We recently connected with Jay Coleman and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I definitely wish I had started my business sooner.

I launched Sincerely, An Introvert just over a year ago. At the time, my career was going incredibly well. I had achieved success and recognition in my field, but deep down, I always felt that there was something more for me out there. I had a burning passion for creating a brand that catered specifically to introverts, acknowledging their unique needs and providing them with comfort and solace in the form of loungewear.

If I had started my business sooner, it would have had a profound impact on my life and career trajectory. Looking back, I realize that I spent a considerable amount of time contemplating and doubting whether to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. I often wondered if the timing was right, if I had enough experience, or if I was ready to take on the challenges of starting a business.

Starting earlier would have allowed me to tap into my passion and purpose sooner. I would have had the opportunity to connect with fellow introverts and offer them a sense of belonging through our products. Additionally, being an early entrant in the market would have given me a competitive edge and allowed me to establish a stronger brand presence.

Furthermore, launching my business earlier would have given me more time to refine my product line and build a loyal customer base. I could have utilized the extra time to experiment with different designs, materials, and marketing strategies, ensuring that I am delivering the best possible experience to my customers.

In terms of my career, starting sooner would have meant transitioning earlier from my successful but unfulfilling professional path. I would have been able to embrace entrepreneurship and devote my time and energy to building Sincerely, An Introvert into a thriving brand. Although my career was going well, I always knew there was a part of me that was unfulfilled, a part that yearned to make a difference in the lives of introverts around the world.

Reflecting on my journey, I can’t help but wish I had started Sincerely, An Introvert sooner. However, I also believe that everything happens for a reason, and the timing was ultimately right for me to embark on this adventure when I did. The experiences and lessons I gained along the way have shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. I am grateful for the path that led me here, and I am excited about the future as I continue to build a brand that truly speaks to introverts and celebrates their unique qualities.

Jay, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Jay, and I am the owner and founder of Sincerely, An Introvert. As a lifelong introvert, I have always found it challenging to find clothing that truly reflects my introverted thoughts. I noticed that most so-called “introvert” clothing tended to focus on stereotypical introvert traits, such as being quiet or shy. But there is so much more to introverts than meets the eye. I wanted to create a brand that highlighted the witty, funny, and creative parts of introverts that often go overlooked. This frustration and desire for genuine representation led to the birth of Sincerely, An Introvert. I wanted to provide a platform for introverts to express themselves authentically through clothing, to celebrate the unique and often misunderstood aspects of our introverted nature. By embracing and showcasing the diversity of introverted personalities, I aimed to create a brand that resonated with introverts on a deeper level.

At Sincerely, An Introvert, we specialize in introverted loungewear. Our product line includes a variety of comfortable and stylish tees, hoodies, and sweatshirts. Each design is inspired by true introverted thoughts, capturing the essence of introvert expression. We pay attention to the details, from the quality of the materials to the fit and style of our garments, ensuring that our customers feel comfortable and confident in their clothing.

What sets Sincerely, An Introvert apart is our authenticity. As the founder, I am a true introvert myself, and my designs reflect genuine introverted thoughts and expressions. I understand the intricacies of the introvert experience because I live it every day. It’s not just about depicting introverted traits; it’s about capturing the essence of introvert expression in a way that is relatable and empowering.

Authenticity is at the core of our brand. We don’t rely on clichés or stereotypes; instead, we embrace our uniqueness and celebrate it. Our designs and content embody true introvert expression, encouraging introverts to embrace their individuality and find solace in their own authenticity. We want our customers to feel seen, understood, and proud of who they are as introverts.

I am incredibly proud of the community we have built at Sincerely, An Introvert. It’s more than just a brand; it’s a movement that celebrates introversion and encourages self-expression. I want potential clients and fans to know that our brand is a safe space for introverts to find comfort, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. We strive to create high-quality products that not only make introverts feel good on the outside but also empower them to embrace their introverted nature with confidence. Our designs are meant to spark conversation, bring a smile to your face, and remind you that being an introvert is something to be proud of.

So, whether you’re an introvert looking for comfortable and stylish loungewear that truly represents you, or someone who wants to support and understand the introvert experience, I invite you to join our community at Sincerely, An Introvert. Together, let’s celebrate the power of introversion and embrace our authentic selves.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn on my journey as an introvert entrepreneur was the belief that introverts aren’t suited for entrepreneurship. Society often values or even overvalues extroverted qualities, with the assumption that those are the only qualities that lead to success in business. This prevailing notion can make introverts doubt their own capabilities and question whether they have what it takes to thrive as entrepreneurs.

However, through my own experiences and self-reflection, I have come to realize that not only can introverts be entrepreneurs, but we are uniquely suited to excel in the entrepreneurial space. Our introverted qualities provide us with valuable strengths and perspectives that can set us apart.

As introverts, we tend to be deep thinkers and observers. We excel in reflection and introspection, allowing us to analyze situations and make thoughtful decisions. This ability to dive deep into our thoughts and ideas enables us to develop innovative solutions and identify opportunities that others may overlook. We bring a level of depth and insight to our work that can be truly valuable in entrepreneurship.

Moreover, introverts have a natural inclination towards focused work and deep concentration. We thrive in environments that allow us to dive into our projects, working diligently and persistently until we achieve our goals. This ability to harness our energy and concentrate deeply on our work allows us to bring a level of dedication and meticulousness to our entrepreneurial endeavors.

Introverts also possess strong listening and empathetic skills. We have a genuine interest in understanding others and their needs, which translates into building meaningful connections and fostering authentic relationships. These qualities are invaluable in business, as they allow us to connect with customers, clients, and partners on a deeper level, truly understanding their needs and delivering tailored solutions.

Furthermore, our preference for solitude and reflection provides us with the space and time to think strategically, plan effectively, and recharge our energy. This ability to tap into our inner world and find solace in quiet moments allows us to make thoughtful decisions, envision long-term goals, and maintain our resilience in the face of challenges.

Through embracing my introverted qualities, I have come to recognize the unique strengths they bring to entrepreneurship. It is not about conforming to extroverted ideals but rather leveraging our authentic selves to create meaningful connections, develop innovative solutions, and build successful businesses.

So, the lesson I had to unlearn was that introverts aren’t suited for entrepreneurship. In reality, our introverted qualities make us uniquely equipped to succeed in this space. By embracing our strengths, honoring our need for solitude, and valuing our authentic selves, introverts can create businesses that not only thrive but also make a positive impact on the world.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

This may sound really simple, but I built my audience on social media by being myself and telling my story. I shared my journey as an introvert entrepreneur, the challenges I faced, and the victories I celebrated. I opened up about my experiences, my thoughts, and my vision for Sincerely, An Introvert.

To my surprise and gratitude, there were many people out there who resonated with my story. They shared their own experiences, struggles, and triumphs as introverts. Through our shared connection, we formed a community of like-minded individuals who found solace and inspiration in our collective journey.

If I were to give any advice to those just starting to build their social media presence, it would be this: tell your story. Get out of your own way and trust that someone out there is going to resonate with your story. Share your authentic experiences, thoughts, and passions. Be vulnerable, be genuine, and let your uniqueness shine through.

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with others who share similar experiences and interests. By being true to yourself and sharing your story, you will attract the right audience, the people who truly resonate with what you have to say. Don’t worry about trying to please everyone or conforming to what you think others want to hear. Embrace your authenticity, and trust that your message will find its way to those who need to hear it.

It sounds like a cliche, but be yourself, tell your story, and trust that there are people out there who will connect with your message.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sincerelyanintrovert.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincerelyanintrovert
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sincerelyanintrovert

Image Credits
Jasmine Nelson Photography