Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Savannah Stephens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Savannah, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from an awareness that where attention goes, energy flows. I believe it is law that whatever one waters will grow. When I give my thoughts to whatever is “wrong,” when I worry, I’m really saying a prayer to what I’m afraid of. It takes up all the room and uses up all my energy. Instead, I try to think positively most of the time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a robot with an automatic happiness switch. I give myself a time, but not too long to wallow. I may spend a day throwing myself the biggest pity party in the world. I give myself a time to cry, sleep, be distracted by TV (primarily baking shows or trashy dating shows), I turn on loud music and dance around with my daughters as we sing into hairbrushes.
Then once that’s out of my system, I make a plan. I make a plan and focus all my energy on said plan. I focus on things eventually working out. I focus on gratitude. I reflect on times when I prayed for what I have now and assume the role of the good steward over my many blessings. I recall stories of those that came before me and didn’t give up. Then I put on my rose-colored glasses and I smile and I seize the day with all joy.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m taking Kindred Paper everywhere our people want to be seen and feel loved. Our purpose and our mission is to spread love and kindness through our inclusive line of greeting cards and while we are so grateful to have 45 retailers under our belt, we recognize that Black folks everywhere deserve representation. And, y’all know how we do- we pick up our greeting cards on the way to the function and writing in them in the parking lot lol. I want Kindred Paper to be everywhere people need to “run in real quick and get a card.” That’s why my focus is currently centered on expanding our retail footprint. We would love to land placement in mass retail stores like Target.
This excites and energizes me because I come from a long line of greeting card people and I know Kindred Paper is making both my grandmothers smile right now. I know they are looking down, so proud of me. They taught me the importance of reaching out to your family and friends and the art of letter writing. They instilled in me at a young age how to be a beacon of love and light to those around us and I’m grateful to center my life’s work on love. I want us to make connections and be intentional about loving. And it’s so much easier to do that when you can see yourself and your loved ones reflected in the design and intent. This is the reason why Kindred Paper exists.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most important skills that have made the most impact so far are resilience, continuous learning, and effective communication. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to challenges. It’s a crucial quality in any journey because there will inevitably be obstacles and failures along the way. To develop resilience, it’s important to cultivate a growth mindset. Embrace failures as learning opportunities, set realistic expectations, and build a support network of mentors or peers who can provide guidance and encouragement. I’ve also seen the benefits of continuous learning. In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is essential. I’ve invested in education and skill development. I’ve taken courses, read books, attend workshops, and sought out opportunities for hands-on experience. Staying curious and open-minded has expanded and deepened my understanding of my entrepreneurial journey. Effective Communication has also been crucial in my journey. Communication skills are valuable in almost every field. Being able to express my ideas clearly, listen actively, and collaborate with others has been crucial.
My advice for others developing these qualities and skills would be to set clear goals. I would suggest define your goals early in your journey and break them down into smaller, achievable milestones. This will help you stay focused and motivated. I also suggest seeking feedback. Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, or trusted individuals who can provide constructive criticism and guidance. Feedback is essential for growth. Finally, embrace failure. I know it hurts, but don’t be discouraged by failures. Instead, view them as opportunities to learn and improve. Resilience is built through overcoming challenges.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
It would have to be Mindset by Carol Dweck. This book shifted my perspective on what I believed was available to be. Mindset explores the concept of mindset and how it can significantly impact one’s personal and professional development. Dweck introduces the idea of two mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. I realized that for most of my life, I have been operating from a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset is characterized by the belief that abilities and intelligence are static traits that cannot be changed. In contrast, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed and improved through effort and learning. This is how I am able to overcome obstacles and challenges- which are sure to come- and develop resilience to turn those challenges into opportunities. I am the alchemist of my life and embodying a growth mindset helps me to see that there is always a way when I am in the mode to learn and improve. Dweck actually writes about this a lot- embracing challenges and not fearing failure. People with a growth mindset see failures as stepping stones to success rather than as evidence of their limitations. They understand that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. For me, this has been a transformative book that highlights the importance of one’s mindset in achieving success and personal growth. It teaches readers to cultivate a growth mindset, embrace challenges, and understand that effort and learning are the keys to reaching their full potential. This book has had a significant impact on me as an entrepreneur and in my personal development.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ourkindredpaper.com
- Instagram: www.instragram.com/kindredpapr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savannahstephens/
Image Credits
Marcia Warren (portrait photo)
