BIRD WILLIAMS: You’re listening to Bird Means Business Episode 45.

Hey, party people. I hope that you are having an incredible day. And I think tuning into the show might be the highlight of your week, because I can't wait for you to hear from today's guest, Kirbi Smith, of Active Faith Sports. Kirbi and her husband, Lanny, have been friends of ours for years, and I'm really really honored to have her on the show. Here's a little bit about her. Kirbi is an award-winning entrepreneur and executive with a passion for business, education, and philanthropy. As a former track star and athlete and distinguished inner-city school teacher, Kirbi is now Chief of Operations for Active Faith Sports, a Christian sports apparel brand she founded with her husband Lanny way back in 2010. Now, years later, Active Faith is a global brand with sales in 92 countries. Y’all, Kirbi's leadership has been pivotal in the brand being named by Inc. Magazine as one of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in America. What? And I get the call her friend. That’s amazing. She is so inspiring like I said. I can't wait for you to hear from her. 

But I want to say, Active Faith is a really big deal. It's a huge brand. Y'all might see, when you watch the Super Bowl, the trophy hoisted up, I've seen so many times athletes wearing Active Faith bands, Active Faith apparel. So it's a big deal. It's part-owned by Steph Curry in Case Keenum. And it just really amazes me that you know I'm able to chat it up with Kirbi and glean wisdom from her. And again, that's why I love having guests on the show, you know veteran entrepreneurs who have been in the game. Who have put in the sweat and blood and tears and all of that, to really show you like what it looks like, you know, on the other side or behind the scenes. So I should also say that outside of these accolades and the incredible things she's done with her brand, Kirbi is one of the most sincere, kind, gracious human beings I've ever met, you know, knowing her as a friend. I can't tell you how inspired I am by her really every day. If you follow her on social media, you see her always ready to motivate and inspire. So when I tell you that you're in for a treat, I mean it. Let's jump right in. 

Kirbi, thank you so much for being on the podcast today. How are you doing?

KIRBI SMITH: I am doing well, Ashley. Thank you so much for having me. I feel honored and blessed that you would think of me to come on your podcast and I love to support. So yeah thanks for having me.

BIRD: Absolutely. I am so excited to have you on because you are an incredible inspiration for me and Terry, our family. We love you and Lanny so much. And just seeing what you've done with Active Faith has been incredible. I just feel like there's so many people in my audience who are looking to launch and grow their businesses who can draw so much from your story. So I'm just really excited to jump in. 

I know that we have been friends for years. It is crazy though. I don't think I've ever heard of your entrepreneurial story from the beginning. So kind of just share a little bit about your journey and how you got to where you are today.

KIRBI: Well what’s actually funny in that is because I didn't really consider myself to be an entrepreneur. And it's so funny, I always think like, I didn't choose this life his life chose me, you know. But when I actually think back and start to reflect on it, actually kind of started, I can think back to like high school or middle school when I was actually selling candy, selling t-shirts to people. And then fast forward. I was teaching and coaching. And when opportunity came, even with Active Faith, I didn't really realize, or know, that it was going to start to be a full new career, and I was basically gonna end up quitting my job and doing this full time. So it wasn't even something that I actually planned, it kind of literally just worked itself out. And it was kind of like, honestly, I feel like the story and the way that God wanted it to be. And the reason I say that is because I'm such a person that needs structure. I have everything kind of planned out. And that is completely the opposite of what it is to be an entrepreneur. And I know you know. I mean it's like we plan everything and like for things to go exactly how we planned and that's just not how it is in this world. 

I was teaching and coaching and Lanny had finished playing, and God gave him a vision to start a sports apparel brand. So he kind of started telling me about and telling me about it. And I started at that time feeling God pull me in a different direction. I love teaching. I love coaching. I love my kids. And I couldn't figure out why I was starting to have that feeling all of a sudden. So I really started praying and praying and asking God and trying to get clarity on that. And I remember him asking when you go to bed at night, what do you wake up thinking about. That it was so crazy I was like it's really Active Faith. And because we both have always been deep in our, you know, big in our faith. Obviously, sports is our life. And so those things merging together just seemed like it was something that made perfect sense. So I went back home and got in school, and, you know, we just started doing Active Faith. We started working on it and it just really took a life of its own. And that's really how I got out of my structured life into entrepreneurial.

BIRD: Oh my goodness, that is a beautiful story. And I want to talk about something you said because it's something I've heard a lot lately. You said I didn't really consider myself as an entrepreneur. I had a strategy session with a young lady who just launched a product based business recently and she was like it's weird if she has a full-time job. She's like, I don't really think of myself as an entrepreneur. And I've heard recently someone else said the same thing. And so how did you make that mental shift, like that mindset shift to like, okay I'm going to own this? How did that look for you? 

KIRBI: Well, for me, honestly, my dad has really been impactful in my life. And my dad was an entrepreneur. He had several businesses that he always ran. And so I guess, moving back there and just being something that I was starting to do, he understood it. He understood it where a lot of times parents, especially in another generation they're so used to the structure of course, and things going in a certain way and not going outside that box because you just want to make sure that you're prepared. And so having him there alongside was just critical as well because he understood and he supported the journey. He knows what was going to be like ups and downs and it wasn't something that, you know when I can feel like okay, you don't need to be doing this you need to find something else to do. He was there to support, and to continue to speak life into what it was that I was, you know, thinking or feeling at those times. And just always looking for the next thing or always just looking for a way around or different strategy, really just helps too. And so I think that kind of started to shift my mindset as well. And to know that it's not gonna look a certain way. And that's okay. You know, and just being okay with following and trusting the journey along the way because like I said it's not gonna just be a complete blueprint where you know your story is gonna be different from mine. Your audience's story is gonna look different from mine as well. And that's okay. Everybody's story is beautiful. Everybody's journey is different.

BIRD: That is so key and so valuable to have that support from your dad and I say that from my own experience with my parents being the opposite. I was first-generation college student. And when I said that I was gonna start a business and like I'd be on my computer working, my dad was like, “Girl, that's not working.” He didn't understand that I could be working on my computer. He thought I needed to go to a building and work. And so it was a challenge. I mean he was always very supportive but he did not get it at all.

KIRBI: Yeah, and that can come from a place of love and just wanting to make sure that you're okay and you know your future is okay and they just want to, you know, want to make sure that we're doing what's best for us. But a lot of times, like you said, they may not completely understand and so you know they have to kind of see where we're walking by faith. And they’re like, well, I need to see it. They eventually will and end of being just super proud of you and I think encouraged, just by seeing what you're doing. 

BIRD: Yeah, so I'd encourage anyone listening, if your parents can't be that support for you, or if you don't have that in your immediate family. For example, make sure that you find a mentor or someone you aspire to in the business community to kind of help you navigate all of that. Because having that support system is so crucial. 

Okay so, jumping on to the next question. 

KIRBI: Before you go there, I do want to say I think that is really critical or really crucial for your audience to, I guess, hear what you're saying with that because this journey is not easy. It's not always pretty. I'm sure we'll probably get into that but you have to have people and people around you that support you, or at least believe. And if you don't, then you're gonna have to have that support in yourself. Because the numbers might look funny. People will tell you no, no, no. And if you don't have anybody around you, helping and supporting and continuing to pour into you, then you're gonna have to be able to be that person even for yourself and so that's really crucial.

BIRD: Ooh yes. All of that. I am 100% with you on that. I love that you brought that up. 

So when it comes to having an apparel brand, I know that there are so many people who want to have an apparel brand, right? I'm sure you get it a lot. I mean we see, “Hey, I have this new t-shirt company”.They're always popping up. So what do you think that you did to make Active Faith really stand out among all of the other apparel brands out there?

KIRBI: Well honestly I think for us, it was more sitting in a space that didn't exist yet. So, you know, there are like you said there were a lot of sports apparel brands, at the time. There's a million more now than it was 10 years ago. But I think just carving out our niche. It was something that we didn't have anything that was going to speak to us. And so that was a lane that we were able to create, to actually just really solve a problem for people that they even really know that they were missing out on or that they needed. And I think because of that, we were able to comfortably come into a lane that we could create and call our own. There were several like you said, there were several Christian t-shirt companies. And that's one thing that we made sure from the very beginning that we didn't want people to view us as, oh just another Christian sports apparel brand. As a Christian t-shirt company, it’s really a sports apparel brand, and that's of a level of, and just time for people to even try to understand what that was because it didn't exist. So if you could think of, well what is the internet? What is Instagram? Like all these things that didn't exist before. And you had to teach people what it was and let them know “You actually do need it”, and a problem that we're actually helping to solve for you. And so that's really honestly, I think that we were able to naturally just be able to kind of stand out from some of the other brands.

BIRD: Whew! You are dropping some gold. I hope people are taking notes and really keying into what you're saying because you're saying you created something that didn't exist. You found a gap in the market and you were strategic in placing yourself there. And then there was something you said earlier in the episode where you said, you know, we were really we've always been really connected to our faith, and we love sports so it just naturally meshed well together. And so, you know, as people are trying to figure out, well I want to start a business, I want to be an entrepreneur. Instead of just trying to start a random business. I would say like, dig deep into yourself and what resonates with you and what's important to you and see what comes from that. What you said, a problem that you're solving. I love that. I'm all about reminding people that with our businesses, we're not just out here trying to make a lot of money or trying to have cute, you know, branding. You know we’re here to solve a problem. And the better you are at solving a problem, the more solid your business will be able to grow.

KIRBI: And you know, I say spend time with people and eventually they’ll reveal themselves. And it's the same thing like I think even with business. Because if you don't really love what it is that you're doing, and not really passionate about what you're doing. Because of how hard it is, it's gonna fizzle out. The bottom is gonna drop, you know. And like I said I'm not coming from a place of … because I would have never said I'm going to be in sports apparel, or design or any of these things, you know. It just kind of worked itself that way. But like I said from the foundation, sports and faith were something that were important, so merging that was able to create this. But definitely making sure that it is something that you enjoy doing because it’s not always going to look pretty. 

BIRD: I love that. Yes, you have to be passionate about what you're doing. And people say that you should get a job that doesn't feel like work. But, it's like no, actually entrepreneurship is a lot of work. 

KIRBI: That’s what I meant. You can do a whole podcast on the myths of entrepreneurship. There’s a lot of myths out there that people are like, oh that’s what you think it is? It was like, oh no no

BIRD: No no no. Yes. Okay, so next I want to know what is it like being in business with your husband? I've shared a lot of perspective on the podcast, you know, from my personal experience with being in business with Terry for our gym business The League. But I’d love for listeners to kind of have a different viewpoint and I actually haven't interviewed anyone else who is in business with their husband and I get this question all the time. So, what is that journey like?

KIRBI: People ask me that all the time too and it’s such a layered question just because, and actually right now is actually a perfect time for people to kind of understand, just because of where we are right now, and with COVID. So a lot of people right now are experiencing a lot of time at home with their significant other or their, whether it's their spouse, whether it's their friend. And there's a lot of time that you're spending together. So I think it has a lot of pros and cons, you know. They say everything in moderation is good. It’s good because I know some of the pros. Obviously, I get to spend a lot of time with each other. You're working towards another common goal which obviously is what you have in marriage as well. But then again, being able to separate work from business is one thing that can always be challenging because, honestly, you know we don't have children or anything. But when people say like, oh, when they have kids, their life becomes around their kids and that conversation becomes around their kids and all those things. And I've always just kind of jokingly said well if you know Active Faith has been my baby. So it causes us stress and causes us joy and happiness. But it is just like you know, a baby. And so I think just having to try to really truly be intentional about finding the balance between work and home life, I think is really really critical, because it's hard to just switch it off. Especially as entrepreneurs you don't have a set time where some people are able to just you know come home and then once the workday is over, it's like, “Hey, Honey. How was your workday?” Well for us, it’s like, I know how your workday was, and actually, I need you to hurry to finish that thing cause I gotta meet this deadline. Okay? I want to finish this so that I can also do this. And you know, and then you just want to decompress and just breathe and so a lot of times that can be separate. And so, you know, I think you just have to when you're working with your spouse really try to be intentional about how you continue to feel even outside of that and spend time outside of that where even like you're going to dinner like let's not talk about work because this is not a work meeting. You know? That’s hard. This is so natural.

BIRD: It is so hard. It is harder for me than it is for Terry. It always has been. I could talk about our businesses all day every day. And Terry is like, “Babe”, you know. It was a problem at one point really in the beginning because I would just you know always talk, but especially in the evenings. And so what we did is we created a weekly meeting, which you know we hadn't had up until this point where that was like the time container for all the business stuff. Of course, we've talked about business up throughout the week if it's urgent. If it's not urgent, let's just talk about it in our weekly meeting. So that helped a lot. But do you find that like, either you or Lanny, one of you is geared more towards work work work and one of us more chill? Are y'all both just like the same? 

KIRBI: Lanny’s really. He's work work work. But he's also I think he's really good at being able to separate. Where, for me it's like, oh no I don't like how you answered me. So I can't just flip it off all of a sudden. 

BIRD: Oh yes. 

KIRBI: Afterward, because no. But he's really good at being able to do that. But I would definitely say like he's more work work work. Where I've been kind of more intentional about trying to separate it. And he does too, but he has a lot, you know, a heavier load as well at times.

BIRD: Yeah, I love that. That's super-duper helpful. I know if there's any marriedpreneurs listening right now, those tips are going to be helpful. So I love that. Okay, what would you say, when you think of your whole business journey, what's led to your business success, because Active Faith has, I mean blown up. I was reading through your bio and seeing all the different publications you've been featured on and I mean I'm seeing all different types of athletes - NFL, NBA,  wearing Active Faith. And it's my mom's favorite. I know she's not famous, but my mom loves Active Faith. I get it for her for Christmas every year. 

KIRBI: Thanks for your support. 

BIRD: Yes, yes. So, just what do you think has really led to your business success?

KIRBI: You know what? I think with our brand, it’s more inspirational than aspirational, or what a lot of these brands are is like, do this, do this and you'll be this. You know where for us, I think it's something where the message really resonates with a lot of people and inspires them just personally. And I think because of that we're always searching for, you know, obviously, with us, we're really heavy in our faith. And I think a lot of times we're trying to pull inspiration or pull just something that can continue to keep us going. And I think obviously you know our temples are important. We want to make sure that our bodies are in our right and we're being healthy and all these things but a lot of times we need something that speaks to us and helps us to continue to go. And you mentioned the athletes. But I mean, the stories that touched my heart are just the ones that people write in about, whether somebody is in a hospital, and they're going through their cancer treatment and just being able to have on something that says “Walk by Faith, Not by Sight. I can do all things through Christ”. I think that's really why we've been able to continue to have success. Because when you share that with people, things that are trendy come and go. But obviously the worst days forever and so I think there's always something that people can resonate with. And obviously, the consistency of us just trying to continue to have something for people to be able to purchase and share and just continue to inspire them I think is why. And I mean I would be remiss to say if it wasn't, obviously, God's grace and favor because there have been so many times that this could have been like you know done or whatever. And God is continuing to bless us and bless the business. So I really do think it's the consistency and I really do believe that it is because it's so inspirational for people, and that is what motivates and just continues to push people.

BIRD: Whew! That’s so good. I love it. I love that so much. When you look back on where you started, you said 10ish years ago. I think about this a lot with us as well. like, There were so many things that you just don't know when you're starting out as an entrepreneur. You can Google stuff. But there's some things you don't even know that you need to Google. You don't even know that you need to know, right? 

KIRBI: Oh, yeah. 

BIRD: Yes, baby entrepreneurs. I looked like a baby entrepreneur actually in 2013. I'm like, Lord Jesus, bless it. But when you look back, what is like one piece of advice that you would give yourself back then, knowing what you know now? Looking back, what would you tell yourself? And the idea is that there's entrepreneurs or entrepreneurs-to-be listening in, and they're getting ready to launch their businesses. What is a piece of advice that you'd give them?

KIRBI: You know, you really do have to give yourself grace, because nothing goes as planned. Nothing goes as planned and you have to be gracious to yourself during that time. And you have to adjust and learn from those things. So instead of allowing it to be something that deflates you and discourages you like you need to be able to look at it, figure out. Okay, look at the data. That's really one of the things that we're active on. We look at the data and make decisions off of that. When you're able to look at the mistakes or look at the lessons of why something didn't work. Instead of giving up, you say, okay, how can we pivot? How can we change this? What could we have done better? Or now that we know that doesn't work, we're just going to have another step, based on the research-based on what we've experienced to make a better decision and to turn it this way. And if that doesn't work, you keep pivoting and you keep moving. First of all, you know, even as you excel and as your audiences’ businesses excel, there's always going to be something at the next level. And you're never going to be in a situation where you're always just completely riding it out, completely comfortable. Even the major brands and the huge corporations and the brands, nobody's sitting just comfortable all the time. You have to always continue to be learning your business, staying in it, and staying ahead on what's going on. And just being able to just be gracious with yourself and when something doesn't go well or as you thought it would. Don't get discouraged in that. But figure out, like okay, well that didn't work, what can I do to pivot and change? And that is a critical thing that we had to learn, especially in the very beginning. And it honestly I think pointed us in a new direction that was very beneficial to our business. 

BIRD: Yes, girl. Give yourself grace. Understanding that nothing is wasted. It can feel like that in the beginning stages where it doesn't seem like anyone's showing up to your Instagram lives, or there's crickets, you know? But you're building on everything you do. And it's funny. I'm actually going through a rebrand process right now. But by the time this episode is posted, my new website will already be out. And I was just really going back and forth. The logo process was really tough for me. And I actually remembered something Lanny posted, and it was your first logo, compared to your logo now. And then he did it for Nike and a whole bunch of big brands, their first logo ad like the iterations. And it was so encouraging to me because I realized this doesn't have to be the end all be all logo. It can change again. I'm gonna do the best I can. But I can't not relaunch or rebrand because I'm so stuck on it not being maybe the most perfect thing ever. 

KIRBI: I really think like even us as individuals, you know we don't stay the same. We grow, evolve, and become better versions of ourselves, you know just through life. And so, I think it's the same thing even with business. And just a quick story just even about that. We started out, our goal, our focus was to get in all Christian stores, the Christian retail stores. And crazy enough, none of them would take us. And it's like, wait a minute. How can our target audience, our target market, not understand or not take us? And that's because they really didn't understand. They were behind the times as well, and didn't understand the product, didn’t think their audience would resonate with it and understand it. So that was very discouraging because you know, we're out at conferences trying to sell stuff and now, where we know just thinking of, oh well, Macy's and Academy. All these different places that people come in to buy apparel. Well, we're going straight to Christian stores. This is where we need to be. And because that didn't happen it forced us to figure out another way, another method which brought us to an e-commerce platform. And at the time, e-commerce wasn't popping. It was not how it is now. But we were able to work through those kinks, get up and going. And hindsight is 2020. Like, literally, it could grow up on e-commerce, and then those same stores were calling us now to put us in their stores. So, like I was saying even at that point. It was hard, like I said, it was discouraging but it forced us to have to figure out another plan and figure out how to redirect and where else to go. Because we still knew and believed in our product, believed in what we were selling. And we just had to get it out and let people know about it. And so, we wouldn't have ever had that in any business plan, in any strategy.

BIRD: Wow. To be told no over and over again. But to still believe in your product and to pivot and say well we're going to sell it differently. And for then to fast forward to a global pandemic be huge for you. Of course, e-commerce is big now but it wasn't then. That's what I mean by nothing is wasted, right? Like you have to understand that, especially knowing that God is in control and if your heart is right and your intentions are right and you're working in excellence like you got this. You just gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other. So, that is really really beautiful.

KIRBI: And protection, because God can see what we don't. And so, he is putting us in the best possible situation for us to be successful.

BIRD: Absolutely. So, that's obviously a huge challenge. Would you say that's one of the biggest challenges y'all have faced? Are there other challenges that you face as an entrepreneur that could be helpful to share?

KIRBI: No, one of the other things too is, you're not gonna be able to please everybody. And no matter how well your intentions are, no matter how much good that you're doing, you just have to just understand that you're not going to please everybody. And no matter what you do, there is always going to be someone upset. And that can be really hard because you know the hard work that you're putting in, what you're trying to provide for your audience or your customers. And for people to try to tear down what you're doing, you have to just understand and know that people are coming from all sorts of different places. And they project that on you. And so not getting caught up so much in... like I said there's a difference between constructive criticism, and you know just people coming from just hurt and broken places. Just staying true to yourself, because like we said before, nothing goes as planned. Nothing really literally goes as planned. And so, I really think that is really just crucial and key for your audience to know is you have to be steadfast and you have to continue to just move forward and not allow those things to deteriorate. Because you're going to hear no. You're going to have people that don't understand. You're going to feel like wanting to quit. You're going to feel like is this worth it? And there's so much research now too. So whether that's, falling under brand, or you know just researching, staying on top of the trend, and seeing what people want. I think that's critical as well and I think it's beneficial for us. I know now one of the things that we didn't really do. Well, we kind of did a little bit in the beginning. But just kind of always making things and staying in tune with your audience and what they want, because at the end of the day we're servicing them. Obviously, we're still trying to bring people to Christ through our brand. But at the same time, we want them to be happy, so we try to get their feedback. You know, we want them to feel involved. We want them to know that we're doing this together. So I think, you know, having your audience, making sure that they're always kind of staying in tune of what their customers want. Because if your customers are happy, they're gonna share. So like were you, you're happy and you love it and you share with your mom. And now she loves it and she's gonna share it with her mom. Word of mouth is the best thing that you can do and you know and have in the loyalty that your customers will have with your brand. 

BIRD: So good. And in that vein, a question that just popped up in my head. In terms of scale, like as your business grew. I remember when I think one of you recently posted a picture of all these boxes in your apartment in Houston, and y’all were fulfilling yourself. And then I remember a conversation we had brunch at Snooze, and you're talking me through y'all going on with a fulfillment company, and having to navigate that. So how did you approach scaling your business? Of course, in the beginning, years it was like, okay, it's just me and Lanny. We got this. We could do this. But how did that look as you begin to really scale?

KIRBI: Well, it’s so funny, because even with that, we still very quickly and even to this day I don't even know if the fulfillment was still the best decision, just because of the cost of fulfillment and all those things that obviously, because we were so spread thin, and the designer, the customer service, the packaging. Like everything. We had to make a quick decision. Obviously, it helped because it helped free our time. But if we went back and did it again, we’d probably keep it in-house, but just kind of have hired people within. That kind of way. And we're still kind of thinking about that and doing that. But it was a just a rush and a flow and when we couldn't do it anymore like we literally couldn't so we were forced to have to make a decision, and that was the best decision for us at the time because we weren't in a position to even know, HR, who do we need to start to hire. Where can we hire? And then you know how that is now, especially with things when you hire people, that responsibility and that load is big. We're steady just growing, and we're trying to make sure that this is going to sustain and not just do something for right now. I mean, that's just what we had to do. It freed us up. But we've definitely had to continue to switch fulfillment centers and all that. So that’s not something that I'm guessing that we're still completely happy with. But yeah,

BIRD: I love that background. And I love your transparency around like I'm not even sure if you know that's exactly how we're going to do it ongoing. And it's so important because, again, I think it's important to kind of come behind the curtain and show entrepreneurs like, hey, we're all figuring it out. You can figure it out too as you're going through this journey. Don't think we have it all figured out because we have these huge businesses and such. And also I like to think about scale in the beginning. It is not that you're going to scale immediately. Y’all’s business did just take off, which is a blessing and it's amazing. Not everyone's business will. But it's good to have scale in mind. What happens when we have a million orders to fulfill and you know it's no longer just the few that we have. How are we going to think about that? And so in my Prove It Plan formula, I actually have phases of the business is one of the exercises we do to kind of walk through so you can have like a Bird's Eye View of what that looks like in your business as you're even planning it so that you're able to kind of adapt, whenever those moments come.

KIRBI: And I think it's really important that people just also trust the process and be present in the journey where you are because there's so many lessons in the beginning stages, and in the figuring out. That if you just have this plan that goes A, B, C, D, that you think, you miss-steps. And so, because of some of the things that happen even in the beginning, it really helps us navigate now. And when new challenges arise we're able to think through the past or bring people on. Like we’ll know how to, and like we said we won't know everything. But we don't have a lot of experience from the stuff, from the failures, from the mistakes that happen earlier on. And just even go through the course of the business because like you said like we talked about earlier. You're always growing. You're always learning. I mean, hopefully, you are. You know, we're life learners and so I think that was good that you said too that nobody has it all figured out. Even in these major corporations and these brands. They're constantly failing. They're constantly making mistakes. They're constantly having to learn. And so, that's okay. That's okay. You just have to ride out your journey and just continue on. And just learn. 

BIRD: Absolutely. So what do you have, what are the other irons in the fire outside of Active Faith? I know you have so much going on. I love to see you sharing all about it. So if there's anything else you want to just share and talk about.

KIRBI: Well you know what’s so funny as we're talking about this? I am working on courses because people ask me all the time about, oh, how do I start this business, how do I start this apparel company? That's one thing that I do want to do. To help people. Because it's not easy and people think it is. And you don't know, what you don't know. I know that people a lot of times don't have access to someone that they know that's in a business, or how to get those questions answered. Obviously, there's a lot of research out there. But some people, with everything else that they have going on, need a one stop shop. And so that's something that I want to do. I want to help people to be able to do that. And then I'm also going to start a private label as well. So we're at the end. If you want to work with me, I can help you obviously with the connection that I have, with the process already in place to do that. But if not, you just have the courses you can do as well. And then aside from that, I'm always just trying to continue to inspire, especially women, to be the best versions of themselves, to believe in themselves. You know how it is. You hang around me enough, you're gonna believe in yourself. Like, if anything, I think that's something that really just raised me a lot of passion and something that, you know a lot of it has nothing to do with this money, for just pouring into women, just loving on them.

BIRD: Love that. It's beautiful. Now, this is a question that I ask every single guest, and it's just what is the one thing that you can do this week to bring you closer to the best version of yourself? And I ask that question because I like to take big goals and dreams and ideas of who we want to be and make them micro. What do I do on a regular basis to be the best version of myself?

KIRBI: For me, I guess continue to give myself grace and trust God's timing. I'm really intentional about that because for me I want to be doing and walking in the purpose that he has, and he wants to be doing for me. Because I know if I'm walking in that, then I'm going to be the most fulfilled that I can be period. And just being intentional and spending that quiet time is what I like to do a lot just because that helps me to be the best version that I can be. I know that probably sounds cliche. I don't know your audience but that just helps me stay grounded from a day to day thing, and not get too far in the future. But just trying to, you know, appreciate and just learn and be guided that way.

BIRD: Absolutely. Yeah, I actually just shared an episode called “My Morning Routine”. The idea was helping people to be inspired to kind of start strong. And one of my pieces, my morning routine, was exactly that. My quiet time. It's where I feel centered. It’s so crucial. And if I go too many days without doing it, I start to feel all anxious and messed up and angry with my husband. Like, who am I? What's going on? And it's like I need to meet with Jesus, on a regular basis.

KIRBI: And I’ll say with that and like making sure that I can even do some sort of workout. That for me is my own just where I can get my peace, where I can be clear in the world. So you know, moving as well.

BIRD: Love it. So I want to do this last little bit. It’s a lightning round where I’m just gonna ask five quick questions, just five simple questions. So just like rapid fire. First, what's your favorite day of the week?

KIRBI: Friday, maybe. I love Friday, but maybe Saturday. Girl, I am so indecisive. Let me channel in my taboo. Okay, let me channel in my taboo and just give some answers.

BIRD: I love it, I love it. Saturday. Do you prefer texting or talking on the phone?

KIRBI: I prefer texting, even though I do that more. Yeah, texting.

BIRD: What's your favorite holiday?

KIRBI: Christmas.

BIRD: Okay. What age do you want to retire? It doesn't have to be an exact age. maybe just an age. 

KIRBI: Girl, 36. No. 

BIRD: Like today. 

KIRBI: Right. Today. Maybe 40,45, I can retire. I mean, you know, I would have stopped working, but be comfortable and just, yeah.

BIRD: Love that. And then the last one. What would you say is your superpower? 

KIRBI: That’s a good question. What is my superpower? Discipline.

BIRD: I can totally see that. You are one of the most disciplined people I know. So that does not surprise me. Awesome. Well, this has been so great. Thank you for chatting with me. And one of the most, like I, said disciplined, beautiful, generous, motivating people I know. And I'm just so glad to call you friend. And I just love you so much. So thank you for being on the show. How can people connect with you online? Share anything you want. I'll be sure to tag each thing in the episode description so people can click the links to connect.

KIRBI:  You’re not going to be able to just drop that dime like that and not have me respond, okay? Because you know how I feel about you and just the love that I have for you guys as well and just being able to watch and see you grow and blossom and to actually come into your own as a businesswoman as a mother and as a wife. I've loved watching this journey with you from afar and close up. And I'm just so proud of you. And I just definitely want to make sure that I give you your flowers because I am so proud and inspired by you as well every day to continue on. And I wish for you guys the blessing, continued success that you guys have. 

BIRD: Thank you! 

KIRBI: That's that on that. They can find me on my personal Instagram @iamkirbi. And then our business obviously is @activefaithsports. And so we're both there on Instagram as well. Our website activefaithsports.com as well if they want to.

BIRD: Absolutely. I will link that in the show notes as well and yeah it'll all be there. Well, thank you so much Miss Kirbi. This has been amazing. I appreciate having you.

KIRBI: Thank you!

BIRD: See, I told you it was gonna be good. Kirbi really is a gem. I especially love what she shared about entrepreneurs, kind of always having to be able to learn and grow and wanting and yearning for that. And even how the great business minds are doing that, always having to adapt and adjust and learn. So I just hope that anyone listening took that as a reminder to not let the intimidation of it all stop you, meaning. “Oh my gosh, as I think about launching my business, it just seems that there's just so many pieces. I'm gonna have to really stretch and do something that I'm not comfortable with.” Yeah, that's what you're gonna have to get really comfortable with doing, being comfortable with the uncomfortable right. That's what entrepreneurship is and especially like she said in those beginning years where you're just learning so much, and it's so rapid. But just lean into it. Open up your heart and your mind to that and it's gonna make you a better business owner and you're going to be able to build a better brand. All right? 

Okay, so actually to that point, I talked last week on Episode 44 about how I wasn't really excited about my rebrand process. It's not something that just you know gets me all excited when I think about it. But it was something that was important and needed in my business. And I walk through what that looked like for me and how I needed to do exactly what I'm saying, is making space, not only in my schedule but in my heart and mind for that process. So if you haven't checked it out, make sure you do. And also check out my new site, birdwilliams.com. I'm loving it. The rebrand, relaunching the website last week was just amazing. I really appreciate all the love. So thank you thank you thank you. Make sure to check it out and let me know what you think. All right. 

Thank y’all so much for tuning in. Make sure that if you know of any entrepreneurs who might need to hear this. Share the episode with them. Give them some encouragement, especially if they have an apparel brand that they're looking to start and thinking about how to differentiate it. Make sure you share Episode 45 with them and let them know about the Bird Means Business podcast. All right, talk to y'all next week.