We recently connected with Stella W. and have shared our conversation below.
Stella, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
Being a writer, I have asked myself this question too many times to count. So much of anything I have ever written or created stems from this profound desire to leave a mark and change someone’s life. Create something bigger than my physical existence to last longer than a conversation or an ex-lover’s grief. In a post-COVID world where reality seems to have faded into screens, and the fresh pages of books now light up the night, I found myself yearning for something more. Over the past few years, as the world transformed into something unrecognizable, the act of writing became my refuge. Speaking aloud couldn’t soothe the aching confusion of our ever-changing reality. Desperate to recapture the essence of who I once was, the pen and paper reunited with my mind and soul, connecting me to a better version of myself from years past. I’ve been a writer since before I can remember, crafting words that did more for me than I ever realized. These words are beautiful beings, floating within the ether of moments and memories. It’s from this ethereal space that the WearingWords apparel line was born.
I found myself donning clothing that didn’t quite feel like an extension of me, garments that concealed rather than celebrated what I wanted to share with the world. Often, I wore someone else’s message or art without fully comprehending its meaning. That was until I discovered the transformative power of wearing the words I wrote.
Whether it was for myself, a moment of introspection, or to gift a friend, lover, or family member, these words became a source of solace, a way to overcome or forget, and a means to summon strength and channel a power I never wanted to lose again. The might of words lies in the strength we give them, and once I began wearing clothes adorned with words of beauty, strength, and love, I knew I couldn’t be the only one yearning for such empowerment.
WearingWords was born out of the belief that our words are infinite and words are love. Self-expression stands as the purest form of human communication, something we, as humans, must wholeheartedly share. Poetry, especially, holds a special place in our hearts. Its inherent beauty and emotional impact serve as a guiding light during our darkest days and brightest nights. Ethan Hawke once remarked about poetry in the context of human creativity:
“Well, most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about poetry, right? They have a life to live, and they’re not that concerned with Allen Ginsberg’s poems or anyone’s poems—until their father dies, they attend a funeral, they lose a child, or someone breaks their heart. And all of a sudden, they’re desperate for making sense out of this life.” – Ethan Hawke, TED
Poetry can help us make sense of life’s myriad complexities, if we let it. Words evolve into poetry, transcending the human experience in ways we could never have imagined. My words are my legacy. My written words are what will (with my utmost hope) last throughout the ages. By creating an apparel line with those same words, I hope to be remembered for wanting to forge a connection deeper than the realms of what we have been led into. I hope that the history of my life will change the course of my fellow humans, showing them the beauty of individuality and the saving grace that poetry is and always will be.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is S.W. I am a published poet, author, and now, proud apparel line creator and owner. I love cider, dive bars, murder mysteries, and writing every chance I get.
I write so every day feels like a dream and because I am a firm believer that written words make this world a better place to be a part of. So that is what I have set out to do- write words in poetry or stories that can further help those in need of support. We all have that one film, book, story, poem, or song that has gotten us through a hard time. That has helped us realize the good times. Or that makes us smile whenever we think about it. That is what I want my writing and anything I create to do.
I am most proud that despite the pressure of responsibility or the days that seem dark, writing is still the constant in my life. I guess I am more proud that writing has never left me. That creativity and inspiration still swim within my mind and electrify my being. And that it’s within the writing I care. I care immensely and want nothing more than those words to help anyone who reads them. To help you who reading this and make you feel better or maybe just a little less of anything bad.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Staying true to what drives you, to what moves you. As soon as you stop making or creating for yourself, you lose sight of your clientele. When I first started out with my marketing and social media strategy, I solely created content that made me happy. And yes, although it’s immensely important to cater to your niche audience, I found it’s also equally important to stay consistent with your creation. Once you lose that motivation and inspiration behind your work, everything else can easily implode. I lost momentum when I tried to overwhelmingly cater to a larger demographic. I got lost in the shuffle of platform options, and content strategies, and tried to fit into a mold I never wanted to be a part of. Thus, remembering why I started in the first place and what creations made me happiest, brought me back to where I am now.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Consistency, creativity, and community. My biggest mistake was thinking I was an island and everyone would swim to me. In fact, once I came to terms with being a small fish in the most immense sea, I was humbled into a vast world of support and kindness. Staying consistent with your goals, and catering to your creativity to pursue and accomplish those goals, while being part of a community that you mutually benefit are some of the best ways I have found to continue effective growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wordsbysw.com
- Instagram: @wordsbysw
- Facebook: wordsbysw
Image Credits
Sonia Dali @soniadali_official