We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Asha Reaves. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Asha below.
Hi Asha, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Oh, where do I even begin? The journey behind More Life Brand isn’t just a story; it’s a piece of my heart and a true resonance of my identity. The very essence of this mission found its roots in one of the most challenging moments of my life—the loss of a close loved one to the devastating act of suicide. This event didn’t just leave a void; it shattered my world view, urging me to reexamine my values and the impact I wished to imprint on the world. Initially, this profound loss nearly nudged me towards the brink of giving up on my college dreams. However, as I navigated through the haze of grief, a realization dawned upon me. I discovered a powerful way to channel my experience into a beacon of hope for others. It became seemingly evident that appearances deceive, that beneath the brightest smiles could lie a turmoil unseen and unspoken. This understanding transformed my vision, leading me to pivot from my initial business “pretty apparel” aimed at uplifting young girls and women, to advocating passionately for mental health and suicide prevention awareness. It was no longer about the external; it was about nurturing the internal, about kindling a light in the darkest corners of our lives.
The turning point came when I embraced the opportunity to work at a psychiatric hospital, engaging closely with children and adolescents grappling with mental health issues so severe they teetered on the edge of despair. Every day spent with these brave young souls, I was reminded of my why. It was here, amidst their stories of struggle and resilience, that I found my calling. The More Life Brand ceased to be just a business; it became a mission, a pledge to fight the shadows with a spectrum of understanding, compassion, and unwavering support. Through this journey, I’ve learned that to touch a heart, to save a life, is to gift the world infinite possibilities. And that, dear interviewer, is the story, the heartbeat, of More Life Brand.
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?
The More Life Brand is like a beacon of optimism and support in today’s world. At the heart of our brand is a deep commitment to enhancing mental wellness and emotional resilience. Our flagship product, the mental health workbook and journal named “Isn’t It Obvious? This is my happy face,” is a gentle, yet powerful, invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Crafted with love, this workbook is a treasure trove of insights into emotional intelligence, stress management, and crisis management. It’s like having a warm, understanding friend by your side, guiding you through the ups and downs of life with empathy and wisdom. The More Life Brand extends its embrace through a line of apparel that speaks volumes, quite literally. Our hoodies and t-shirts are adorned with messages of strength and resilience, designed not just to comfort the body, but also to uplift the spirit. It’s almost like wearing a hug that whispers, “You’ve got this,” on a day when you need it the most. That’s the kind of support and affirmation our apparel aims to provide. It’s about wearing your heart on your sleeve and finding kinship in shared human experiences.
In essence, The More Life Brand is more than just a collection of products. It’s a movement towards a more understanding, resilient, and emotionally intelligent world. Every workbook, every hoodie, every t-shirt carries a piece of our heart – our belief in the power of kindness, the strength found in vulnerability, and the incredible journey that is mental health. Whether you’re taking your first steps towards understanding your emotions or you’re looking to spread a message of hope and resilience, we’re here with open arms. Welcome to The More Life Brand, where every product is a step towards a brighter, more understanding world.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I used to live by the mantra “in everything you do, aim for perfection.” It’s like trying to catch a cloud with your bare hands—charming in theory but impossible in practice. On the surface, it sounded like a noble pursuit. It propelled me forward, fueled by an insatiable drive for excellence in every task I undertook. I was so busy chasing perfection, I forgot to pause and bask in the achievements along the way. I had to unlearn aiming for perfectionism so that I could learn how to celebrate myself. This relentless pursuit of perfection was a double-edged sword. Yes, it made me incredibly motivated and always striving to improve, but it also meant I never stopped to celebrate my victories, no matter how small. To me, they were just stepping stones, never quite good enough because they weren’t “perfect.” It’s like baking the most delicious cake but never allowing yourself a slice because it didn’t look exactly like the one in the cookbook. I realized that what had been perceived as humility was actually a shadow of self-doubt. It was a lightbulb moment that changed everything.
Unlearning this notion of perfectionism wasn’t just about self-improvement; it was about self-discovery and embracing the beauty of imperfection. I was learning to dance in the rain instead of waiting for the storm to pass. This shift in mindset had a profound impact, especially on my entrepreneurial journey. I discovered that by not celebrating my own achievements, I was inadvertently holding my business back. I was waiting for the “perfect” moment to promote it, which, of course, never came. Letting go of this unattainable standard of perfection allowed me to truly appreciate my accomplishments and, more importantly, myself. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most imperfect moments can lead to the most remarkable achievements.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
The More Life Brand uses a customized website design along with a personal domain. I built our website myself from scratch. This was extremely time consuming. Building a website is no small feat. If you are not very tech savvy or simply to have the time this is probably not the best option for you. In high school I was pretty invested in graphic design, which is when I learned how to build and design websites. Many businesses owners that I know simply pay someone else for the work as it can be very confusing. This can get pretty pricey but in my opinion it is worth it. Typically any online eCommerce platform will charge some type of fee and/or take a small percentage of earnings. I would say one of the biggest perks is really having no boundaries around what you can do with your website and making it exactly how you want. The More Life Brand website is extremely professional and mirrors many other big company websites. You can create a log in and profile, follow other members, make posts, ect,.. The possibilities are honestly endless. I would say for someone starting off it may be a lot easier to work with a platform that will bring traffic to your business in order to hopefully boost exposure and sales. Here are some key points to think about when considering website development, :
Pros of building your website yourself:
– Cost-effective: Building the website yourself can save money on hiring a professional web developer.
– Creative control: You have the freedom to design the website exactly how you envision it without any compromises.
– Learning opportunity: Building a website from scratch can be a valuable learning experience, allowing you to acquire new skills in web development and design.
Cons of building your website yourself:
– Time-consuming: Constructing a website from the ground up requires a significant time investment, especially if you are new to web development.
– Technical skills required: Without prior knowledge of coding languages and web design principles, building a website can be challenging.
– Limited support: When facing technical issues or complex functionalities, troubleshooting on your own can be daunting.
Ultimately, whether you choose to build your website independently or hire a professional, the goal is to create a user-friendly, visually appealing platform that effectively represents your brand and engages your target audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themorelifebrand.com
- Instagram: themorelifebrand
- Facebook: The MoreLife Brand
- Linkedin: Asha Reaves
Image Credits
Albert Jones