Diary of an Underwear Dream (Chapter 10): Kava Kava I’ve always felt more at ease behind the scenes—dreaming up ideas, shaping the product, building the brand with care. Not front and center. Not under the glare of attention. Neither Mariela nor I were drawn to being the face of the brand. We’re both private people who simply wanted to pour our hearts into something beautiful. But when you start a company—especially as young founders—you’re not just building it. You are it. And that means showing up. Back then, I wasn’t just camera shy—I was deeply sensitive, especially when it came to feedback. At trade shows, critiques felt sharp. Personal. Like maybe I wasn’t cut out for this after all. I wasn’t a natural salesperson. I’d stumble over my words, blush too easily, and absorb every comment like it was a judgment on my worth. Thankfully, Mariela was the steady voice, the confident presence. She could talk to anyone, negotiate like a pro, and read a room in seconds. More than once, she’d gently suggest I take a little walk, clear my head. Enter: kava kava. A natural herb to calm the nerves. I’d pop one, sip some chamomile tea, breathe deeply, and regroup. I laugh now thinking about it—but back then, it was my lifeline. My quiet ritual for courage. Even today, I wouldn’t call myself a natural in the spotlight, but I’ve come a long way. I’ve learned that vulnerability can be a bridge, not a barrier. That sharing our story connects us to the people we serve. And that being seen—truly seen—can be its own kind of bravery. To anyone who’s ever felt like they’re not cut out for something because it feels scary or unnatural: I was you. But growth is possible. Courage is quiet. And the more you show up, the stronger your voice becomes.