On Your Mark…
I get asked a lot, “What inspired you to start making T-shirts?” To be honest, it all began during my workout journey. I started buying motivational shirts to push myself harder and stay focused on my goals. I’d also see others wearing similar shirts, which inspired me even more. One day, it hit me: “Why not create your own shirts?” That thought changed everything.
Set…
Over time, I attended a motivational session with my fitness coach, Will Clewis, owner of Amp Fitness in Fort Worth, TX. He encouraged us all to dream big and reminded us to revisit our goals daily. He even had us create a video talking to our future selves. I made mine and watching it every day kept me on track. It pushed me to take the next step: buying the equipment I needed to make my own shirts. That was a huge milestone.
Go…
Two weeks later, the equipment arrived. My husband and kids helped me set it up, but there was a problem – I had no idea how to use it. I had a printer, a heat press, and software I didn’t know how to operate. First step: read the instructions.
I started learning the software, and my first creation was a shirt that said, “Get Ugly.” It was horrible! My kids laughed at my designs, but I was proud because I had figured something out. Over the next month, I kept practicing, learning, and improving.
Hurdle #1
When I was finally ready to print my first shirt, the heat press didn’t work. Instant discouragement set in. I started thinking about returning the heavy equipment and whether I could afford a replacement. For three weeks, I didn’t touch the equipment. Then, I had another light bulb moment – why not call the company for help? They walked me through a quick fix, and my husband got it working in no time!
Hurdle #2
With the machine fixed, I tried again. I placed the shirt on the press, set the temperature, and waited. But when I lifted the press, nothing was on the shirt! More frustration set in, but I didn’t give up. After several failed attempts and countless hours on YouTube, I finally printed my first successful shirt three weeks later. Success!
It’s incredible how God works. Just a year ago, I prayed for a business idea and had no clue it would lead to this. I had no idea I was capable of creating designs until I started taking action. Every day, I feel inspired with new ideas and insights. Sometimes, I’ll even stop in stores, grab my phone, and say, “Okay, God, I need to write this down!”
When obstacles arise, what keeps me going is knowing that I can do all things through Christ. There are times I feel overwhelmed or anxious, but Philippians 4:6-7 reminds me to pray and trust that God has a plan.
The Finish Line
God’s timing is perfect. You may have dreams and goals that seem delayed, but that doesn’t mean God is denying you. He gave you those dreams, and He’s waiting for the perfect time to bring them to life. I always say, "His timing is everything!"
Keep dreaming, praying, and hoping for what you desire, because I truly believe it will come to pass. When it does, it will exceed your wildest expectations, just as Ephesians 3:20 says: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us!”
I don’t remember a time when I’ve felt so confident. God has shown me that as long as I believe, He will equip me to achieve my goals. He has taken a simple thought and turned it into something beautiful. Every day, I pray that my designs inspire, encourage, and motivate others to be their best.
Finish Line:
God always wins!