Conversation Starters

The Unexpected Journey to Launching J3:16: A Christian Apparel Brand with Purpose

Sometimes, life takes a surprising turn, and what starts as an ordinary day transforms into something extraordinary. For me, that shift happened in the most unassuming of places—a church leaders’ meeting. I was simply minding my own business when, out of nowhere, a biker in full leather gear walked in and sat right in front of me. The sight was eye-catching enough, but what really caught my attention were the words stitched in bright yellow on the back of his jacket: “Lion of Judah.”

The boldness of his outfit and the statement on his back struck me. I hadn’t worked in fashion for over two decades, yet something in me stirred. I couldn’t ignore the idea that began to form—a Christian apparel brand that would allow people to express their faith with style and confidence. But this wouldn’t just be any brand; I envisioned something rooted in a deeper purpose, inspired by the message of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world…” And so, the concept of “J3:16” took root in my mind.

Three months later, this little idea was becoming a reality. I found myself standing in a print shop in Clayhall, watching the very first samples of J3:16 pieces roll off the production line. Seeing the designs come to life was a surreal experience; I felt both excited and nervous. Would people connect with it? Was this really something God was calling me to do? My doubts faded the moment the shop’s staff started asking questions, drawn to the designs and the message they carried. I began to realize that this brand was already sparking curiosity and conversation.

But it didn’t stop there. Just after leaving the print shop, as I waited for my Uber, something unexpected happened. A stranger, noticing the design on my clothing, tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “That picture—it’s about Jesus, isn’t it?” His question caught me off guard, but I managed to explain a bit about J3:16 and handed him a card with our website information. That one encounter felt like confirmation from God that this brand had a purpose beyond what I could see.

In the weeks that followed, I began to see this impact more and more. People stopped me on the street, in stores, and even waved me down from their cars, all wanting to know about the designs. What surprised me even more was the feedback from friends who had bought the clothing. They shared stories of people they didn’t know—strangers in coffee shops, passersby on the street — who would ask them about the designs and strike up conversations about faith and belief. It seemed J3:16 was opening doors and creating connections I’d never anticipated.

Right now, it’s still early days, and J3:16 is in its infancy. But the impact I’ve witnessed so far has been incredibly humbling and inspiring. This brand has become more than just clothing; it’s a means of sharing faith in a tangible, visible way. I’m excited to see what God has in store for J3:16 and where this journey might lead.

Imagine this: someone out there could be drawn into a conversation about faith, simply because they saw a T-shirt or a hoodie with a powerful message. And that, to me, is the beauty of J3:16—a reminder that faith doesn’t have to be confined to words; it can be worn, seen, and shared.