We were lucky to catch up with Endira Stewart recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Endira, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I appreciate this question as it genuinely doesn’t come up as often as you would think. The goal of it all is to increase the use of positive talk in everyone’s daily lives. I struggled growing up to talk kindly to myself and that eventually made it really easy to not talk kindly about others as well. Battling different mental illnesses without the knowledge of what it all was started to take its toll on me, and I fought myself more than any other being on Earth.
I wanted to come out of it, and the practice of using affirmations where I could started to become a tool of mine. I put affirmations on my mirror and then they showed up in my journals. I have a friend who influenced this brand extremely as she told me once, ‘I love your energy, I wish I could put you in my pocket and take you everywhere.’ This statement was the realization to me that what I was doing for myself was showing up externally as well.
The brand started as affirmation jars, SOL Jars, I called them. They resembled sunflowers, and inside were handwritten affirmations by yours truly to give whoever had it in their hand, a dose of SOL. My SOL card decks were not created until about 2 years after when I discovered the demand for products like mine. It is a gift to create something that keeps giving, no matter how long it has been.
The brand was founded in 2020, and it continues to grow to this day as we begin 2024. Today, I make affirmation tools and products for those who may have trouble finding the words themselves, as I still fight the fight today. It’s progress, not perfection, and I want to do all I can as a combined creative and business owner to provide what I can.”
“S.O.L.” stands for “Shout Out Loud,” which is what I hope everyone does when they talk kindly to themselves or another. Self love is beautiful and ever-growing.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Endira, though most people call me ‘Endi’. From a young age, I found solace in creativity – painting, photography, and dance were my sanctuaries. However, beneath the surface, I was grappling with severe depression and borderline personality disorder, a struggle I didn’t fully understand until my late teens.
For years, negative thoughts plagued my mind, leaving me feeling lost and overwhelmed. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon affirmations that I began to find some semblance of peace. I started incorporating them into my daily life, from writing them in my journal to adorning my clothes with uplifting messages.
Witnessing the positive impact of affirmations firsthand, especially when I gifted an affirmation jar to my mom, ignited a passion within me to share this tool for self-healing with others. But I didn’t stop there. Recognizing the therapeutic power of movement, I began hosting dance parties and sharing yoga practices as additional avenues for healing.
What sets my approach apart is my commitment to transparency. I’m not afraid to acknowledge my own struggles with mental health, and I believe that sharing my journey authentically can offer hope and support to others facing similar challenges.
Today, my mission is clear: to use my experiences to uplift and inspire others on their own paths toward healing and self-discovery. While my journey may have been tumultuous at times, I’ve emerged stronger and more determined than ever to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I built my audience on social media through a journey of authenticity and connection. Initially, I started by defining my brand’s core values and purpose, which formed the foundation of my content strategy. Every post, story, or video I shared aimed to resonate with these values, creating a consistent and genuine representation of my brand.
Consistency was key. I made sure to show up regularly, engaging with my audience through meaningful interactions. Whether it was responding to comments, joining relevant conversations, or sharing user-generated content, I focused on building a community rather than just followers.
Collaboration played a significant role in expanding my reach. By partnering with like-minded individuals, influencers, or brands, I tapped into new audiences who shared similar interests. These collaborations not only introduced my brand to new followers but also reinforced its credibility within the niche.
Learning from analytics was essential in refining my approach. I paid attention to which content resonated most with my audience, analyzing metrics such as engagement rates, click-throughs, and demographic insights. This data-driven approach allowed me to tailor my content more effectively, ensuring it remained relevant and engaging.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to stay true to your brand’s identity. Authenticity is what sets you apart in a crowded digital landscape. Focus on creating valuable content that genuinely connects with your audience, rather than chasing trends or trying to appeal to everyone.
Consistency is key. Establish a regular posting schedule and stick to it. Consistency builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.
Engage with your audience authentically. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions. Show appreciation for their support and make them feel valued.
Don’t underestimate the power of collaboration. Partner with others in your niche to expand your reach and tap into new audiences.
Finally, be patient and persistent. Building a social media presence takes time and effort. Stay committed to your vision, and remember that every interaction counts towards building a stronger connection with your audience.
By staying true to yourself, remaining consistent, engaging authentically, collaborating strategically, and being patient, you’ll gradually cultivate a loyal and engaged audience who resonates deeply with your brand.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
Yes, I manufacture my products, although I’ve transitioned from making them entirely by hand to now utilizing a third-party manufacturer. When I first started my brand, I began by creating each product meticulously using tools like the Cricut and screen printing. While this allowed me to maintain complete control over the production process, as my brand grew, I realized the limitations of handmade production in meeting the increasing demand.
Transitioning to a third-party manufacturer was a significant decision for my brand. Initially, I didn’t have extensive experience with outsourcing manufacturing, so I had to navigate this transition carefully. I spent considerable time researching potential vendors, seeking out those with a track record of quality, reliability, and ethical practices that aligned with my brand values.
Finding the right manufacturer was a process of trial and error. I reached out to various vendors, requested samples, and evaluated their capabilities and communication. Ultimately, I found a manufacturing partner who not only met my quality standards but also shared my passion for delivering products that uplift and inspire.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons about manufacturing a product. One of the most important lessons is the significance of clear communication and transparency with your manufacturing partners. Establishing open lines of communication from the outset helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that both parties are aligned on expectations.
Additionally, maintaining quality control remains paramount, even when working with a third-party manufacturer. Regular inspections, sample testing, and clear specifications are essential for upholding the integrity of your brand and ensuring consistency across production batches.
Flexibility is another crucial lesson I’ve learned. The manufacturing landscape is dynamic, and unforeseen challenges may arise. Being adaptable and willing to adjust strategies or processes as needed is key to navigating these challenges effectively and maintaining a seamless production flow.
Overall, the transition from handmade production to working with a third-party manufacturer has been a transformative journey for my brand. While there were challenges along the way, each obstacle provided an opportunity for growth and learning. By prioritizing clear communication, quality control, and flexibility, I’ve been able to streamline my production process and continue delivering products that resonate with my audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SOLwithEndi.com
- Instagram: @SOLwithEndi
- Facebook: @SOLwithEndi