Meet Jay Coleman | Founder and Chief Introverted Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay Coleman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
As the owner of Sincerely, An Introvert, authenticity is the value and principle that matters most to me. It is the foundation upon which my brand is built, and I believe it’s what sets us apart from others in the market.

Authenticity is crucial because it reflects a genuine understanding and representation of introverts. I created Sincerely, An Introvert in part because of my frustration with how other people and brands represented and spoke on behalf of introverts without truly understanding our unique perspectives. Introverts aren’t all the same; we’re not all antisocial and standoffish. It became clear to me that they had little insight into how introverts truly feel, think, and express themselves. Being an introvert myself, I recognized the importance of having someone who genuinely understands and can accurately convey the introvert experience. I wanted to create a space where introverts could feel seen, heard, and understood, without the need for pretense or guesswork. This is why I decided to infuse my designs and content with true introvert expression.

By staying true to the essence of introversion, I have gained the trust of my customers. They know that they can rely on me to authentically represent their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They trust me to tell the introvert’s story because they know I’ve lived it (and still do). In a world that often celebrates extroversion and misunderstands introversion, I feel that my commitment to authenticity is a guiding light. It enables me create a sense of belonging and community among introverts who can finally connect with a brand that truly speaks their language.

Authenticity is not just about reflecting the introvert experience accurately; it is also about embracing our uniqueness and celebrating it. By creating designs and content that embody true introvert expression, I feel that I empower introverts to embrace their individuality and find solace in their own authenticity.

Ultimately, authenticity matters the most to me because it allows me to build a brand that introverts can trust. It enables me to make a meaningful impact and create products that resonate deeply with my customers. With authenticity as the guiding principle, Sincerely, An Introvert strives to be a voice for introverts, offering a genuine representation of their thoughts, feelings, and expressions.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My name is Jay, and I’m the owner and founder of Sincerely, An Introvert.

Sincerely, An Introvert is more than just a brand; it’s a celebration of the unique and exciting ways that introverts express themselves. As the founder, I created this brand because I have always found it challenging to find clothing that truly reflects my introverted thoughts. I noticed that most so-called “introvert” clothing tended to focus on stereotypical introvert traits, rather than capturing the actual essence of introvert expression. This frustration led to the birth of Sincerely, An Introvert.
In our collection, every product showcases the true nature of being introverted. We highlight the witty, funny, and creative parts of introverts that often go overlooked because we’re perceived as quiet or shy. Our designs tell the introvert story in ways that others don’t, capturing the depth and complexity of introverted individuals. What sets us apart is our commitment to showing the world that introversion is not a weakness, but a source of immense strength and creativity.

Sincerely, An Introvert was founded in 2022, and as a newcomer to the e-commerce world, it certainly hasn’t been an easy journey. However, the challenges we faced only fueled our determination to succeed. We tackled each obstacle head-on, constantly seeking advice and help when needed. Building a brand from scratch requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.

We learned the importance of market research, understanding our target audience, and crafting a brand message that resonates with introverts. Additionally, we focused on building a strong online presence through social media and engaging with our community. Though the path was challenging, we’re proud of how far we’ve come in such a short time.

The biggest lesson we’ve learned along the way is to not lean solely on our own understanding. As a new business owner, there is an abundance of knowledge and expertise out there. It’s essential to seek help from others who have been through similar experiences. Whether it’s attending workshops, joining entrepreneurial networks, or consulting mentors, we realized the power of collective wisdom. We also learned the value of adaptability and the importance of continuously evolving. The business landscape is ever-changing, and staying stagnant is not an option. By embracing feedback and being open to new ideas, we’ve been able to grow and improve our brand.

Sincerely, An Introvert is not just a brand; it’s a love letter to introverts everywhere. We want the world to know that our products are created by introverts, for introverts. We understand the introvert story because we have lived it ourselves. We celebrate introversion as a beautiful and powerful way of being, showcasing the multifaceted aspects that make introverts truly unique. Through our designs and messaging, we aim to shatter the misconceptions surrounding introverts and create a space where they can feel seen, understood, and appreciated. We want to inspire introverts to embrace their authenticity and express themselves with confidence. Sincerely, An Introvert is here to empower introverts to live unapologetically and shine brightly in their own way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live near Boston, MA. Boston is a beautiful and historic city with plenty to see and do. If a friend was visiting me, we would definitely take a Duck Boat Tour, which takes you through the city on both land and water. It’s a fun and unique way to see Boston’s sights and learn about its history.

Harvard Square, which is just across the Charles River in Cambridge, is a great place to explore. There are so many shops, street performers, and restaurants to see.

Speaking of food, we can stop at Legal Sea Foods, which is a Boston institution. There are several locations around the city, so there’s likely one near wherever we are. We could also grab a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry.

Personally, my favorite place in Boston to visit is Canvas Studio, over in Hyde Park. We can paint while listening to awesome music! It’s an awesome experience.

These are just a few of the many things to do and see in Boston. Your friend is sure to have a great time exploring the city!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to credit my mother for not only instilling in me a strong work ethic and drive, but also for always supporting me in whatever it is I chose to do.

I also want to give a shoutout to my best friend Jenelle. We’ve been friends for over 20 years, and she has cheered me on every step of the way. She is the one who really pushed me to start my own business.

Website: www.sincerelyanintrovert.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincerelyanintrovert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sincerelyanintrovert

Image Credits
Jasmine Nelson Photography