Meet the Artisans: Unselfishly Me
Meet the lovely and bright Jane, an experienced self love coach. Jane started her brand, Unselfishly Me, when her friend told her that she couldn’t love herself. From that point onward her mission became clear- she needed to teach people how to improve their happiness, self love, self worth, self-esteem, self talk and mental health. Janes products are beautifully made self help tools that make learning to love yourself simple and enjoyable! This is how, South African Brand- Unselfishly Me came to be:
Image via Unselfishly Me.
What are some of the challenges you've faced as a local South African brand, and how have you overcome them?
Loadshedding! It doesn’t help with production, video calls and a whole host of other things. The cost of living increase has also affected everyone and I am feeling that as well. We just have to adapt and push and hope all will gain traction again.
Can you tell us about some of the materials and techniques you use in your designs? How do you choose the materials you work with?
My affirmation cards I wanted to have them in a pouch instead of a box, for a nice softer feel. They proteas were a nice South African touch. I love bright and beautiful Colours so I try to stay true to me in that way with the Colours and textures in the designs.
Image via Unselfishly Me.
How do you approach sustainability and ethical practices in your brand? Are there any initiatives or practices you've implemented to reduce your environmental impact?
I try do what I can where I can. That’s all we can control. So making sure I courier in batches instead of bits here and there. Trying to not use plastic but brown paper bags that can be reused by the customer. Using local suppliers in Durban for my printing and design so it’s localized and less carbon footprint as well.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or anecdotes about your brand or your products?
A customer and friend Lauren sent me a WhatsApp saying “Don’t you want to do a diary? Or a deskpad calendar?” And as I read the first line my gut said nope! And then the second line it said YES! So I really lean into my intuition and gut feel about products. I’m quite fussy with my designs and visions and I’m known to draw pictures to explain to designers what I mean and also to do 10 revisions until it’s exactly as I envisioned it!
The deskpad calendar was born and it has done so well for two years thanks to Lauren for requesting it!
I love getting pics from parents of their lunchbox love notes and ways they display the kids affirmation cards too.
Image via Unselfishly Me.
Finding the 5 minutes to get into a journaling routine each day. That makes me so happy!
Image via Unselfishly Me
What advice would you give to other local South African brands looking to succeed in the industry? OR What advice do you have for other aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own brand or business?
Have time expectations. If you work for yourself it doesn’t mean you’ll work less. You’ll work more! But you’ll do it on your terms and you answer to yourself. So there are always pros and cons. But just give yourself realistic expectations and timelines. And grace!
Finally, Can you share with us some of your favorite products or collections that you have created, and why they are special to you?
Oh gosh I love them all so much! But the affirmation cards because they were hand painted by Fathima’s Studio and the Creative Journal because that’s the first one I designed myself! It took me 6 months but I learnt and did it myself and I’m just so so proud.
Image via Unselfishly Me
We at Rock Paper Scissors love what Janes is creating and adore having her products in our store. If you’re about to start your self love journey, or are continuing an established practice Jane's guided self help tools are a wonderful resource. Come and browse our range in store, or shop our selection online.