Hi, I'm Adrianna 

Hey y’all — I’m the woman behind Velvet 98 — a space built from softness, strength, and layers. I’m currently on the journey to becoming a licensed esthetician, but this blog is more than just skin deep. It’s where I share what life looks like while navigating chronic conditions like PCOS, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and hypertension, all while trying to stay grounded, joyful, and real.

I started Velvet 98 because I got tired of feeling alone in my journey — in my body, in my skin, in my everyday thoughts. I wanted a place where I could talk about real stuff: flare-ups and facials, confidence and comparison, routines and resets. I’ve always believed that beauty isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention. And caring for yourself, even in small ways, is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Here, I’ll be sharing everything from natural skincare routines (using real produce and ingredients), self-care rituals, my esthetician journey, and what it’s really like managing hormonal imbalances and painful skin conditions as a Black woman. I’m not here to sell you the perfect routine — I’m here to walk with you while we figure it out together, one honest post at a time.

Velvet 98 is for the layered girls — the ones who are soft but strong, tired but hopeful, healing but still showing up. If that’s you, welcome. You’re in the right place.