that time, I wrote the proposal for my book, Owning Our Struggles. It has been a wonderful journey writing, reflecting, and reveling in what it means to own our struggles, pain, and tragedy in order to make room for joy, love, and liberation.
As I was writing, I found myself immersed in the concept of Black joy and cultural healing. I am a first-generation American who identifies as Black-Hispanic and Afro-Latina. My parents are from Colon, Panama, and San Andres, Colombia. As a child, my parents did not understand mental health concepts or disorders like anxiety and depression, but they were strong advocates for healing and ensuring that joy remained at the center of our lives despite the challenges or hardships we faced.
The lessons they taught me came back to me as I wrote Owning Our Strugglesand reflected on the world of hurt, pain, chaos, and tragedy that surrounds me and the feelings of powerlessness that often arise. Being Black in America can be tough, but it also feels beautiful when I see how Black culture continuously moves the needle in society and our role in advancing our communities and liberating ourselves from oppression.
The celebration of Black joy and the process of cultural healing are critical components of the Black community's resilience and survival. Black joy is a radical act, especially given Black people's historical and ongoing oppression and marginalization. It is a way of resisting the negative stereotypes and narratives that have been perpetuated about Black people for centuries. By celebrating Black joy, we claim our humanity and our right to exist fully and joyfully.
Here are six ways to celebrate Black joy and engage in cultural healing:
1.Connect with your roots:
Learn about your cultural heritage and traditions. This can involve exploring your family history, learning about the history of your ancestors, and the cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. By reconnecting with your roots, you can better understand where you come from and how your cultural identity shapes who you are today.
2.Celebrate cultural events and holidays:
Participate in cultural events and holidays that hold significance for you and your community. Whether it's attending a Juneteenth celebration, a Kwanzaa gathering, or a Black History Month event, these celebrations can provide an opportunity for cultural healing and a sense of community.
3.Engage in creative expression:
Engage in creative activities that allow you to express your emotions and experiences. This can include writing, visual art, music, dance, or spoken word. Creative expression can be a powerful tool for processing emotions, healing from trauma, and celebrating joy.
4.Support Black-owned businesses:
Supporting Black-owned businesses is a way to celebrate Black joy and support economic empowerment within the Black community. Whether buying from a Black-owned restaurant, boutique, or service provider, we can continue supporting our people and communities through financial investments.
5.Build community:
Building community with other Black individuals and allies can be a powerful way to celebrate Black joy and engage in cultural healing. This can involve joining a social group, attending community events, or volunteering with a local organization that supports the Black community.
6.Practice self-care:
Practicing self-care is critical to cultural healing and celebrating Black joy. This can involve taking the time to rest, engaging in activities that bring you joy, prioritizing your mental and physical health, or seeking out support from a therapist or mental health professional.
By embracing Black joy and cultural healing, we resist and disrupt systems of oppression and claim our humanity and right to exist joyfully and fully. Let us continue to give ourselves the life we know we deserve and reclaim the power of community. Order my book, Owning Our Struggles, to gain more tools and exercises on Black joy and liberation.
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Originally published on July 26, 2023