We were lucky to catch up with Godfrey Riddle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Godfrey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I launched Civic Saint in tribute to my late parents, Cecil and Goldie Riddle. Our company values align with principles they instilled in me and demonstrated throughout their lifetimes: integrity, inclusion, and public service.

I can recall countless memories of my mother opening our home to friends and family who’d fallen on hard times from the time I was in elementary school all the way through her final years. My father was always right there to support her passion for helping others, and that favor was returned to our family the summer after my 7th grade year when we lost our first home to foreclosure.

We were temporarily homeless, and found shelter in hotel rooms and with relatives before moving into a rental duplex. However, the experience forever changed my worldview because I couldn’t understand how or why we live in a world where opportunity is rationed but talent is not.

I soon realized that it’s a sociopolitical economic choice, not the decision of any one family or person. I made it my mission to create a meaningful company that would demonstrate that profitability and positive impact are synergistic.

For their love and the limitless upbringing they provided, I will be forever grateful.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Civic Saint is a Kansas City-based purposeful lifestyle company that creates apparel and accessories to express yourself with style. We aim to help you become more yourself each day, all while building a more inclusive world. We are ever evolving, just like you.

Our signature collection of statement t-shirts and pins allow you to stylishly incorporate your values into your wardrobe.

Social entrepreneur Godfrey Riddle founded Civic Saint in October 2020 following a personal battle with cancer and the sudden loss of his parents Cecil and Goldie–all before age 31 and within a 14-month period.

“The main reason I created Civic Saint was to inspire people to live their values and get involved in their community,” said Riddle.

Because we dream of an equitable, inclusive world where everyone can live to their full potential, we donate a portion of our proceeds to organizations that advocate for racial and social equity. Shop and learn more at CivicSaint.com.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Burnout isn’t a reflection of your value to the world, nor is it a viable business strategy.

It’s okay to take it one step at a time, and even to step away from your business for a while. And rapid growth isn’t the only metric of success nor the most important.

At the end of the day, your objective is to endure as an entrepreneur and individual. Those two priorities will constantly be in flux–picture working a late night one a special project–but for all the attention you put into building a brand or business, you should be putting just as much attention into building practices that fortify you. To me, that means investing in quality time with myself and my loved ones, focusing on new hobbies or interests (no matter how short lived) that aren’t directly related to how I make money, and taking time to be still and do nothing in nature or on the couch with the cats.

I began to feel my departure from my workaholic self after I lost my dad because it quickly brought life into perspective.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

For entrepreneurship and skills development:

“How I Built This” podcast. The host Guy Raz has the best radio voice, probing yet funny interview style, and I feel like I always walk away having learned something about leadership, and feeling less alone in my journey as an entrepreneur. My favorite episode is about Janice Bryant Howroyd who founded an international workforce management company, ActOne Group, and became the first African-American woman to own a billion-dollar business.

“Be A Sales Superstar” book by Brian Tracy. Learning how to sell is the single most important and useful skill any business owner can develop.

For self development, I turn to :How To Build A Happy Life” podcast from The Atlantic.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CivicSaint.com
• Instagram: @CivicSaint
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Civic-Saint-108020647730811

Image Credits
Fawn Lies and Civic Saint