Category: The Church Girl Lifestyle

Meet Kaela: She is often recognized as the former Personal Trainer and fitness enthusiast who transformed into a Christian Mentor & Life Coach – and the Best Auntie Ever! Just like many other Believers, Kaela’s journey to her current place has been quite the ride.

As a former elite athlete, National Champion, and recent Hall of Fame inductee, it was the earlier years of her life that fostered the determination and discipline required to push, work diligently, and consistently strive for growth in all aspects of life.

After a career in professional sports, founding companies, and contributing to the realization of numerous others’ dreams, Kaela eventually pursued a second degree from Arizona Christian University, delving into all things Bible.

Guided by God’s leading, Kaela can now discern the path. All the encounters, skills, and learning experiences have directed her precisely where He intended her to be in this season. She serves as a Christian Mentor & Life Coach. She hosts the His Word My Walk podcast, where she shares weekly insights from her own life that demonstrate the connection between God’s Word and her everyday journey. She is a teacher, speaker, the creator of Bible Journaling Bootcamp, and the author of the Through Proverbs with Purpose devotional!

Her profound aspiration is to assist others in their personal relationship with God. She carries a zeal to uplift and encourage, to impart teachings and speak divine truths—God’s truths—into each and every circumstance.

What Motivated her to start her own business?

Starting her own business wasn’t primarily driven by motivation, but rather prompted and confirmed by the Holy Spirit. Through years as an elite athlete and professional sports worker, she’s always embodied discipline and determination as strong character traits. She realizes she’s always been a coach, an encourager, an uplifter, always pushing and helping others see and achieve their dreams.

Sometimes, her desire to see others succeed overshadowed her own dreams and even what she believed God was calling her to do. Eventually, she recognized that by starting her own business and following God’s lead and guidance, she could continue helping others, lifting them up, and simultaneously pursuing her own dreams and callings.

Tell us about the process of starting her brand; what did the beginning stages entail for her?

Kaelaprays is her second brand. Until about a year and a half ago, she was known as KaelaFit. Every social media account, email, website, bank account, speaking engagement, and devotional book bore that name. She was known as the Christian fitness girl and she embraced it.

However, while leading group programs online, she found greater joy when her clients grew in their relationship with God than when they achieved health goals. So, once again, she followed the Lord and underwent a complete shift. She shut down every account, every email, everything attached to KaelaFit, and transitioned to KaelaPrays. Now, as a full-time Christian Mentor and Life Coach, she considers herself to be back in the beginning stages.

It’s not easy. It’s not for the faint-hearted. But her confidence and commitment come from knowing God has called and qualified her for this. She continues to learn, to grow, and above all, to communicate with Him and seek His confirmation.

Transitioning from the fitness industry, though always rooted in Christ, was more familiar and even endorsed by those around her. However, transitioning to solely teaching others about Jesus Christ, about cultivating a deeper relationship with Him, and guiding them – things she’s always done without charge – raised the question of whether this could be a sustainable “business.”

She faced those questions and she had to earnestly consult with God, a practice she continues. He has the plans. All she had to do was say yes and start walking.

Tell us about her brand, Kaela Prays?

Her brand is herself. She is Kaela. She prays. Armed with a second degree in all things Bible, she leverages her experience, education, and expertise to serve others wholeheartedly.

As a Christian Mentor and Life Coach, she aids others, primarily women, in nurturing their relationship with God for experiencing His presence anew each day. Her foremost desire is to help others realize the genuine depth of this relationship and demonstrate how to live out His truth in their own lives.

Through programs she’s developed like Bible Time Accelerator and Bible Journaling Bootcamp, she has empowered more than a hundred others to cultivate consistency in their time with the Lord, gain a deeper understanding of the Bible, interpret scriptures accurately, and pray effectively through His Word.

Moreover, she’s also delivered these programs in person at ministry schools and devised devotions for youth programs.

No matter where God directs her, she’s determined to follow. While it’s not always comfortable, she’s certain that once she commits, He will illuminate the path and provide the revelation and understanding she needs to serve others.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her business is her role as the host of the His Word My Walk podcast, where she releases weekly 20-minute episodes that present the connection between God’s Word and her daily journey in a lively, practical, and memorable way. Reaching thousands through these messages and hearing testimonies serve as the affirmation she cherishes to keep her moving forward.

What role does her faith play in her business?

Her relationship with God serves as the bedrock of her business. He is her guide. His Word is a lamp illuminating her path, in every circumstance. God isn’t her CEO; He is her Lord. God isn’t her business partner; He is her Lord.

God’s lordship over her life forms the backdrop for everything she produces.

This isn’t always as straightforward as it may seem. There are moments of doubt even amidst unwavering faith. There are instances of waiting, even with steadfast faith. There are moments of learning and growth, and occasionally these emerge from what initially appears to be failure or pain.

How does she navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while maintaining her faith?

For her, it’s not a matter of balance. Faith and entrepreneurship are not opposing forces requiring equilibrium. Her faith in God, her relationship with Him, forms the foundation of everything she does, including entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship takes its place atop this solid foundation. Faith is the unwavering and steady support, never wavering, and she fervently hopes to never misconstrue this.

Allow her to share this: she seeks guidance from the Holy Spirit daily to assess herself, and a significant lesson she learned during an online business program last year was this: Will she place more trust in God and His guidance than in the advice of those she’s paying to instruct her in her business?

Above all, she’s had to bolster her faith in the context of entrepreneurship. This is her business. It provides for her financially. However, the reality often doesn’t align with her expectations or what others have told her when she initially said yes. Yet, at the beginning and end of each day, her aim is to preserve an unwavering faith in God.

What stands out as her most significant lesson along her faith journey?

Her most crucial lesson, which she’s profoundly grateful to have learned, centers around the fact that this isn’t about her! Her “yes” to God isn’t about her. They frequently pray for God to use them. They request to be instruments in His mighty plan, yet often they seek the rewards or desire to witness them firsthand. She’s discovered that her “yes” has nothing to do with herself.

God reaches, blesses, touches, serves, provides, and even communicates through people. She’s simply His vessel. God has blessed her. How? Through someone else’s “yes” at some point! Regardless of whether it seems small or significant, say “yes” to God. After all, it’s not about you.

How does she retain focus during the tumultuous moments of entrepreneurship?

It’s certainly not effortless, and sometimes her focus does waver. Fatigue creeps in; doubts arise. At times, she simply needs a pause. Here’s the truth: Thanks to her years as an athlete and fitness professional, she’s become adept at discipline and routines, at forging habits. Spending time with God every morning, engaging with His Word and reading the Bible, is a habit she meticulously cultivated over time. It’s a non-negotiable in her day, much like making her bed to set a positive tone. Even while traveling, she makes her bed before sitting down with God and His Word.

So, even when her focus falters amid entrepreneurial challenges, she still spends time with God, converses with Him. In the most unexpected ways or through scripture, He has an uncanny knack for restoring her focus and reinvigorating her.

What does the future hold for her brand? What are her aspirations for the next 3-5 years?

While she focuses on the present day, she certainly has goals. She envisions herself speaking and instructing at events, investing in others. She foresees hosting retreats for women to encounter the Lord in a fresh, personal manner. She imagines being continually astounded by the insights God imparts to her and through her. She anticipates surmounting new challenges, reassured that God accompanies her through every smooth path and rocky road.

What advice does she offer to fellow faith-based entrepreneurs?

Her advice is clear: Live it. Foster a genuine relationship with God and keep nurturing it. Not for the sake of enhancing your business, but to relish the fullness of His glory and the abundance He offers you in this earthly life. Don’t merely identify as a faith-based entrepreneur to impress others; live it to enrich your life and serve as a conduit of blessings to others through you. Recognize that your actions serve as an example. Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed. It’s not unusual to seek guidance in business areas where you lack expertise or aspire to grow. Similarly, seek guidance to enhance your faith. Remember, we coexist with this complex world; let’s rise as Believers, uplift each other, and glorify God together.

Connect with Kaela McKaig
Christian Mentor & Life Coach

Instagram: @kaelaprays
Facebook: Kaela McKaig
Website: kaelaprays.com
Podcast: His Word My Walk (available on all podcast platforms)”

Keisha Bass is a Wife/Marriage Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author, Healthy Marriage Advocate, and Founder of “Her Dope Marriage.” HDM is a faith-centered coaching and consulting brand led by Keisha Bass, who has been married for over 32 years. While Keisha has always had a strong passion for coaching women to be the best wives they can be, it was within the last year that she decided to take the leap and leave her six-figure career to follow her heart, her passion, and the direction of God. In addition to being a Wife Coach, she also coaches women on being whole within themselves so that they show up as the best versions of themselves in all areas of their lives, including their marriages.

Keisha and her husband of over three decades just recently hosted their first annual LiftUs Marriage Conference in Charlotte, NC, an extension of the LiftHer and LiftHim conferences that she and her husband, Chris Bss, do annually for women and men in separate groups. Keisha has a true passion for helping women to become the best that they can be and to be Godly wives to their husbands. She is transparent in her teachings and gives of herself openly and with love in her coaching.

In the past year, Keisha’s following has grown by nearly 100,000 on Instagram to now more than 130k, and her tribe of Facebook is faithful to her as well. She speaks with great passion and conviction and has a gift for helping women to excel in their partnerships with their husbands and, very importantly, within themselves.

What Motivated you to start your own business?

My passion for seeing healthy marriages was the driving factor behind starting Her Dope Marriage. This God-centered passion aligned with my journey. For eleven years, my husband and I cycled in our marriage. We didn’t know how to be a husband or wife. God had to teach us how to be the spouse He desired us to be. I recall the Saturday morning when God woke me up and told me that He would use my voice to bless His daughters through my story. My surrender to God meant trusting God’s vision for Her Dope Marriage and God’s provision for moving forward into entrepreneurship. God allowed my story, the transparency of my truth, to be part of the reason behind the motivation for starting Her Dope Marriage. I wanted women to know that they are not alone, even as a Christian wife, you are not alone. God has made a way of escape through testimonies of others that look like you.

Tell us about the process of starting your brand; what did the beginning stages entail for you?

The beginning stages of starting my business aligned with my story and faith as I honored God’s guidance. That’s all I had was my faith. I started with uncertainty. But I had to trust God’s timing. Honestly, I didn’t think I was ready. How would God use my story to change the lives of women? Why did He want to use me? Questions that made me draw closer to God for answers. I didn’t know where to start or what it would look like, but I knew who called me. It took me a few days to develop the name for my business. I prayed, then consulted with a trademark attorney. My business name needed meaning, purpose, and impact. My business had to be infused with kingdom principles aligned with my faith. I started developing a plan and relied on God’s discernment in every decision. Faith became the foundation of my yes.

Tell us about your brand, “Her Dope Marriage”?

Her Dope Marriage is a business that provides women of faith the tools and strategies necessary to empower them during the different seasons of marriage confidently. HER in Her Dope Marriage stands for healed, empowered, and restored. Becoming HER is why we provide a continuum of coaching programs to address women’s emotional challenges in marriage. Doing so builds healthier and stronger marriages by forging strong ties between husbands and wives. When wives can show up as the wife God designed her to be, her influence will impact the temperature in her home. 1 Peter 3:1-2 states, husbands, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives. We need to show up even when our husbands don’t. Our actions will cause our husbands to change. I say it all the time, changed behavior changes behavior. When we can do this successfully, we improve the vitality of the family.

What role does your faith play in your business?

Faith played a significant role in starting my business. My passion for seeing healthy, thriving marriages results from my faith in God and what He has done in my own marriage. Even when I quit my six-figure job of almost 20 years, my faith and trust in God gave me the confidence to leave. He gave me the vision, so I knew He would make provision. As I started building my coaching programs, God gave me the blueprint. He allowed me to experience first-hand his transformation power when He transformed my marriage. The impact God has made on my marriage gives those connected to Her Dope Marriage the strength to walk in resilience during challenging times. If God did it for me, He could do it for them. And even when entrepreneurship gets challenging, my faith sustains me, motivating me to press through. Those challenges become opportunities for God to fulfill His promise for Her Dope Marriage. It’s not about me; it’s about the Kingdom.

How do you balance entrepreneurship and faith?

My faith is an integral part of my business. I start my day off with intimate time with the Father. This keeps me centered and focused. My ears are always open to His voice for instructions. This is a must and has been incorporated into my daily routine since day one of my business. I am an entrepreneur because of God’s guidance so my reverence to Him must be first. I cannot do it without Him. From creating programs to speaking engagements, I seek Him for advice in everything I do. Faith and entrepreneurship are non-negotiable. They go hand and hand.

What has been your biggest lesson thus far in your faith walk?

That’s a good question. The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is to remain faithful even when it looks like God isn’t working. The delay doesn’t mean denied. God is stretching my faith in this season. He’s requiring more from me because of where He’s taking me. He’s putting me in uncomfortable situations to ensure my spiritual muscles continue to grow. Luke 18:27 says what seems impossible to man is possible to God. Before quitting my job, I remember God gave my husband and me instructions to pay down debt. It was in the middle of the pandemic, and we couldn’t figure out why God instructed us to pay down debt, but we did it. We went on a financial fast and got very aggressive about paying down off debt. We paid off 110K in 18 months. About three or four months later, God told me to leave my job. I didn’t listen to His instructions initially. I eventually left my job four months after His initial instructions. The lesson here is God already had a plan set. He was just looking for our obedience. Sometimes He won’t give you the complete plan, but you must trust Him.

How do you remain focused during the difficult moments of entrepreneurship?

When I started this journey, I was part-time, so it was easy because I had a full-time job, but after I left, I can remember crying in my office, thinking I made a huge mistake. It was an adjustment. My focus went from corporate to Her Dope Marriage only. The pace, the income, and the routine all had changed, and I had to adjust to it. Most days, I’m good. As stated earlier, I start my day in prayer, keeping me grounded. I surround myself with a positive community, and I remember my why. My why is more significant than my emotions. My why is seeing God’s vision manifest for His daughters. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, but God comes to give life more abundantly. Standing on God’s word and remembering what He told me motivates me and gets me back on track. God never said it would be easy. He did say to trust Him. Trusting Him helps me stay encouraged on this business journey.

What is next for you? Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years?

Over the next 3-5 years, I would like to see Her Dope Marriage operating in other states and countries via HDM Ambassadors. I would love to see Her Dope Marriage partnering and collaborating with organizations passionate about healthy marriages and restored families. I also have a women’s empowerment conference, LiftHer, coming this year. This will be my second year, and I would love to see the conference go nationwide.

What advice would you give to other faith-based entrepreneurs?

The advice that I would give to other faith-based entrepreneurs is to remember your why. Why did you say yes to this business? Because there will be days when you feel weary, and you must remember Galatians 6:9, do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up- your why, your yes, is about those who need what you offer. They need you. God created you with this gift for those that know your voice. Be encouraged and find a community that will encourage you with language to be steadfast, inspired, and focused.

Connect with Keisha

Born in Inkster, Michigan, and raised in Colorado, Arica Pretress Quinn is a modelpreneur, published author, certified Transformation Coach, and National Pageant Queen, earning titles such as Ms. All World Beauties Elite US 2021.

Like too many youngsters, Arica experienced sexual abuse as a child, teen, and young adult. She channeled the strength she gained from her painful past into the worlds of modeling and pageantry, finally feeling beautiful, worthy, strong, and capable.

Determined to help others heal as she had, Arica even became a Certified Transformational Life Coach, International Certified Specialist in Anger Management, and an ordained minister, crafting the motto “You can not change what you will tolerate, but you can tolerate the changes you choose to make.” She prepared the quote, “The beauty is not that the caterpillar turns into the butterfly. The beauty is that the butterfly can never go back to being the caterpillar. “

And this beauty, known as the Lady of Equity model, has rocked the runways of numerous top designers at events such as Africa Fashion Show Denver, Beauty is Everywhere, BeautifulYou_FashionTour, Black Pearl Entertainment, Denver Unique Week of Fashion, International Fashion Show of Denver, Life of Fashion Fashion Show, Taste of Color Fashion Show, and even the world-famous New York Fashion Week! 

Arica is also very popular with the press, gracing the pages of Talk Pageants Magazine, Prestige Models Magazine, Katana Magazine, Lipstik Magazine, Couture La Rouge Magazine, and Flux Magazine.
And Arica fully understands the power of the written word to make even more of an impact!

This dynamic diva is the proud author of fourteen books, all aimed toward helping others overcome their past trauma, such as Breaking The Silence After Trauma: 7 Keys To Regaining Your Voice (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GV7F882), The Transformational Planner: Transforming My Life One Page At A Time (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RB1D7WF), and most recently, FEAR FACTOR: How To Create Habits to Conquer Your Fear (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K1RXFQX), the first in an 8-part series on transforming the trauma of sexual abuse into power.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Arica to discuss faith and business and what is next for her ministry. 

What motivated you to start your own business?
I went through a transformational journey of self-discovery and finding my voice after overcoming and understanding the trauma I had lived with for over 40 years as a sexual abuse survivor. It was through becoming an author and model and walking into pageantry that I found myself. I wanted to create a way to merge all three of these areas to reach other women and coach them, empower them, and set them on their journey of transformation. So after trying to figure out how to accomplish this, I went through the Dream Jumpstart Program with the Dream Queen Erial Ramsey in January of 2023, and in February 2023, Prestige Agency was born.

Tell us about starting your brand; what did the beginning stages entail for you?
My brand, now a part of my business, is called Lady of Equity. This came about when I first experienced my first time as a new, wet, behind-the-ears model at New York Fashion Week in September 2021. I was asked by a photographer who I was, and, in the middle of me talking about myself, he stopped me and said, “Miss, you are not just a plus-size model; there is so much more to you than your size. You are a Lady of Equity.” When I asked him what he meant, he said, “By definition, you are a woman of superior social position, especially one of noble birth. You are God’s child, a royal priesthood. And you are valuable and have worth that will ignite others to reach their potential.” This is how and why my brand was created.

Tell us about your books; what message remains valid throughout all fourteen books?
As an author, I write in 2 spaces; Urban Romance and Self Help. The underlying message in my writings is that as individuals, especially women, we are more than the trauma and challenges we face. We don’t have to live in the false world that we are only as good as where we are. We are powerful, strong, resilient, and necessary. So get up, do the work to find yourself, and transform.

What role does your faith play in your business?
I would not even be where I am right now without God. He gave the vision and provided the provisions for everything aligned with this business. Even when it seems things are not flourishing in my sight, when I look through His eyes, I see the process and can keep pushing forward. I pray over this business and everyone who will come into contact with me through Prestige Agency that our connection and interaction will cause us both to grow, transform and be better because of our interaction.

How do you balance entrepreneurship and Faith?
It is not a balance but a permanency that God is at the helm of. Faith without works is dead, and without Faith, it is impossible to please God. So, it’s simple; without my Faith in God, there would be no Prestige Agency, Lady of Equity, or any other entrepreneurial venture I may embark upon.

What has been your biggest lesson thus far in your faith walk?
Learning to navigate my life without my brother, who was taken from me by someone else, and my mother, who passed away from a broken heart over the loss of her son, both in 2022. I have had to reposition and realign my faith in God and walk to get through each day. 

How do you remain focused during the difficult moments of entrepreneurship?
I have my prayer life and the word of God. I also have an amazing small intimate group of support around me. They help keep me grounded and focused, reminding me of how important my truth is and how much I am needed to impact the lives of others.

What is next for you; where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years?
I look forward to completing five book collaboration projects through the Prestige Agency. My new venture as Editor-in-Chief of Sitigirl Magazine Nashville will be a top sought-after publication, and my Caterpillar to Butterfly Transformation Coaching and Queen 2 Queen Coaching programs will have impacted the lives of at least 500 women. With Lady of Equity, I look forward to creating my wig, T-shirt, and cosmetic lines. 

What advice would you give to other faith-based entrepreneurs?
God created you with a specific blueprint/design. No one can be you but you. It doesn’t matter that someone may be doing the same business as you because specific people are attached to your purpose that only you can reach. So stop comparing yourself to the other fish in the sea and focus on the power and ability that is in you. Transform and become who you were meant to be in the journey. “The beauty is not that the caterpillar turns into the butterfly; the beauty is that the butterfly can never return to being the caterpillar.”

Connect Online:

Website: https://ladyofequity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyofequity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyofequity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyofequity52

Image Credit: Jaymie Alexander of Jaymie Alexander Photography, @sumtnamazn.photography

Chanel E. Martin is an award-winning technology founder, a Wake Up accountability coach and the founder of Beyond The Book Media. – Martin helps brands write manuscripts in 21 days and publish niche books. Using her book writing formula, Chanel has taught thousands how to complete manuscripts in record time! Chanel is also the Co-Visionary of Kingdom Business Network – the largest Christian Entrepreneur Club on the Clubhouse App. Kingdom Business Network, also known as KBN, hosts 14 recurring rooms and reaches over 50K+ members nationwide! A busy wife, mom of four, ordained minister, Chanel has cracked the code on how to be a successful “mompreneur.” With her straight to the point, tell it how it is approach, she lovingly motivates women globally on “waking up” to their full potential. Chanel and her brands are featured in national publications and broadcasts, including The Real, BET, Black Enterprise, Essence, Ebony, Forbes, Yahoo, Business Insider, and more. 

What Motivated you to start your own business?

I am an engineer at heart. I became a chemical engineer because I actually wanted to create and make my mark in the hair and beauty industry. I learned that chemical engineers help create and manufacture beauty products. I got really close to that with my first company called Myavana. I am the co-founder of that company and I operated that company as an active co-founder for about four years before I stepped down at the top of 2016. During that time period of being off, I started doing coaching and consulting and actually wrote my first book which is a fundraising guide and e-book that helped people raise money based on the experiences that I had as a beauty tech entrepreneur. That also led me to write my first book ‘31 Prayers for Spiritual Wealth’ and I wrote that book in 31 days. So when I was trying to write my NEXT book I was really struggling and realized that if I had a community I could write my book faster. So I put together a group of people and we started finishing our books in two weeks. Then I had the idea that what if I could help people write their books in 7 days? So using my engineering background, I created a system that would help you meet certain word counts using my accelerated outline. This really helped people finish their books within 7-30 days! And so our job as a publishing company is to help people create products and share their knowledge and information to produce generational wealth.

Tell us about the process to start your brand, what did the beginning stages entail for you?

I actually started my brand about a little over ten years ago when I first started entrepreneurship. It was an organic start and I started as the cofounder of the technology hair care company ‘Myavana’ during that process I shared most of my journey on my FB page. I shared the ups, the downs, the highs, and the lows. So when I began to transition into a faith-based entrepreneur and share more of my faith, it was a very simple transition. That transition into faith-based entrepreneurship led me to write my second book ‘31 prayers for spiritual wealth’ because I was very open and upfront about my entrepreneurial journey. People knew I love Jesus so I put those two together. And because I wrote my second book, when I launched my publishing company people remembered my journey into entrepreneurship because I had been talking about it and then they remembered I had published two books at this point so they just trusted me. From there my brand grew, Beyond The Book Media grew, and we were very intentional and consistent with showing up and serving our clients/customers. So when it came time to launch my newest brand ‘Kingdom Business Network’ which has over 100,000 subscribers on Clubhouse, it was a no-brainer. So you start with what you have organically and then you build onto that.

 Tell us about your company Beyond the book media.

Beyond The Book, Media was started as a way to help myself finish my book quickly. It started as a small group of people that quickly grew to thousands of established and inspiring authors. We created a 7-day writing plan and formula that helped more specific brands, leaders, and influencers write books in as little as 7 days. In addition to that, we also help brands and authors publish their books. Here at Beyond The Book Media we offer full boutique publishing services and marketing services as well.

What role does your faith play in your business?

First of all, my faith is EVERYTHING! I can’t do business without faith because what you are doing as an entrepreneur or business owner is that you are creating something that typically has never been done or has never been done by you. So you have to have the faith to believe that you can do what you say you can do and that you can provide the service you say you are going to provide. Especially when you are starting out, you don’t know if any of it is going to work or fail and you have to have the faith to BELIEVE.  

How do you balance entrepreneurship and Faith?

There is no balance. They are one and the same. I am an entrepreneur because I have faith, PERIOD! There is no one without the other. I would not have the success that I have, had I not had faith, believed in God Jesus, and called on the Holy Spirit. Had I not been dedicated in prayer and consecration and hearing what God has to say about my business. Each and every business and brand that I’ve created is faith-based, meaning God told me to do the actual business. So there is no balance.

What has been your biggest lesson thus far in your faith walk?

You have to trust God and trust yourself. You have to remember the original vision concerning your business. Why did you start it? That is going to be the marker in why you keep going. If you don’t have faith then you don’t have anything. Even if you are not a believer, if you don’t have faith to say ‘today I am going to serve my client and do what God called me to do, then you are left with nothing.

How do you remain focused during the difficult moments of entrepreneurship?

I talk to God. I lead a process called Prophetic Planning, where you wake up every morning, meet with God and journal what God is saying about your business. I created something like a movement and it’s something that I practice frequently. I am in constant communication with God asking him what he wants me to do. So when things get tough, I’m asking God how to handle this? And before you know it these strategies will pop into your mind and things will start working out.

What is next for you, where do you hope to see your brand in the next 3-5 years?

I want Beyond The Book Media to become a major imprint where we are able to provide publishing deals and we are a contender in the Christian media space similar to other big names. We are going to have the funding for top-tier authors and talent to put together amazing media and PR campaigns to really launch their brands.

What advice would you give to other faith-based entrepreneurs? 

If you are going to be a faith-based entrepreneur then you need to understand the keyword ‘faith’. I want you to keep the faith. Why did you start this business? And if you can remember why you started it, believe in yourself, and partner with God then you are unstoppable. The moment you stop believing in yourself, the moment you stop believing in God, the moment you stop believing in the reason you are doing what you are doing, you run the risk of quitting and failing. 

You can find us at https://beyondthebookmedia.com/ and follow me @ChanelEMartin online everywhere! Thank you.