EP202: Turning Inspiration and Passion into Business

The Business of Becoming with Lori Kennedy

Turning passion and inspiration into a thriving business. This is a stance that all entrepreneurs strive to achieve. And a topic that I could talk about ALL. DAY.

Kristi Soomer, CEO of Encircled, joins us and shares with us, her story and how she was able to build her dream business, in a field she would have never guessed to be in - fashion.

I invited Kristi to the show, for many reasons, but one main reason is because Kristi is the CEO of a thriving sustainable fashion brand. Although we have both created our businesses in different fields, we have both experienced similar roadblocks, pivotal moments, and have both persevered to create the multi-figured businesses that you see today.

Kristi is so down to earth, and she shares with us so many great lessons; from not having the support systems in place when she initially started her business, to struggling with letting go of her senior-level corporate job to going all-in with Encircled. We discuss the challenges that are faced when starting a company; from gathering resources, learning from mistakes and building the grit that contributes to the Entrepreneurial spirit.

After my conversation with Kristi, I just knew that we had to add Encircled into our 10-year celebration giveaway that we are hosting over on my Instagram. We are giving away a $100 dollar gift card to Encircled, for anyone that is reading these notes TODAY! January 11th! Head over and follow my Instagram. like the post, and tag TWO friends to be entered into the draw!

More About Kristi:

Kristi Soomer started Encircled with the dream of helping women travel lighter. Frustrated with the lack of versatile clothing that blended style with function, she started designing it. She believed strongly after years of working in the retail industry that she wanted Encircled to be ethically-made, sustainable and sweatshop-free. Kristi is a self-taught fashion designer, she loves taking basic silhouettes and challenging them to do more. Today, Kristi is the CEO of Encircled, and leads the team at the Toronto HQ (plus the office dog, Harlow!).

As an added bonus for the listeners of the Business of Becoming, Kristi has provided free shipping and returns for the next 30 days! Head over to Encircled, and enter the promo code LORIKENNEDY . This deal is valid until February 10th, be sure to get your orders in to try the products risk free!

Connect with Kristi on her website. Or reach out to her on her personal IG or business IG

What We Talk About In This Episode:

• Creating A Certified B Corporation
• Creating A Company From In An Industry Outside Of Your Education
• Creating A Luxe Leisure Brand
• Transitioning From A Corporate Job To Entrepreneurship
• Women In Business
• Creating A Company Without Support
• Clothing Versatility
• The Importance Of Passion In Business
• Going From A Side Hustle To Career
• Figuring Out Logistics For Manufacturing
• Learning By Doing
• Investing In Yourself
• The Dressy Sweat Pant
• Encircled
• Danielle Laporte

Things We Mention In This Episode:

• The Dressy Sweat Pant
• Encircled
• Danielle Laporte
• Certified B Corporation
• Modal Fabric

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Let’s Keep The Conversation Going…

Do you feel like you are stuck with a particular business idea, or are you fluid as things change? Have you been through a personal transformation that affected your business? I would love to hear all about it and I’m sure others would too. Comment below and share your story or visit me on Instagram which is currently my favourite way to connect.

You can also join my free online community to connect with more than 16,000 other health practitioners just like you to ask questions, share wins and struggles and get lots of support from me and my team! I hope to see you there.