The Journey of a Solo Founder: Raw Moments, Resilience, and the Power of Purpose

Hey Tribe,

Sitting down to write this blog post has been a great fun, way to reflect on this new journey I have joined of being the solo founder behind Breaking Chains Tribe. Not all of it has been a fairytale. However, navigating the exciting yet sometimes challenging, business world here in Brisbane, Queensland, while also parenting children has been another learning journey but all incredibly rewarding. It has seen the raw moments but also the unexpected strength. As a result, so many opportunities have presented themselves along the way, and I have absorbed so much new information, all thanks to my new community. From adventures through life with youth services to Facebook groups, every step led me here, and for that, I'm grateful.

We are not just a brand story or a sticker shop; it's proof that lived experience, honest self-expression, and a willingness to adapt can forge the most impactful paths.

The Spark: From Personal Battles to Purpose-Driven Business

For years, I faced inner personal conflict. I grew up in a religious home and struggled with a belief system to then later realise; it was in fact a cult. Navigating the intense mental health struggles from that and other life experiences left me feeling profoundly alone and unheard. As a result, I craved understanding, connection, and tools for healing; a place to truly belong. So, I searched for ways to express the unspoken, to find light in the shadows, and to feel less alone.

Scaling the Dream: A Moment of Truth

Initially, my dream for Breaking Chains Tribe was huge and overwhelming. There were countless late nights fuelled by coffee and optimism, steep learning curves in design, marketing, and business, plus moments of crippling self-doubt.

Every single hurdle felt deeply personal.

A memorable raw moment came when my business mentor told me I needed to dramatically scale down my ambitious idea. However, instead of letting that paralyse me, I channelled my energy into finding the most accessible and impactful starting point. That’s when the ideas sparked: What if art could be a tangible statement of healing? What if simple, yet deep designs and words could speak volumes for those who felt voiceless?

Discovering My Core: Art, Humour, and Purpose

As I simplified my grand plan, two powerful elements from my own healing journey became the absolute core of my vision: healing through art and finding solace in humour. My journey has certainly taught me that sometimes, a simple visual or a perfectly timed humorous joke is exactly what's needed to process life's 'messy madness.' This was the realization: my pain didn't have to be wasted. It could be transformed and pave a clearer path for others, instead of the dirt track I found.

Resilience Forged: Building the Brand, Affirming the Why

Through every technical glitch, every moment of overwhelm, and every new connection forged (both old and new), my commitment to my advocacy and the Breaking Chains Tribe community has only deepened. Besides, this reinforces that these aren't "just stickers." Instead, they are symbols of shared understanding, little pieces of art designed to help you feel seen, supported, and less alone on your own journey.

I design each piece with intention and care and seeing them come to life has been an exercise in true resilience – taking a huge idea and distilling it to its essence. From perfecting sticker design concepts and bringing them to life as physical and digital products to understanding SEO (yes, also for stickers!), each step demanded new levels of toughness.

For me, this strength was not just about bouncing back. Instead, it was about moving forward with intention, even when the path was unclear. It was about finding strength in vulnerability. This journey has taught me that the biggest lessons often come from the toughest moments.

There were times when the vision felt too big for one pair of hands. But then, I'd remember my "why": to inspire healing and raise awareness through stickers that promote mental health and bring attention to critical issues like religious cults. My aim is to foster a community of informed and expressive individuals.

While this vision may evolve over time, it remains the core of what I'm striving to achieve. This "why" reflects the impact I want to have through my brand and the values I stand by after discovering my own personal healing journey. This commitment to advocacy through authentic self-expression has been my guide.

Beyond the Stickers: Promoting a Tribe with a Healthy Dose of Humour and Spunk

My journey with Breaking Chains Tribe has always been about more than just selling products. It's about building a tribe. A village where real conversations happen, where we celebrate healing, and where awareness of critical issues is amplified.

Whether it's through our bold designs that speak truth or the deeper dives we take into the topics here on our blog, every action is driven by that initial spark of purpose.

For comprehensive support with mental health, you might find resources like Beyond Blue helpful.

Besides, this commitment extends to our 5% contributions mission promise.

Shopping with us means standing up for something bigger in the lives of others, creating a ripple effect of healing and support beyond the sticker itself.

Also, that personal connection extends to every single order. I thoughtfully choose and personally pack each sticker you receive. They often include little feel-good card cut-outs designed to add an extra layer of encouragement and care to your day.

Please know that I am not a licensed therapist, and this content is not mental health advice. My aim is to offer relatable tools for self-expression and to foster connection through creativity. For those navigating complex trauma, organizations like the Blue Knot Foundation offer valuable support.

Join the Journey: Your Story Fuels Our Purpose

As a business owner dedicated to inspiring healing, I invite you to be part of this evolving journey. Your feedback, your stories, and your engagement are the lifeblood of Breaking Chains Tribe.

Here at Breaking Chains Tribe, we are creating more than just products. Instead, we’re building a movement that stems from the heart of my own journey, a resource for the younger me who yearned for a space like this. If you or someone you know is navigating the complexities of religious coercion, resources like Stop Religious Coercion Australia may provide assistance.

What can you do next?

• Share your own moments of strength in the comments below - you never know who you might inspire!
• Explore our latest sticker collections and digital downloads; each design is crafted with purpose and a story to tell. Often born from those very 'raw moments' we navigate.
• Connect with us on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook for more behind-the-scenes glimpses and honest conversations about mental health and personal growth. Search for "Breaking Chains Tribe" to join our community. 

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we're breaking chains and shining a light on what truly matters.

With purpose,

Lauren
Breaking Chains Tribe