Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel and Shatiana Walton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rachel and Shatiana , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The story behind our mission is that we are Kingdom minded. We go against what the world says we are and how they say we should look, act or be in society. We look to GOD and what HIS Word says and how HE thinks of us. HE says that HE knew us from when we were in our Mother’s womb and that we are a masterpiece created by HIM. So we are making a difference in the lives of our followers by breaking the negative barriers and stereotypes for receiving help spiritually, physically, financially and emotionally. We’re setting the trend to seek GOD first. Our mental health is important and our way in giving back to the world is to encourage our fellow brothers and sisters through our unique apparel.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
We believe what sets us a part from any traditional company is that we follow the principles of Matthew 6:33 which says, But Seek ye first the Kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. So our mission is to help others to go to GOD first for things concerning them spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. We have merchandise that encourages them to trust GOD on their wellness journey.
We offer t shirts for both children and adults, hoodies, sweat shirts, hats and bracelets that uplifts and encourages our followers to know that they don’t have to do life alone. We like to connect with our community so we often attend vending events connecting with new people and letting our followers know to cast their cares to JESUS because HE cares for them. Some of us carry the weight of the world on our shoulders and it gets really heavy sometimes. It could affect how we feel about ourselves mentally and physically. It’s unfortunate, but mental health is sometimes overlooked and categorized as being lazy, but oftentimes those we love can be suffering in silence.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Rachel and I have similar journeys when it comes to moving for family, our Moms making their transition, having small children during the pandemic and leaving Corporate America.
One of the most pivotal times of my life is currently now. It started when I was 4 months pregnant, I was newly married, uprooted my life from Chicago to move two hours away to be with family. I never really felt I fit in this new environment. Everything changed drastically. I had gone from being a city girl to country living. Even my work environment drastically changed. It had gone from a fast paced busy work environment to working at a very slower pace; sometimes standstill and as a Supervisor, anything could happen at any given moment that would need my keen attention. In Dec 2018, my Mother made her transition, July of 2019 my brother moved out of state, Aug 2019 I’m pregnant with my second son, son is born in the heart of the pandemic in 2020 and my sister makes her transition November of 2021. If feeling alone had a face, it would’ve looked something like me. My husband and I worked different shifts and our two boys were getting tired mommy and daddy. So in Jan of 2022 I felt a shift in the atmosphere. Something had to change. So I prayed and fasted for GOD’s guidance and I heard loud and clear FEBRUARY 27th… That was the day I put in my two week notice. I had vacation time so it was my last working day as well. I officially left Corporate America March 12th, 2022. I walked away from working over 15 years with the Department of Homeland Security TSA. I am now a published author of two books/journals on Amazon and work as Chief Visionary Officer for Run With GOD Athletics. It hasn’t been the easiest, but with GOD it was made possible.
Before l (Rachel) became a businesswoman. I worked in corporate America since I was in middle school. I had various positions from being a summer camp cook, dispatcher at a call center, lead sales associate and worked in concession at a ballpark just to name a few. This was the only way I knew how to survive was by working for someone else. I was used to having a job to support myself financially. It wasn’t until 2018 when I got pregnant with my first child that I asked myself how can I work this job and be a full time mother with all the restraints my current job had? I continued to work this job while praying that GOD allow me to be able to provide for my son financially and also be an active parent in his life. When I walked away from my almost 10 years job in June 2020 I can admit I was nervous because I was stepping into uncharted territory. I had worked a 40 hour work week for a long time and now I was trusting GOD to provide for my family. Being co-owner of Run With GOD Athletics LLC for the past almost three years have allowed for me to spend quality time with my son and be able to sustain our lifestyle with GOD’s provision. It hasn’t always been easy making this transition because I like to be in control and being a business partner you literally have no control over your sales. That’s when I have to activate my trust and faith in GOD that HE will always take care of my family and I.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Rachel and I met in the Summer of 2003. It was late night at the PEIF/family and friends weekend at Northern Michigan University. A group of mutual friends gathered together and we were introduced. Our initial meeting is memorable because it began as Rachel wasted an entire cup of iced cold Pepsi on my leg. She apologized a million times, but it is still so funny to me. We’ve gotten closer over the years, her Mother was my spiritual mother she was a bridesmaid in my wedding and her son is my godson. We now work closely together as co owners of our CHRISTian clothing line.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.runwithgodathletics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runwithgodathletics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runwithgodathletics
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_rwgathletics
- Tik Tok: http://www.tiktok.com/@runwithgodathletics