The other day, over a warm cup of coffee, my thoughts found their way to a mid-morning good ole’ existential crisis. Contemplating the point of what we do at Cladwell. Is it serving anyone? And if so, who?

Talking to a friend, I described who I wanted Cladwell to reach. The epiphany— I was describing myself.

I stopped. Is this whole company just me being self-absorbed, or am I selfish?

After experiencing the evolution of my own wardrobe, I feel a strong pull to extend that gained wisdom to a version of myself from the past. I’ve found that’s not uncommon. Here's the thing — if we can help others navigate the bumps we’ve already encountered, that’s good.

Sitting with this made me realize it might be more self-absorbed to think we're the only ones who've ever faced these challenges. And more selfish to hoard what we’ve learned along the way.

Finding a solution to a problem won’t guarantee success in the material sense — a million followers on Instagram or a huge pay-off. But it will foster genuine, authentic connections. That’s something we can’t buy.

Ever pick up a book or watch a movie that is worlds away from your life and still find a piece of yourself in its pages? It’s like that.

I don’t want the globe, just a few people who may see themselves in the path I’ve taken.

It can be overwhelming to wonder, who can I serve best? Look at what breaks your heart. Recognize the struggles you have overcome or just survived. Then, invest in making it better for someone. Someone who might be a little like you.

Today, I’m doing the work. Reprogramming my story and telling myself I’m not selfish for wanting to help younger me and anyone like her. I think that’s where good things truly begin.