By Alex Feechan, Founder of FINDRA Clothing
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. For me, building FINDRA has been one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life, but it has also tested me in ways I never could have imagined. Over the past few months, I’ve taken some time to reflect on this journey, revisiting the many highs and lows I’ve experienced along the way.
Building a business and a brand from scratch requires immense hard work, commitment, and self-belief. As I’ve looked back, I’ve realized that while I possess many of the traits needed to start and grow a business, what stands out most is my absolute grit and determination. This is something I hadn’t fully acknowledged before. Even in the face of adversity, I’ve pushed back, using challenges to strengthen my resolve and character.
It’s made me think: sometimes, the biggest lessons come during the darkest times. Often, it’s only in hindsight that we recognize these difficulties as gifts—though they rarely come wrapped in ribbons or adorned with fancy bows.
A Vision Tested by Adversity
When I first started FINDRA, I was driven by a clear vision: to create stylish, sustainable, and versatile clothing for women who love the outdoors. I wanted to design a brand by women, for women—one that celebrated every shape, size, and lifestyle. What I didn’t realize at the time was just how much grit it would take to bring that vision to life and sustain it through some of the most turbulent times.
The past few years have been a rollercoaster. During the lockdown, the cycling and outdoor industry boomed. Sales of bikes and related products skyrocketed as people turned to outdoor activities for solace and escape. But as the world transitioned to a new normal, the industry faced a massive downturn. Larger brands, driven by short-term greed, overstocked and flooded the market with discounted items, leaving smaller brands like FINDRA to weather the ripple effects or, sadly, drown.
It’s been a challenging time. There were moments when I wondered if we would make it, if FINDRA would survive, or if we would become another statistic in the world of retail failures. Looking back, I’ve come to appreciate the courage it took to navigate these challenges—to make tough decisions and push through despite the odds. Often, the energy spent countering naysayers who are quick to throw in the towel for you can feel more draining than the challenges themselves!
The Lessons in Adversity
Difficult situations often feel insurmountable in the moment, but they hold unexpected lessons. They force us to stop, reflect, and confront what truly matters. For me, moments of chaos and uncertainty became opportunities to dig deep, refocus, and remind myself of the vision that sparked FINDRA’s journey in the first place. Challenges have a way of stripping away the noise, revealing clarity about what we stand for. It’s in these moments that we discover our resilience and the power of standing up for what we believe in.
Through soul-searching and sheer determination, I found the strength to navigate these difficult times and reclaim my vision for FINDRA. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. A phrase I often remind myself of is: “I have not come this far to only come this far.” And in persevering, I learned one of the most valuable lessons of all: adversity reveals who we truly are. It teaches us resilience, clarity, and the importance of holding onto our values.
Perseverance Over Perfection
As a female founder in a male-dominated industry, I’ve faced my share of obstacles. But I’ve also learned that with single-minded determination, a good heart, and a clear vision, anything is possible. Building a brand isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about perseverance. It’s about staying true to your values and believing in your mission, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Another valuable lesson I’ve learned is that growth—both personal and professional—requires us to develop coping mechanisms to handle adversity. We’re not born with an innate ability to overcome every challenge; it’s a skill we develop over time. These coping strategies become our toolkit, helping us face setbacks with courage and creativity. Whether it’s leaning on a support network, taking time to reflect, or simply allowing ourselves the grace to fail and try again, these practices are essential for pushing through tough times.
Resilience doesn’t mean never feeling fear or doubt. It means acknowledging those emotions and finding a way to move forward despite them. It’s about reframing setbacks as stepping stones and understanding that every stumble is part of the process. In business, as in life, progress is rarely linear—and that’s okay.
Trusting Your Gut
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust my gut. It has taken time, but I’ve come to understand the importance of listening to and trusting my instincts—whether about people or situations. Your intuition is a powerful guide, and learning to trust it can be transformative.
To anyone navigating their own challenges—in business, life, or both—know this: you are stronger than you think. The road may be rocky, but every stumble is an opportunity to rise stronger. Embrace the hard times, because they often hold the greatest lessons. Even when a gift doesn’t come wrapped in a bow, it can still be the one that changes your life for the better. Sometimes, it’s about retraining your mind to see the positives in even the most difficult circumstances. It’s not always easy, but it can ultimately open the path for growth and flourishing.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to a new year and fresh starts, here’s to resilience, vision, and the unwavering belief that we can overcome anything life throws our way.
Alex x
Alex has recently launched on Substack - her handle is The Unfinished Article where you can also read her blog ‘Scaling with Heart” https://open.substack.com/pub/alexfeechan/p/scaling-with-heart?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite Book
The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest
Sometimes we need to work hard to find what blockers we are creating to our success, this book will help you on that journey!
Inspirational Quote
I love this quote so much!
Favourite Song
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - I wont back down
The lyrics say it all! Sharing my sentiment of grit and determination!
