On November 11th, I will be celebrating the two-year anniversary of launching Sol Authentica. These past two years have been a rollercoaster ride, filled with excitement, exhaustion, overwhelm, fear, frustration, and countless ups and downs. In this newsletter, I will share my journey, from an inspiring start to a devastating setback, and ultimately, finding the strength to persevere and grow.
A Promising Start
When I launched Sol Authentica, I had a modest collection of four hats, a bolero, and a hat pin. The feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive, giving me the confidence that I was off to a great start. However, fate had something else in store for me.
A Crushing Blow
An unimaginable opportunity came my way when I was given the chance to showcase my products at Fashion Week on El Paseo in Palm Desert, California. Excitedly, I ordered additional products, invested in marketing materials and a point-of-sale system, and packed my car with all my inventory. But on the morning of the event, I woke up to a heartbreaking sight - my garage had been vandalized, and my car, along with all my products, was stolen. Staring at the empty garage, I felt a numbness, hoping it was all just a terrible nightmare. But it was my reality.
Defeat and Doubt
The shock slowly wore off, and I began to feel defeated. Negative self-talk and the belief that this was a sign from the universe to give up started to seep into my mind. I questioned my abilities and wondered if I was foolish to start a new company at 40 years old, with no capital and the responsibility of raising a three-year-old. For six months, I allowed these thoughts to consume me, and I gave up on my dream.
Rediscovering Purpose
During that period of self-doubt, I had a profound realization. Sol Authentica wasn't merely a dream or a way to generate income; it was a purpose, a gift, and an opportunity to make a positive impact. It was a chance to support a cooperative of women who shared my vision, inspire conscious consumerism, and utilize my fashion design degree for something meaningful. With this newfound clarity, I refused to let setbacks define me.
Pursuing Guatemala
To reignite my passion, I booked a trip to Guatemala, a place that had always fascinated me. There, I immersed myself in the art of weaving, learned about textiles, and discovered the beauty of the land. It was a trip that reignited my creative spark and reminded me of the profound connection between my past and present. As I reflected on a presentation I had done on Guatemalan textiles during my college years, I realized it was the seed that blossomed into my current journey.
Resilience and Growth
With renewed determination, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and expanded Sol Authentica's product line to include tote bags, hat bands, and upcycled bags. Upon returning home, I secured a spot at the local farmers market on Sundays, and in October 2022, I relaunched my brand. Though I only made $100 that day, it was a testament to my perseverance. I kept showing up, and little by little, my business began to grow. Though I am still in the early stages after two years, the progress I have made is awe-inspiring.
Reflection
The journey of Sol Authentica has been a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and purpose. Despite facing unimaginable setbacks, I refused to let go of my dreams. I found inspiration in Guatemala, expanded my product line, and continued to show up, even when progress seemed slow. As I stand here, reflecting on the past two years, I realize that the view from the top is truly beautiful. I am committed to keep climbing, embracing the challenges, and turning my vision into a reality, one step at a time.
