Meet Abby Skeans | Social Entrepreneur & Writer

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

Hi Abby, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Belief Statements reflects a deeply personal journey for me. It was born out of a combination of personal experience, passion and a desire to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, particularly in the realm of self-belief and confidence.

For more than 15 years, my professional life has been dedicated to advising and building alongside some of the most successful and influential organizations in the country across a range of verticals to bring about positive change. And yet, in spite of my success, I often found myself in rooms and in leadership positions where I questioned my worthiness to be at the table.

For years, those mind voices and lies about my self-worth were really loud. On countless mornings they greeted me with their insistence that I was unlovable, unqualified, and never enough. And as a result of their constant presence, I started to believe that they were true.

The lies started to become my belief and they were changing me and not for the better.

But the powerful thing about belief is that you are in control. You get to choose the truth of who you are, and state that boldly.

When I began to do that, to tap into the inner wisdom of my own soul, I found someone who was loved, qualified, worthy, and strong.

I believe that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality, and I wanted to create a platform that could help people transform their mindset through positive affirmations and daily reminders, just like I had been transformed through my own belief.

Inspired by the work I was doing in therapy, I founded Belief Statements based on methodologies that my counselor and I partnered on such as embodiment, neural pathway rejuvenation, and somatic experiencing.

The core products that Belief Statements provides — a mug, journal and candle — work together to create a ritualistic grounding experience to reinforce the six core “words of belief” that overcome imposter syndrome.

The idea really crystallized for me when I noticed how many people around me were struggling with self-doubt. I saw an opportunity to bring the tangible, daily reminders of inner strength that had been life-changing for me to others as well.

Our woman-owned & operated brand offers beautiful, modern products that carry a deep, meaningful message while also being 100% non-toxic, and environmentally-conscious from manufacturing to delivery.

Belief Statements is not just a business for me; it’s a long-term vision that every person will believe the truth of who they already are. It’s about spreading the message that belief in oneself is the first step to changing anything in our internal or external reality.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Belief Statements is not just a business; it’s a mission and a movement. Our core mission is to empower individuals, especially women, to believe in themselves and their limitless potential. We do this through a range of products, including coffee mugs, candles, and journals, each featuring a single word of personal encouragement. These items serve as daily reminders of the power of self-belief.

What sets us apart is the heart and soul behind our brand. We’re not just selling products; we’re selling a mindset shift. We’re proud of the messages we convey through our products and the positive impact they have on people’s lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to hear from our customers about how Belief Statements has helped them boost their confidence, overcome self-doubt, and achieve their goals.

The journey to where we are today wasn’t easy. Like any business, we faced challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was creating a strong online presence and reaching our target audience. We had to learn about digital marketing, e-commerce, and building a brand from scratch. But we were determined, and we overcame these challenges through perseverance, continuous learning, and adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

The lessons we’ve learned along the way are invaluable. We’ve discovered the importance of resilience, staying true to our mission, and listening to our customers. We’ve also learned that authenticity is key in building a brand that resonates with people.

What I want the world to know about Belief Statements is that it’s more than just a brand; it’s a source of inspiration and empowerment. It’s a reminder that belief in oneself is the foundation of success and happiness. We’re here to support individuals on their journey to self-discovery and self-confidence, and we’re excited to continue spreading this positive message to the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, if my best friend was visiting my home of Waxahachie, Texas, for a week, I’d make sure they got a taste of our unique blend of southern charm and vibrant culture. Here’s a little itinerary for an unforgettable week:

Day 1 – Welcome to Waxahachie

We’d start with a warm Texan welcome at the Ellis County Museum, where they can get a dose of local history.
Lunch at The Dove’s Nest, a charming spot known for its delicious sandwiches and pies.
Evening stroll through the historic downtown square, soaking in the beautifully preserved architecture.

Day 2 – Nature and Adventure

A morning hike at the Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail to connect with nature.
A hearty Tex-Mex lunch at Mi Casa Mexican Cuisine.
Afternoon visit to Getzendaner Park, perfect for a leisurely picnic.
Dinner at Cork & Keg, known for its Southern comfort food.

Day 3 – Art and Culture

Explore the art scene at the Webb Gallery, showcasing unique folk and outsider art.
Lunch at College Street Pub, a cozy spot with a great selection of burgers.
An evening at the Texas Theater, catching a live show or movie screening.

Day 4 – Shopping and Relaxation

Morning shopping spree at Ellis County Marketplace for local crafts and goods.
Lunch at The White Rhino, known for its cozy atmosphere.
Afternoon relaxation at Lake Waxahachie, perhaps some kayaking or just lounging by the shore.
Dinner at Prime115, offering a taste of the steak & sushi in Texas.

Day 5 – History and Heritage

A visit to the historic Chautauqua Auditorium for a glimpse into Waxahachie’s cultural past.
Coffee & treats at Vita Coffee House
An afternoon of reading at Paperleaves Bookstore.
Evening barbecue feast at BlueBonnet BBQ.

Day 6 – Day Trip to Dallas

We’d take a day trip to Dallas, just a short drive away.
Exploring the Dallas Museum of Art
Afternoon shopping at the Dallas Farmer’s Market or exploring the Dallas Arts District.
Dinner at Paradiso in Bishop Arts District.

Day 7 – Farewell, Y’all

Brunch at Butter & Grace, a local gem with a great brunch menu.
A leisurely morning at the Waxahachie Farmer’s Market
And a sweet Italian send off with cannolis and gelato from Panza’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of the most transformative voices in my journey has been the author, Brianna Wiest, and her book: “The Mountain Is You” which talks about the journey to overcome self-sabotage through belief in oneself and personal responsibility. My mentors and community have been too numerous to all name here but I especially want to thank my Dad, Rock Skeans, for always believing in me, and expressing his constant support as I strive to take my purpose and put ideas into reality.

Website: https://www.abbyskeans.com/

Instagram: @abbyskeans

Linkedin: @abigailskeans

Other: Belief Statements socials: https://www.beliefstatements.com/ IG/FB/TikTok/Pinterest: @beliefstatements

Image Credits
Photography by Lauren Zoucha.