Meet Erica Cardenas of InspireHER

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Cardenas.

Erica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It was the summer of 2015 when I was feeling I needed to share my personal story of some of the struggles I had encountered as a young teen. Each of us has a unique story, and I knew I had to share mine with other girls and women to encourage them, and to remind them of their value and worth. After what seemed like countless hours of brainstorming, and even more prayer, I was inspired to share the message of hope through… t-shirts.

What began as a desire to share my personal story has blossomed into something far more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. The shirts continue to reach women of all ages and backgrounds far and wide – it truly is a love movement in every sense of the word, and I am super blessed to be a part of it all.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think most businesses owners would agree that the entrepreneurial road can be quite bumpy, and I’m no exception to that. There has been (and continues to be) PLENTY of learning curves and hurdles along the way. I remember when I began inspireHER back in 2015, I was overwhelmed with not knowing what to do first, or even how to start. I had a background in marketing and public relations which certainly was helpful, but I had never created or managed any type of clothing line. I’ve had my share of trials and errors, wins and losses, but I’m a firm believer that you have to make mistakes. In fact, you WILL make mistakes, and that’s absolutely ok because that’s the only way you’re truly going to learn and grow.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with inspireHER – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
inspireHER is an inspirational t-shirt line for girls and women that shares the message of love, hope and truth – one t-shirt at a time. I call it ‘apparel with a purpose’, and it goes well beyond me or my story. It’s been absolutely incredible to watch inspireHER bloom and blossom as it continues to touch the lives of girls and women from around the country, and even the world. Each month, a portion of sales goes back to printing free inspireHER shirts for girls and women in the community through various nonprofits as a reminder that they’re loved and that their lives have a purpose.

You see, I wholeheartedly believe inspireHER shirts are more than just cute and trendy t-shirts. I believe they bring comfort and hope to others at a time when they need it most. As one customer wrote to me and said, “…they are affirmations that girls and women wear on their hearts and each time they wear them a piece of their identity is restored.”

Happy and grateful tears! I thank God every day for leading me here, and for His continued guidance and grace, because I know I’m never alone on this journey.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As inspireHER enters its third year, I’m so excited to see what’s around the corner! I’m currently working on getting inspireHER shirts into various boutiques and shops (which will be a first for inspireHER!), so I’m super jazzed to see that dream become a reality. I also currently have about 20 inspireHER ambassadors spread throughout the country who have come alongside inspireHER to share the message of hope and love through the t-shirts.

These ambassadors not only share the clothing and message of inspireHER in their individual communities and circles, but they also share their own stories as well, which is really the heartbeat of inspireHER – connecting, encouraging, inspiring and speaking life and love over other girls and women through our stories and testimonies.

Love and appreciate you, inspireHER ambassadors!! XOXO

Contact Info:

• Website: inspirehernow.com
• Email: erica@inspirehernow.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/inspirehernow
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/inspirehernow
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/inspirehernow

Image Credit:
Debbie Galindo

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.