We recently connected with Tracee Barlow and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tracee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

When I launched my hat line, “In His Image,” it was more than just starting a brand—it was stepping into a prophetic vision without a clear map. It was a huge risk for me, not because I didn’t believe in the message, but because I didn’t know who else would. I questioned whether people would see the heart behind it, hear the message through it, or even feel called to wear something so bold, so rooted in faith, and so personal.

The backstory is this: I had been sitting with the phrase “In His Image” for a while. It wasn’t just a slogan to me—it was a declaration. A reminder of identity, purpose, and divine design. I wanted people to wear something that didn’t just match their outfit, but affirmed their origin and reflected their Creator. But even with all of that passion, launching the line meant stepping into unfamiliar territory. I had no background in fashion or retail. I didn’t have a marketing team, brand ambassadors, or a massive following. I had an idea, a conviction, and a leap of faith.

I remember praying over the first batch of hats, packaging each one with trembling hands, and wondering if anyone would even buy the first five. I didn’t know if people would understand the message or feel bold enough to wear it publicly. But I also knew that obedience was better than comfort. So I moved forward—one design, one post, one person at a time.

The response? It blew me away. People from all over began sharing how wearing “In His Image” made them feel seen, reminded, and empowered. I watched people walk into rooms and start conversations simply because of what was on their hat. What started as a personal risk turned into a Kingdom movement, and every sale became a seed sown into someone’s identity.

That risk taught me that when your heart is aligned with Heaven, even the smallest step can create a ripple effect. I didn’t just launch a brand—I stepped into purpose. And looking back, I’d take that risk all over again.

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 back background and context?

I am the Founder of Awakening Nations Global Network (ANGN)—a global apostolic and prophetic community committed to raising reformers, igniting revival, and advancing the Kingdom of God. From a young age, I always had a dual passion: one for fashion and creative design, and the other for the Word of God and the transformation of lives through His presence. I never knew how these two passions would collide, but through prayer, bold faith, and relentless obedience, they eventually merged to form something powerful.

That’s how “In His Image” Hat Line and Grace & Glory Wear were born. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just fashion-forward, but faith-anchored—clothing and accessories that speak prophetically, affirm identity, and start conversations. I began designing custom hats, preacher towels, t-shirts, and statement pieces that carry more than style—they carry a message. Each product is crafted with intentionality and rooted in a Kingdom mindset.

But I didn’t stop there. I’m also a published author of 11 books at just 32 years old, with each book serving as a resource for personal transformation, spiritual growth, and Kingdom advancement. My work is fueled by a desire to equip, empower, and ignite purpose in others—whether through preaching, writing, teaching, or designing.

What sets my work and brand apart is that it’s not just about business—it’s about building people. I create prophetic apparel and resources that stir identity, spark faith, and disrupt religious norms. I solve the problem of spiritual stagnation, low self-worth, and silence by offering voices, platforms, and products that remind people of who they are and Whose they are. My goal is to create things that speak even when you don’t have to say a word.

What I’m most proud of is staying true to God’s call, even when it didn’t make sense on paper. I started without funding, connections, or a blueprint—just a burden and a belief. And now, I’ve watched God breathe on what once felt like a distant dream. I’m proud of the impact, the testimonies, and the people who now walk boldly in their calling because something I said, wrote, or created unlocked something in them.

To anyone encountering me or my brand for the first time, I want you to know that this is more than merchandise. It’s ministry. It’s movement. It’s mantle. Whether you wear a hat, read a book, or walk alongside me in the network—my prayer is that you feel seen, affirmed, and launched into your God-given purpose.

This is just the beginning. I’m building for the nations, and I’m doing it In His Image and by His grace and glory.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Absolutely. One story that deeply illustrates my resilience happened during a season when everything I had poured into—my ministry, my business, even my personal life—was being tested on every side.

I had just begun pushing Awakening Nations Global Network to a greater level. I was also writing another book and simultaneously launching the “In His Image” Hat Line. Spiritually, I was on fire. Vision was flowing. But behind the scenes, I was being hit hard—emotionally, financially, and mentally. People I trusted walked away. Support I thought was guaranteed suddenly disappeared. I experienced rejection from individuals I poured into, and I faced deep moments of isolation. To make matters harder, I was launching new ventures without certainty if they would succeed. I questioned if I had heard God correctly.

There was one night I’ll never forget. I had just prayed and packaged orders by hand. I was tired and discouraged. I remember sitting in silence and saying, “Lord, if You called me to this, then You’ll have to carry me through it.” And He did. The next morning, I woke up to a flood of unexpected orders, messages from people telling me how one of my books or products touched their life, and even a donation from someone who said God led them to sow. It was divine confirmation in a very human moment of doubt.

That season taught me that resilience is not about perfection—it’s about persistence. It’s about continuing to build, serve, and obey even when it hurts. I kept showing up. I kept pouring. I kept creating. And now, when I look at the impact—lives touched, ministries birthed, people aligned—I realize it was the pressure that made the oil flow.

Resilience, for me, means trusting God with what you can’t see and still being faithful with what’s in your hand. That moment of pain became one of my greatest turning points, and I’m stronger because of it.

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

Building my audience on social media wasn’t something that happened overnight—it was a journey rooted in authenticity, consistency, and obedience to God. When I first started posting, I wasn’t trying to build a brand or gain followers—I was simply sharing what God placed on my heart. Whether it was a prophetic word, a teaching clip, a written encouragement, or just a transparent moment from my day, I always made sure it came from a real place.

One of the biggest shifts came when I started to embrace my voice fully—unapologetically. I stopped posting what I thought people wanted to hear and started sharing what I knew God was saying. The moment I became consistent in showing up with purpose and clarity, people started to lean in. My posts weren’t about chasing trends; they were about building trust. I wanted people to feel seen, heard, and empowered every time they came across my page.

I also made a point to stay engaged with my community. I replied to messages, prayed for people in the comments, celebrated others’ wins, and created space for conversation. That built more than just an audience—it built a family.

My advice to anyone starting to build their social media presence is this:

Be authentic. Your story is powerful. Don’t dilute your voice trying to sound like someone else. People are drawn to what’s real, not what’s rehearsed.
Be consistent. You don’t have to post every hour, but you do need to show up with intention. Whether it’s once a day or a few times a week, consistency builds visibility and trust.
Serve before you sell. Whether you’re launching a brand, a ministry, or a message, make sure your heart is to serve others. Impact always precedes income.
Stay faithful to your assignment. If God told you to show up online, then show up with boldness, even when the likes and follows seem small. You’re not posting for applause—you’re posting in obedience.
Social media is a tool, not the source. When you use it with clarity and Kingdom purpose, God will breathe on it. I’m living proof that your presence doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Just start—and let God grow it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ANGN.org
• Instagram: @TheTraceeBarlow
• Facebook: Tracee Barlow

Image Credits

My Photographer: Roy T. Williams