We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rashad Schaffer . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rashad below.

Alright, Rashad thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

So one of the biggest pieces to my business is the Man/Woman of God merch. The idea came from My Instagram handle meaning Ephesians 5:25 which was given to me by this girl I was trying to impress, we stopped talking shortly after which was crazy. I wanted to change the name, but I really felt compelled not to switch it. From there people including friends, social media followers have held me to that standard which has been extremely helpful. So even though I was trying to impress a girl, God used that to impact the world around me which has been fruitful. I struggle every now & then if I’m doing the right thing, am I in the lane I’m supposed to be in, etc But honesty when I’m feeling that way, God will literally send someone who I’ve impacted that i didn’t even realize to thank me for never changing & the personal impact i had on their life. I honestly couldn’t be where I’m at without people.

Rashad , 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?

Aside from my Instagram handle, i had no plans to make such an impact or start the brand/business I’ve been working hard at. I first started working in retail at 17 years old & wanted to be a manager of a Footlocker. That was my DREAM & if God changed my whole story to do that i wouldn’t be mad, but i have no doubt that the lane I’m in working with students is where I’m supposed to be. Being in the retail industry for 15 years i had my mind set, but i had a friend who also works with students who said i would be great with with students. Now i love kids, but the stories she told me i didn’t see myself enduring that on a day to day so i kept declining, but she was planting the seed not realizing it. So longer story short i first started working at all boys group homes & hearing these stories from young men with the same or similar upbringings it moved my heart & emotions so heavy i felt like the missing piece to my destiny was finally filled. They challenged me not just naturally, but spiritually as well. I found myself praying more on how to love these kids the way they needed it. Fast forward a little more i realized they were helping me become the Man of God i was supposed to be not just for them, but for me too. So my merch became bigger than making money, but making an impact & statement to communities across the country that we (Men/Women of God) still exist. From that i wrote a book called Command Your Day. The book came from hitting rock bottom, literally living on someone’s couch, lost my job, i felt like i had nothing to give & God kept being God in my life, i refused to give up not just because He helped me, but placed certain people in my life that wouldn’t let me quit. So a 30 day devotional was birthed out of my lowest moment. I’m working on my 2nd book as well as a curriculum for Group Home boys who feel like where they are is what they deserve & that absolutely isn’t true, but how will they know if we don’t tell them ?

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

A lesson i had to unlearn is definitely the need to be in control & the fear of losing control. Growing up i moved a lot, switched schools, father passed away at somewhat of a young age, when my mom got married she kicked me out without saying she’s kicking me out so for about a year & some change i slept on peoples couches, floors, chairs, offices & i felt like there was nothing i could do about it. So as i made a promise to get myself together ANYTHING i had no control over i refused to engage. Sabotaged relationships, friendships, quit jobs all because i didn’t feel in control. When i looked around & realized how lonely i was i understood that yes there are things i can’t control, but what i can make the most of that moment, & what i can’t control give it to God.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I honestly built my audience on accident. I didn’t wake up & say i want to be an influencer, at the time people weren’t making money from social media like that except YouTube. I started 10 years ago with cheap filters, Bible quotes, poetry & an android lol. Social media since then has changed so much, but i grew with it. I understood & learned the algorithm. When i saw posts blow up from a different method i did more research on what’s new so thats how i remained either relevant or able to keep up. My advice for anyone just getting started, or you’ve already started, but aren’t seeing results. My tip is to follow some people who do what you currently do, follow people who do what you dream to do, find your lane & be consistent. Consistency isn’t about everyday, but whatever day(s) pick to post stick to it & always always always be ready to adjust or pivot. Again my social media content has changed over the years, but stayed in my lane.

Contact Info:

• Website: E5themovement.com
• Instagram: E5manofgod
• Facebook: Rashad Schaffer
• Linkedin: Rashad Schaffer