Christine Turner- We are Connected by God

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you are obedient to God. I am sure that we all have fought against what God has called us to do. Without getting preachy... Stop that. Follow the plan of God and live the abundant life that He has waiting for you. There may be folks telling you what you can and cannot do. But they don't know the power of God.

Today I want to introduce you to amazing women who used her creative talents to take care of God's business. Christine Turner is truly an inspiration to me. And like so many of the women I have spoken to for this BIPOC in Business Series, Ms. Turner followed her passion and used her faith to live out her dreams.

INTERVIEW

How did the idea for your business come about?

In 2016 I was praying to God and was asking him how to use the artistic gifts he had given me, to glorify him. I didn't know know what I was praying for, so when God told me to make a t-shirt business I was not thrilled. I sat on it, buried it, walked away from it.

In Summer 2018 the idea came back to me and God pressed it on my spirit again. So I prayed about it again. Started doing the groundwork. It was very important that the brand be for men and women.

I was going to a conference to support my Mom who who was speaking. I prayed to God with the intention to receive the name and logo. Before we the ended the conference the speaker began with, "Here we are, we are in this rooom the room is within the hotel, the hotel is in the city, the city is in the state the state is in the country...We are connected". My eyes were closed during this time and God showed me the art work, the stylization everything. This is how Connected by God was created.

This business has been a form of ministry.

I remember thinking "Man I have wasted so much time". Everything works for us in time. Sometimes God will give you an idea and you have to ask God, when? I want to make sure that I do things in His timing.

What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?

It started growing up. Seeing my Mom as an entrepreneur; as a financial advisor and insurance agent.

I went to school at Rochester Institute of Technology for medical illustration. It took a year for me to find a job after I graduated. So, while I was in between jobs, I started getting asked to do freelance work. My first creation was an obituary. Today I am multimedia designer.

What do the two slanted N's represent on your logo?

Forward motion and power. Holy Ghost power, to show that He is alive. Acts 1:8.

How did you raise funding for your venture?

I used my own savings. But when I launched I did a pre-launch, where people ordered 2 weeks in advance. That allowed me to purchase my full order and have product available for sale afterwards.

How do you build a successful customer base?

By showing up and posting real people wearing the brand along with a testimony. I get the most engagement when I post myself and I interact with my followers. #CBGFamily #ConnectedbyGod

How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful?

In the past I was able to go to events. I am currently taking an ad course, so that in March I am going to test Facebook Ads. Prior to that I was using word of mouth and posts on Instagram.

What kind of culture exists in your organization, and how did you establish it?

It is just me right now. I am in prayer that I will have the right team once more sales come in.

How many hours a day do you work on average?

4 hours. I use Planoly to post on Instagram

What motivates you?

Knowing that this business is attached to God and being able to encourage others through posts on Instagram. Being able to encourage people everyday outside of church. There have been times when I thought I could stop and just be a normal person but getting the testimonies has really kept me going.

How do you generate new ideas?

I go to God in prayer. I really do. I ask, What is the next theme? I want every theme to be purposeful. Each design is based on a scripture. I also open it up to my followers in my stories by asking them what they want. That's how I got the idea for the wristbands. You have to meet the needs of the customer.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

Being successful. It makes me nervous. The root is because I don't want to fail people and I don't want to fail God. I combat that by asking God to strengthen me and for me to have full confidence in him.

What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in?

Invest in an ad course because you will be able to generate more sales. Save your money and run the ads on your own. Have a network of people who are also entreprenuers because they will help you with ideas. When times get hard remember why you started.

Write down their vision to map out the entire year and set goals each month. Have real action items in order to make your goals - act do not react.

Who has been your greatest inspirtation?

Michelle Obama. Her grace and poise. How she handled herself with all of the scrutiny. She inspires me to be confident, loving, and strong black woman. I want to meet her one day.

If you had a magic stick, which are the three things you would change in the world?

Eliminate Racism.

Hearts to be healed from trauma - naturally and spiritually.

Everyone would have basic life necessities met.

What is the part of your life experience you would alter if you had the chance to?

I would change my response to my relationship with my Dad. I put a lot of it on myself and I shouldn't have at the age.

If you were to write a book about yourself, how would you name it?

Love Wins. There are a few experiences that really cut deep and I had to forgive people and love them. In that there was healing and freedom.

For more information about this Christian Streetwear Brand and to make a purchase goto shopconnectedbygod.com

Follow on Instgram @connectedbygod