Welcome to this month’s special interview on our Bookish Blog, where we not only dive into the world of literature but also explore fascinating stories from diverse industries. Today we’re thrilled to introduce Eray Feyzi, the innovative mind behind Moon Soldier, a rising star in the streetwear fashion scene priding itself on its commitment to sustainability. While Eray may not be an avid reader (yet), his passion for personal development and unique business journey offers valuable insights and inspiration for all of us. Join us as we chat with Eray about his entrepreneurial path, the future of Moon Soldier, and how personal growth plays a role in his life and business.

Thanks so much for joining us Eray, tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to start Moon Soldier? Well, I was in Cyprus and saw this beautiful jumper, I went into the store and saw the price, over £300, which I thought was ridiculous. Then, I checked to see if the company was sustainable and it wasn’t! Something sparked inside me and I decided to make my own clothing for cheaper that was sustainable and organic.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when launching Moon Soldier, and how did you overcome them? Nothing to do with the business itself but managing my mental health while balancing all aspects of life is challenging enough, without adding a business into the mix. I suffer from depression and recently anxiety. One night I remember feeling very strange and the NHS app that told me to ring 999, which freaked me out, but led me to therapy, which I highly recommend to everyone, even if you think you do not need it. But overcoming this challenge is not easy, sometimes I cannot get out of bed, so, I rely on the community I am building, both personally and in business, to get me and Moon Soldier through tough times. Building a community is crucial, and they do say it takes a village! I know I don’t have every skill to make Moon Soldier succeed on my own.

I know personal development is important to you. How do you stay motivated and continually improve yourself, and are there any resources  you would recommend? Staying motivated is extremely hard. I go through phases and try my hardest. I’m not perfect, but all I can do is try to do my best and not put too much pressure on myself – it will get done even if it takes a couple of days. Reading books like Steven Bartlett’s “Happy Sexy Millionaire” or listening to his podcast helps with self-improvement. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” is a great start if you care about what people think of you or if people impose their fears and insecurities on you. Recently, I started using journal prompt cards by Unleash Your Ink. I can usually go off on a tangent with journaling, but having a prompt helps write about something new or get started if you haven’t journaled before.

Thats awesome! You mentioned a couple of self help books there, are there any other books that have significantly influenced your personal or professional Development? I love a good “self-help” book, though I don’t feel the name fits. I consider it learning how others achieved something extraordinary and applying some of their ideologies to my life. “How to Make Sh*t Happen” by Sean Whalen talks about Core 4 – four areas of your life to focus on every day: body, relationships, mind, and business. For something more creative, “A Technique for Producing Ideas” is a very short but good read that I’ve revisited a couple of times.

How do you see the future of Moon Soldier and the sustainable fashion industry evolving over the next few years? I see Moon Soldier as a collaborative brand, partnering with individuals, brands, companies, and charities dedicated to positivity. I’d like Moon Soldier to be a light in the darkness, which is the reason for the name. I know I can’t do it all on my own, so partnerships, like the one with Talks With MS, which raises awareness about Multiple Sclerosis, are crucial. Collaboration is key to making a bigger impact.

Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or collaborations that Moon Soldier is working on? That’s a cheeky question… Currently, we are launching two new collections: one with our brand ambassador Mercurial Kicks and another with our sub-brand House of Mess. We have more collections in the pipeline, one I do not mind sharing which includes a collection with YazzieTalks, where half of the profits will go to charity. It’s an exciting time with a lot in the works.

Exciting times ahead! What would you say has been the most rewarding moment for you since starting Moon Soldier? This is a great question. I always celebrate the small wins, but one standout moment was when we received our first order from someone outside my personal network. It was a tangible sign that Moon Soldier was reaching new people. Seeing our hard work resonate with others was incredibly rewarding.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to break into the fashion industry? Go for it, regardless of the obstacles. You don’t need huge finances to start; there are always creative solutions. Don’t let fear or anyone hold you back. Be smart about your choices, and think of multiple avenues and possible outcomes to be prepared for anything. If you encounter “failure,” treat it as a learning experience and keep going. Change and adapt if you need to. Persistence and resilience are key.

Thank you, Eray, for sharing your inspiring journey and insights with us. It’s been a pleasure to learn about the passion and dedication behind Moon Soldier, and we’re excited to see where your commitment to sustainable fashion takes you in the future. We wish you and Moon Soldier all the best and look forward to watching your continued success. Stay tuned, everyone, for more engaging interviews and literary discussions right here on our Bookish Blog!