We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

In October 2014, fueled by a deep passion for writing and a heart for entrepreneurship, Courtney Smith began putting pen to paper—and the vision for Sobeit Apparel was born. After finishing graduate school in 2010 and relocating to Texas from Mississippi in 2013, Courtney began working three jobs in pursuit of her dreams and financial freedom, all while helping a close friend launch a new product specifically designed for contact lens wearers called, “Eye Catcher.” Early mornings and long nights spent grinding for a dream that wasn’t even her own, Courtney found herself exhausted, discouraged, and mentally depleted. Though she had yet to see her prayers manifest, Courtney still believed that it could happen one day. One night after reaching her breaking point and arriving home from her third job at 1:30am, she began to complain about life, working multiple jobs, relocating to Texas (though she knew it was the right move), and grinding until the wee hours of the morning while others were fast asleep in their beds snoring. She proceeded to cry uncontrollably believing that God had forgotten her. After several minutes of weeping, she calmed herself down and became quiet, completely silent. It was at that moment, she heard a still small voice that said, “You’re not working, you’re creating-change your perspective.” She looked around the dimly lit room she was sitting in, alone, though she was sure she had just heard a voice. For a second, she was afraid as she thought someone else was in the room with her. Again, she heard the still, small voice say, “You’re not working, you’re creating-change your perspective.”

After that encounter, Courtney realized “your perspective will either be your prison or your palace”. What she heard that night not only totally transformed her attitude, but also became a t-shirt designed that was never meant to be seen but instead be a source of inspiration and encouragement. An Entrepreneur since the age of 25, Courtney firmly believes that great entrepreneurs are made, not born. She is living proof that with desire, grit, and willpower, success is within reach.

What started with one t-shirt and an idea scribbled in a notebook evolved into a brand built for dreamers, thinkers, innovators, and visionaries—people just like her. While major apparel companies pour millions into design and development, Sobeit Apparel began with a simple yet bold idea: to create apparel that speaks to the entrepreneurial journey, crafted by someone who understands it firsthand.

Courtney has lived the highs and lows of startup life. Especially as a new entrepreneur, she knew the challenges, the hustle, the sleepless nights—and the unwavering belief in a bigger vision. That intimate understanding became the foundation of Sobeit Apparel.

Originally birthed in Houston, Texas and now headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the brand began with just two t-shirts. Today, it has grown into a collection of stylish, comfortable apparel designed specifically for entrepreneurs and those on the path to becoming one—especially millennials with active, driven lifestyles.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

My name is Courtney Smith, and at my core, I am an Entrepreneur Enthusiast—deeply passionate about purpose, creativity, and the undeniable power of a single thought. As an African American woman based in Atlanta, GA, I’ve come to a defining realization: now is my time. This is my moment, and I’ve chosen to walk boldly in it.

In October 2014, during a particularly difficult season in my life, I had an idea I knew was worth pursuing. I had recently relocated to Houston, TX from Jackson, MS, and found myself overwhelmed, overworked, and unfulfilled.

One night, after coming home from my second job—exhausted and frustrated—I opened my laptop and began building content for a product website. As I worked, I found myself venting about everything: my circumstances, financial struggles, and the uncertainty surrounding my future. I was working multiple jobs, living paycheck to paycheck, and pouring energy into ideas that offered no guaranteed return.

It felt like I was surviving, not living.

A few days later, I came across a question that changed everything: “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”

That question forced a shift in my perspective. What I fear most is not failure—but living a mediocre life, never reaching my full potential, and facing the reality of what could have been.

So, what influenced me to start my business, Sobeit Apparel? Simply put: the reality of regret.

I’ve always aspired to be my own boss—to move to the rhythm of my own vision and create something distinct, impactful, and meaningful. Creativity fuels me. I believe a creative mind is one of the most valuable assets anyone can possess. Entrepreneurs, in particular, embody that creativity at the highest level. Their ability to innovate, adapt, and execute is unmatched, and it’s exactly why I’m so passionate about them.

Entrepreneurs carry a “by any means necessary” mindset paired with a relentless work ethic. That same drive lives within me. I firmly believe that great entrepreneurs are developed, not born—and I stand as proof that with desire, discipline, and persistence, success is attainable.

Whether novice or seasoned, entrepreneurs have the power to transform vision into reality. That belief inspired me to create something that represents who they are—something symbolic of their ambition, identity, and evolution. In my view, entrepreneurs operate in a class of their own, and they deserve a brand that reflects that distinction.

With entrepreneurial spirit woven into every thread, my business, Sobeit Apparel, is more than a clothing brand. It’s a celebration of ambition, resilience, and purpose. Though still in its early chapters, Sobeit’s commitment to creativity, authenticity, and the entrepreneur community is nothing short of legendary.

Far more than just clothing, Sobeit Apparel is a movement! We see entrepreneurs as a class of their own—innovators, risk-takers, and trailblazers. That’s why Sobeit Apparel is crafted to reflect the spirit of entrepreneurship: bold in design, intentional in purpose, and symbolic of the legacy each creator is building.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

What I’ve learned in my 39 years of life can be distilled into two truths: life is not about perfection—it’s about progress. And just as importantly, life is not solely defined by the destination, but by the lessons gained along the journey. #EnoughSaid

In short, the dream I conceived and launched in May 2015 has come to fruition in 2026. The journey, however, was far from easy. There were moments when I was tempted to give up—to walk away and dissolve the business altogether. But something within me wouldn’t allow it.

Looking back, I’m grateful I held on. I’m grateful I was resilient.

During those ten years, I was repeatedly reminded of a simple yet powerful truth found in Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT):
“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”

That promise carried me—and now, I’m witnessing it unfold.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

My business was launched with a modest investment—just $520 from my tax return. With that, I purchased my first piece of entrepreneur-themed apparel: a single t-shirt that read, “ENTREPRENEUR…Those who create while others sleep.”

At the time, I was working two part-time jobs, and every dollar I could spare went directly back into the business—covering administrative, operational, and miscellaneous expenses. Resources were limited, but my commitment was not.

All I truly had was a small amount of money, a relentless work ethic, and an unwavering faith. Looking back, I’ve come to realize that was more than enough—it was exactly what I needed to begin.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sobeitapparel.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sobeitapparel
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/sobeitapparel