If you know someone whose life could use a bit of organizing, from their schedule to goals and finances, and they’re still a pen and paper (and sticker) woman like me, Iskra’s Self-Funding Journal is a great gift. That person may even be you. Iskra explains, “When I was struggling and felt a bit lost when I lost my job during Covid and had a baby and moved to a different state, I struggled to get the motivation to go after my goals and felt less productive because there was less structure, less regularity and less normal life. I wanted to get a planner, not just to plan out my day today, but to plan out my finances, to plan out my self-care, to plan out my social media, to plan out my health and fitness, and I didn’t want to buy five different planners, so I had this idea for a planner that you were able to add in what I call boosts, which are areas of focus in your life. It became a passion project. It's reminding yourself of the small weekly wins that can often go unnoticed and it's a way of reflecting at the end of the month where you can look back on everything you achieved and everything you didn't get around to doing, ways that you gave back and really focusing on the areas of life that often are under-looked, yet are super important. They can be the most motivating and helpful to help you feel your best. There are also inspirational quotes and affirmations because the words you speak to yourself are so powerful and there’s vision boarding and goal setting. Goal setting, for me, can be overwhelming, so figuring out how to break it down to make it easier for people who don't know where to start all went into this planner.
“For me, self-funding isn’t a planner, it feels more like a best friend. If you're someone who feels lonely or gets demotivated or doesn't feel productive, it's a tool that you can have and that you can look to. We started off with a high price point because it's a very luxury product because all the components are sustainably sourced and the supply chain is actually fair, but now we have it on Amazon for $49.99. I think that for the price point, it really is just the most amazing product that you could get for someone who is struggling, or just wants to elevate and invest in all different areas of their life. It's called self-funding, because you're investing in yourself. You are literally bringing in and investing energy into yourself and you are your greatest investment, so that's really why it's such a great product.”
If you live locally, look out for events like vision boarding that Iskra plans to host in 2024 tied to the Self-Funding journal, a product that she hopes to turn into a movement and eventually a non-profit.
She’s also the co-founder of SaltAir which includes body lotions, scrubs and washes, shampoos, conditioners, lip oils and more. The mission of the brand is to help everyone feel confident, comfortable and empowered in their own skin. They can be found at Target or SaltAir.com
And, Iskra is a big fan of AdoreMe. After walking in their fall NYFW show she wrote on Instagram, “The most fun, inclusive and joy-filled show I’ve ever experienced. It was an honor to open and close the show alongside so many phenomenal women wearing a brand that is so empowering.” Find the lingerie for your lifestyle at Adoreme.com.
For me, self-funding isn’t a planner, it feels more like a best friend.