We were lucky to catch up with Dakri Percell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dakri , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I wouldn’t go back and change how things have unfolded for my business. I truly believe that God places us exactly where we’re meant to be, at the time we’re meant to be there. If that door hadn’t been the right one at the right moment, it wouldn’t have opened.

When I started my business, I was in a season of growth—not just professionally, but personally. I was learning, navigating life, and figuring out my direction. It wasn’t a “perfect” time by most standards, but it was the right time for me. Looking back, I can see how every experience leading up to that moment helped shape my mindset, my vision, and the purpose behind what I was building.

If I had started sooner, I may not have had the same clarity, strength, or meaning behind my brand. It might have lacked the depth that comes from lived experience. On the other hand, if I had waited longer, I may have let doubt or fear get in the way—or missed the opportunity altogether.

What I’ve come to understand is that timing plays a bigger role than we often realize. Where I was in life and career-wise helped prepare me for the challenges and growth that came with starting my business. Every step before that moment mattered.

So no—I wouldn’t choose sooner or later. I would choose the same time, every time. Because it wasn’t just about starting a business, it was about stepping into a purpose at exactly the moment I was meant to.

Dakri , 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?

I’m the founder of Shielded Hearts Clothing Co., a brand that was built from a place much deeper than just fashion. For me, this business isn’t only about clothing—it’s about purpose, identity, and reminding people who they are and what they’ve made it through.

My journey into this didn’t start in a traditional “fashion” lane. It started with life—real experiences, challenges, growth, and learning how to keep going even when things weren’t easy. Along the way, I realized there was power in expression—especially in something as everyday as what we wear. Clothing became a way to speak without saying a word, to represent strength, healing, faith, and resilience.

That’s how Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. came to life.

What I create are pieces that carry meaning. Every design is intentional. Whether it’s a hoodie, t-shirt, or accessory, it’s meant to do more than just look good—it’s meant to say something. The message behind the brand centers around being guarded but not closed off, strong but still compassionate, and protected while continuing to grow. It’s for people who have been through things but are still standing.

The problem I aim to solve is deeper than surface level. A lot of brands focus only on trends, but I focus on connection. People want to feel seen. They want to wear something that represents their story, their faith, their mindset, or the battles they’ve overcome. My brand gives them a way to do that. It’s a reminder that they’re not alone, and that what they’ve gone through has purpose.

What sets Shielded Hearts apart is authenticity. This isn’t something I created just to sell—it’s something I lived first. The message isn’t manufactured; it’s real. That authenticity shows up in the designs, in the way I approach the brand, and in how I connect with people who support it.

What I’m most proud of is simply starting—and staying consistent. Building something from the ground up, putting your story out there, and standing behind it takes courage. Every piece sold, every person who connects with the message, every bit of growth—that means something to me.

More than anything, I want people to know that this brand stands for something. It’s not just about clothing—it’s about faith, resilience, and purpose. If you wear Shielded Hearts, you’re wearing a reminder that you’ve been protected, you’re still here, and there’s a reason for that.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media didn’t happen overnight—it was something that grew through consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to show up even when it felt like no one was watching.

In the beginning, it was honestly slow. I wasn’t getting a lot of engagement, and there were times it felt like I was just posting into the void. But instead of focusing on numbers, I focused on the message behind Shielded Hearts Clothing Co. I knew what the brand stood for—faith, resilience, and purpose—so I made sure every post reflected that.

I started sharing more than just products. I shared meaning. I talked about real-life experiences, mindset, growth, and the deeper message behind the brand. That’s when things began to shift. People don’t just connect with products—they connect with stories and truth. When I leaned into that, I started building a real audience, not just followers.

Consistency played a huge role. Even when engagement was low, I kept posting, kept refining, and kept learning what resonated. Over time, that built trust. People began to recognize the brand, understand the message, and feel connected to it.

Another key part was being genuine. I didn’t try to copy what everyone else was doing or chase every trend. I stayed aligned with what the brand represents. That authenticity is what attracts the right people—the ones who truly support and believe in what you’re building.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, I’d say this:

First, get clear on your message. If you don’t know what you stand for, people won’t either. Your content should reflect something deeper than just what you’re selling.

Second, don’t get discouraged by slow growth. Everyone starts at zero. Focus on impact over impressions—if even one person connects with what you’re posting, that matters.

Third, be consistent. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to show up. Growth comes from repetition and learning as you go.

Fourth, engage with people. Reply to comments, respond to messages, and build real connections. Social media is meant to be social—people remember how you make them feel.

Lastly, stay patient and trust the process. Building something meaningful takes time, but if you stay rooted in your purpose and keep showing up, the right audience will find you.

At the end of the day, I didn’t just build an audience—I built a community. And that came from being real, staying consistent, and never losing sight of why I started.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

For me, keeping in touch with clients and building real brand loyalty comes down to one thing—genuine connection. I don’t see people as just customers; I see them as part of the community behind Shielded Hearts Clothing Co.

One of the main ways I stay connected is through social media. I make it a priority to respond to comments, reply to messages, and engage with people who take the time to support the brand. Even something as simple as acknowledging someone’s comment or thanking them for an order goes a long way. People remember when they feel seen and appreciated.

I also try to keep my audience involved in the journey. Whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes moments, new design ideas, or the meaning behind upcoming drops, I want people to feel like they’re a part of something—not just buying from it. That transparency builds trust.

Another big piece is consistency—not just in posting, but in the message. The brand stands for faith, resilience, and purpose, and I make sure that shows up in everything. When people know what you stand for and see that you stay true to it, it creates a deeper connection and long-term loyalty.

I also focus on the experience. From the way orders are packaged to the communication after a purchase, I want every interaction to feel intentional. A strong experience turns a one-time buyer into someone who comes back and supports again.

Most importantly, I lead with authenticity. I’m not trying to force loyalty—I’m building it by being real, staying consistent, and treating people with respect and appreciation. When people believe in your message and feel connected to your brand, loyalty follows naturally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shieldedheartsclothingco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shieldedheartsclothingco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShieldedHeartsClothingCo
• Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shieldedheartsclothingco