Jayla didn’t start as what it is today. Originally, it was supposed to be a women’s boutique, fashion-forward, cute, curated pieces.
The kind of place where you come to find something that makes you feel confident and put together.
But life happened, and it didn’t get off the ground the way I hoped. But God being who He is… those quiet whispers kept nudgin me. So I eventually course-corrected to get back on track, and I pivoted a little.
The pivots that shaped the brand
I pivoted into a kids store because in that season, it was the next best move, pregnant, becoming a mom (the second time around in a really long time), and creating from a place that felt real. It reignited something in me. It felt like a purpose waking up again.
And, here’s what I learned:
A pivot isn’t a failure. Sometimes it’s clarity. As I became a mom again and life got louder, I realized something I couldn’t ignore: I didn’t just need a business… I needed a place to pour into women. Women like me, trying to be everything for everybody, and still show up for themselves, too. A place where I could keep my word to my younger self, and honor what God was building in me.
The truth behind the shift
I’ve always been drawn to encouraging people. I’m the one who says, “You got this.” The one who reminds you you’re still on assignment. The one who can feel when someone is carrying too much, even when they don’t say it out loud. But being that person can get heavy… especially when you’re also trying to live, heal, grow, and stay aligned with who God created you to be.
So I realized I needed more than another idea; I needed a home for the message. A place where encouragement wasn’t something I gave away until I was empty, but something I could live in too.
That’s how Note to Self was born. Not as a trend, not as a moment, but as a reminder I could wear.
Why “Note to Self” exists
The Note to Self pieces aren’t about being trendy (even though I still want you to feel cute). They exist because I needed messages that ground me. Because “busy” can look productive while your spirit is exhausted.Because rushing can make you feel like you’re moving… while you’re actually drifting. And I’m not taking old habits into 2026. Not the rushing. Not the overextending. Not the yes-to-everything. This season is about alignment.
A question for you
So I’m asking you like a real friend would:
What are you rushing right now that actually requires your attention and alignment?
And what would change if you slowed down long enough to do it with intention?
If this resonated, I’d love to hear from you, reply, or share it with a woman who needs the reminder.
XOXO,
Steffanie Monae’
P.S.
Reminder: If you needed a little encouragement today, start here — [link]
steffaniemonae.com 