Activating the Vision: Meet the Entrepreneurs Who Launched a Faith-Based Clothing Line

Have you ever had a vision or dream that kept occurring and you wanted to make sense of it? Better yet, have you ever had a vision that seemed to go against your current situation? When faced with uncertainty, Jesse and Keandra Upson, the founders of the Ignited Swag Clothing Line, LLC decided to step out on faith.

In 2016, after being laid off, Jesse shared with his wife, Keandra a vision that God wanted for them. “My initial reaction as a full-time college student was that God is testing my faith,” Keandra said. “But I partnered with the vision that God was showing him and I helped push him in that area.” With no prior knowledge of making T-shirts, Jesse made time to learn the process. “I would work 12 hour days at work and then come home to learn how to make shirts on YouTube every single day,” he said. “I believe God was asking me, how serious are you about what you say you want to do.” 

Ignited Swag stands for “Infusing God’s Nature In The Earth Daily.” This message combined with their prophetic designs is equipping people as well as becoming an act of service for them. “It is not something that we randomly create,” she said. “It is something that the holy spirit himself has deposited into us, and we create those designs to minister to the people through the apparel.” With the many brands that advertise their slogans to win their audience, Ignited Swag’s goal is to “penetrate the heart of mankind.” The Upson’s believe that their apparel is designed to bring people strength and encouragement, such as with their “You Can’t Lose When You’re God Approved” shirt. “If we encountered a person battling depression,” Keandra said. “That person may not be saved, but that shirt gives them an invitation to seek the Lord through their issue with depression.”

Like other husband and wife duos who start a business together, each one has a role to help advance their business. Jesse is the visionary behind their designs and slogans, while Keandra acts as the administrator helping with their flyers, website, and promotions. She describes her husband as the “seed carrier and vision holder” and herself as the “midwife,” as she helps to bring forth their brand and products. Both admit that doing business together has helped grow their marriage. “We are helping other people, but at the same time it’s actually helping our family and teaching us a lot about ourselves,” Jesse said. The Upsons have a blended family consisting of children involved in sports, making time management and planning a big part of their routine. 

After two to three years of learning and investing, Ignited Swag began to see an increase in profit. The Upsons contribute much of their success to their faith, mentors and God connecting them with essential people along their journey. 

Follow them on social media @ignitedswag and shop their apparel at www.ignitedswag.com

Want to learn more about the Upsons? See the Facebook Live interview of this story below.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ignited Swag