Couple-Care is a monthly series highlighting inspiring couples in our community. Each couple discusses how “couple-care” sustains their relationship, the self-care lessons they’ve learned from one another, and more.
Darian Hall and Krystle Wilson have the quintessential New York romance most only dream of. After they first locked eyes at a rooftop pool in Brooklyn, what felt like a casual encounter turned into a moment they’d remember for the rest of their lives. “I asked Krystle to join me for drinks at a cozy wine bar in Fort Greene,” Hall tells ESSENCE about their second “date.” “I joke with Krystle that it wasn’t a date, but I knew by the end of the night she would be someone special in my life.”
As the founder of HealHaus and The HealHaus Foundation, mental health and wellness is at the center of Darian’s being—and relationship. “I created HealHaus because I saw that Black people weren’t being centered in many wellness spaces, so I wanted to build something where we could prioritize our mental health and care,” he says. Bringing the same care to his love for Krystle, the foundation of the New York-born couple’s relationship is a shared interest in cultivating safe spaces.
Krystle, the founder and lead organizing consultant at Everything Clear, started her business after facing life-changing transitions right before the pandemic. “Close friends of mine asked me to help them organize their spaces after seeing what impact it had on the well-being of me and my children,” she says. “That’s when I realized the work I was doing was also therapeutic.”
Splitting her time between organizing and being signed to one of the top model agencies in the world, Elite Model Management, their relationship is centered around beauty, wellness, and deeper meaning. “The first month of our relationship was a complete whirlwind,’ she recalls. Since the beginning of their love story four years ago, their connection has long been full of intention. From hanging out after work to skipping town on the weekends, “I loved that he wasn’t afraid to go deep in those initial conversations,” she says. “I also noticed how he consistently lifted me up by reminding me of all my talents and who I was as a person and mother.”
Now, the couple is newly engaged. “Despite Krystle’s curiosity and insistent questioning, I was able to surprise her and had the plan go off without a hitch,” Darian laughs. He proposed at Casa Gilardi in Mexico City, which is the last built house by renowned architect Luis Barragan, then arranged an engagement photoshoot with a visual artist directly after. “That was an amazing day and weekend we spent together.”
Below, the fiancés go into detail about what couple-care means to their relationship, how they stay grounded, and more.
Their Favorite Couple-Care Memory
Darian: One of the many things that attracted us to one another was our love for traveling and music. In our early days of dating we traveled pretty frequently. One of my favorite early memories was seeing a Burna Boy concert in Antigua, where Krystle’s family is from. That was a moment when we were at our happiest.
Krystle: One of my favorite couple care memories is the surprise picnic I planned for Darian a few months into our relationship. I thought it would be the perfect way to show him how much I appreciated him after being on the receiving end of so many intentional dates. I pulled out my picnic basket, blanket and pillows, I cooked everything from scratch, and found a beautiful, secluded spot overlooking the water. I even made flower arrangements and created a special playlist—it was beautiful.
Darian: She definitely went all out with the picnic. I loved it!
Their Individual Self-Care Rituals
Darian: I have a few things I’ve implemented that are part of my current routine. I have turned off my email notifications before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:30 PM. I still check my emails at my convenience but not receiving the constant dinging has helped the urge to respond to every email right away. I have a skin care routine. No ten-step routine or anything too crazy, but I think my dermatologist would be happy I follow her daily sunscreen directions.
Lastly, I am beginning to learn and implement practices of stoicism. We are inundated with so much throughout our daily lives and it’s important to have a positive outlook and to accept the things we can’t control. I also do my best not create fake scenarios that create unnecessary stress.
Krystle: My self care routine fluctuates. Sometimes I’m deep in my self-care bag and at other times it falls by the wayside, but I give myself grace. My morning routine is important because it sets the tone for the rest of my day. I always find time to make my bed in the morning and do a quick 10-minute cleanup.
I need my space organized and in order to feel centered, happy and focused. I do therapy once a week and try to do a combination of running and yoga at least 3 times a week. I also love buying fresh produce to make home cooked meals during the week. Small acts like eating breakfast off my floral vintage plates and grabbing flowers from the grocery store makes me so happy!
For my beauty routine, I use Curl Queen’s Intense Therapy Masque weekly. I love the aroma and how quickly it detangles my super tight curls. It has done wonders to keep my hair hydrated. My skin is very sensitive and reactive, so I lean towards products that have natural ingredients. Katini Skin’s Celestial Night Serum and Signature Body Oil is my go-to keep my face and body hydrated, even and glowy.
Their Couple-Care Rituals
Darian: Krystle is more outdoorsy than me. Though I was reluctant at first, I’ve come to enjoy the times we’ve taken trips upstate to go hiking. The drive up state is also a time to re-connect with each other and listen to our favorite music. Being out of the city allows me to slow down a bit and re-ground myself.
Krystle: Darian has introduced me to jazz bars, listening rooms and I can always count on him to secure concert tickets to see our favorite artists. I can never forget the feeling of singing Jill Scott’s Who Is Jill Scott? Vol. 1 in unison together as we watched her perform the full album at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, it was magic. Creating these memories together is always a treat. Other than music, we also enjoy spa dates and walks through Central Park.
The Self-Care Lessons They’ve Learned From One Another
Darian: Krystle loves to find the romance in life. She will buy flowers and candles for the home, which is something I never really did when I lived alone. I now have a different appreciation and value for these simple touches that add love and care into our world.
Krystle: I’ve learned a lot from Darian when it comes to faith. I love his ability to not let outside factors that aren’t in our control distract him from his goals. It’s admirable.
The Products They’ve Introduced to One Another
Darian: I have to admit, I love the eye mask she got me. She’s a morning person, so the eye mask has definitely been helpful. I’m a person that needs a full 8 hours of sleep. She also upgraded my moisturizer game.
Krystle: Darian’s consistency with his routines helps me stay on track with mine. He’s always reminding me to reapply my sunscreen, which I often forget to do when I’m busy carrying on in the sunshine!
Why Couple-Care is Important to Them
Darian: Living in New York and starting a new life together can feel overwhelming at times. It’s so much going on with our careers and family life that it’s easy to forget about our individual and collective needs if we are not intentional about prioritizing it. Carving out our “couple-care” routine keeps us connected and happy.
Credits:
Photographed & styled by: Tyler Okuns
Krystle, look one: Adam Lippes top and pants.
Darian, look one: Todd Snyder sweater.
Krystle, look two: Diotima top and pants.
Darian, look two: Johnathan Simkhai cardigan.