We recently connected with Raenelle Green and have shared our conversation below.

Raenelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Early on, I was outsourcing printing services because I knew nothing about printing my own clothes. These outsourced printers gave me the blues! The prints were damaged, incorrect, overpriced, extremely far, postponed release dates, or a combination between all the above. My mom had bought a cricut machine that she didn’t know how to use (for her event planning business) and had been pushing for me to learn how to use it for a while. I finally gave in, learned the cricut, created my first project (which I believe was a tshirt), and I’ve been unstoppable ever since. It did not happen over night. I wanted it, so I put my all into learning the craft. Yes the road started as a major challenge but I’ve learned with every project, good or bad, to be grateful for the learning and growing experience it has to offer. My work speaks for itself as far as growth and determination. I am a lifelong student and am ready to learn something new everyday. That’s the only way to get better and discover that you are greater than you could ever imagine.

Raenelle, 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?

Hey hey! My name is Raenelle Green. I am a Kansas City, MO native and am the founder of Monarkc Clothing & Customz. I started this business with my cousin after returning home from Hampton University in Hampton, VA. Kansas City seemed like a graveyard of talent meaning we have amazing talent here but no one was really doing anything with it because people are mentally, emotionally or spiritually dead or burnt out for whatever reason. Everyone story is unique but we can’t let dark days turn us into dark spirits which I felt was happening. What better light to shine to share love and encouragement than God’s light? None!

Monarkc Clothing & Customz is a Christian based clothing brand created to “encourage everyone to Reclaim your God given crown and embrace your inner monarkc (King, Queen, etc).” Every original Monarkc design is an encouraging piece to remind you that “God Crowned You a Monarkc,” that you were destined for greatness and you are loved.

In addition to the clothing brand, we offer just about any kind of custom printing services and custom graphic designs. Just to name a few, I print on all apparel, create logos, have designed and applied a cement concrete truck decal, create photography canvas, construct and design real money bouquets and just about anything else I set my mind to. I offer a free consultation, free mockups, and free creation design when people order printed customs to ensure 100% customer satisfaction. Most companies charge a separate service fee for each but you know you’re getting a great value with Monarkc every time. I also offer same day prints and graphic services for last minute events and last minute people like myself sometimes.

I honestly enjoy the creation process and am not solely money driven like some businesses. I am reasonably priced and guarantee you’ll get a great value and an even better product each time. My customs are like sharing a piece of love with people, and the smile on the customers face upon delivery makes it so worth it.

A few proud moments were being a featured designer in The Kritiq Fashion Showcase where I used to be a hair stylist for the previous 4 years. Another proud moment was successfully printing 150+ customs for the a Kansas City Greek Picnic and 100+ for my family reunion. Yes they were very trying but that feeling when printing the last shirt of 100+ is indescribably satisfying. Seeing my completed products make the whole process worth it every time. I give all of my creative credit and new found patience to God because without Him, as a person who suffered with anxiety and depression when I first started, none of this would be possible.

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

“Resilient” was always a word that I admired so it was only right for me to live it. My most resilient moment with Monarkc was very early on. It was the day of the very first photoshoot, that had already been rescheduled too many times before. On this day it just decided to ice rain and while I was in the middle of a sharp turn I wrecked my car but was luckily safe and able to drive. My dad came and popped a new tire on and I was right back on the road headed to Monarkc’s first photoshoot at the Made Mobb store. I honestly didn’t have time to be upset, I was determined to get to that photoshoot and it was a success! The white premier tshirt ended up being one of our all time best sellers. That day showed me I could really do anything and that I was made for this!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspects of being a creative is being able to share my art and expression with someone else ,especially a complete stranger, solely based off of their ideas and special moments. Even if it is a jumbled idea, we always come out with a happy customer. I enjoy the relations and conversations that my pieces spark whether an original Monarkc design resignating with someone going through a season or a custom design that was so sentimental that the customer needed a hug. As I said before, this whole creative journey is not about money. It is about sharing God’s light while spreading genuine love near and far.

Contact Info:

• Website: Monarkc.com
• Instagram: @monarkc_
• Facebook: @monarkc
• Other: DM us on social media to place custom orders. For monarkc deaigns shop at monarkc.com. Customs will be available to order from the website soon.

Image Credits
BLACK HISTORY MONTH BOOKSTORE PHOTOSHOOT AT WILLA’S BOOKS Kashira Pettiford – FB KashCreates – IG @beautiful_kash – website www.kashcreates.com THE KRITIQ FASHION SHOWCASE PHOTO Kenny – IG @kennydidthat WHITE SHIRT FIRST PHOTOSHOOT Bunny Photography