We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Thomas Martin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Thomas below.
Alright, Thomas thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
A divine turning point occurred in my life when, during a leisurely walk with my wife and our dog, the Holy Spirit planted the seed of an idea within me: to initiate a Christian Clothing Brand. At that moment, I chuckled, as my knowledge of the t-shirt industry was virtually non-existent. I knew nothing about the apparel business or even where I would start. However, it really didn’t matter as I trust God and when He gives you an idea, He will give you a strategy. It’s a reminder that when God beckons you to your purpose, the path is often unexpected. But I accepted it with open arms because there is nothing better than serving God. In the ensuing days, we embarked on the task of naming our nascent company. Guided by the Holy Spirit, I was struck by the concept that our identity in this world is defined by our unwavering Faith in God. That day marked the birth of Faith Defines Us.
At Faith Defines Us, we firmly believe that faith surpasses mere verbiage; it’s a dynamic way of life; it embodies a lifestyle. Ours is a purpose-driven enterprise, aligned with the principles of the Kingdom. To effect global change, we acknowledge the necessity of taking the initial stride. With this ethos in our hearts, we forge partnerships and extend support to several ministries that hold profound significance to us. Collaborating with businesses centered around Christ is our joy, as we ardently seek to illuminate the world with the love and magnificence of Jesus.
Our aspiration is encapsulated in the notion of becoming the catalyst for change, one shirt, one hoodie, and one sneaker at a time. It’s a testament that excellence should permeate every endeavor we undertake in life, a principle to which we are unswervingly devoted.
At Faith Defines Us, we believe that faith is more than just a word – it’s a way of life.
Thomas, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
At Faith Defines Us, we firmly hold that faith is far more than mere words; it serves as the guiding principle shaping every facet of our lives. This perspective has propelled us to create a clothing brand that reflects our unwavering commitment to embracing a life molded by our faith and the truths found in God’s Word. Our apparel not only presents a harmonious blend of style and comfort but also amplifies powerful messages that stand as perpetual reminders of the profound significance of faith, hope, and love. Our mission extends beyond merely providing clothing; it encompasses Jesus’s teachings and our faith, while simultaneously inspiring others to adopt a lifestyle firmly rooted in Christian and Biblical foundations. This dedication propels us to allocate a portion of our proceeds to support local churches and Christian charities that share our passion for sharing the salvation of Jesus while effecting positive change in the world.
When you don pieces from Faith Defines Us, your choice goes beyond making a fashion statement; it transforms into an authentic declaration of your faith to the world. It states that you are unashamed of the God’s Word. Join forces with us in sharing the messages of hope and love found in Jesus through our stylish and purposeful apparel.
However, we transcend the confines of the typical clothing company; instead, we cultivate a community who wants share an unwavering passion for faith and for championing the teachings of Jesus on the global stage. By choosing to connect with us, you become an integral part of a movement comprised of individuals who firmly embrace the belief that faith is an inseparable aspect of our identity.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
When embarking on our business journey, our initial funding source was our personal savings. After a heartfelt conversation and joint prayer, my wife and I sensed the divine timing to breathe life into this inspired concept. With resolute faith, we withdrew from our savings and directed these resources towards realizing our business venture. Placing our trust in God’s provision, we believed that He would guide us along this path of ministry and enterprise. . Notably, even in the face of variable sales, our needs were consistently met, a testament to God’s steadfast faithfulness.
As our enterprise expanded and our calling led us to craft a distinctive and an extraordinary line line of sneakers, a remarkable connection unfolded. An angel investor, directed by God’s prompting, became instrumental in funding the production and manufacturing of our unique sneaker brand. She recognized the alignment of our values—primarily centered around sharing the Gospel—and was motivated by the same mission. Guided by the Lord’s guidance, she invested in our company, becoming a significant partner in propelling our shared purpose forward. Because this unique investment we were able to launch our sneakers into the market much sooner than expected.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The onset of the Covid pandemic prompted a global shift, impacting various industries including e-commerce. Prior to the pandemic, our engagement revolved around being vendors at the most prominent Christian Concerts in both Southern and Northern California. These events provided us with a platform to connect with our existing customers on a personal level, engaging in heartfelt conversations and sharing moments of prayer. Our approach wasn’t conventional; rather than focusing solely on sales, our priority was to listen to our customers’ testimonies and providing prayers. The act of selling naturally followed, with our primary emphasis being on discerning God’s guidance and praying for the individuals we interacted with. This unique approach led to unexpected sales successes.
However, when Covid restrictions came into effect, our interactions had to adapt. Despite the limitations on in-person meetings, our commitment remained unwavering. We transitioned to praying for people through social media channels, responding to prayer requests from those who reached out. The global lockdown might have hindered physical interactions, but it certainly didn’t obstruct our mission to offer prayers to those in need. Although the method changed, our dedication to representing the values of the Kingdom persisted.
In essence, while the world experienced a transformation due to the pandemic, our core mission of extending prayers to those seeking solace continued undeterred. Our adaptability enabled us to uphold our purpose even as the mode of outreach shifted, reaffirming our pledge to serve God’s divine plan.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.faithdefinesus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithdefinesus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithdefinesus
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faith-defines-us/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/faithdefinesus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgGBOwousxevzaslRqQ03NQ