Today we’d like to introduce you to Marita McKee.
Marita, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Looking back, I have always been a creative person. I remember learning to play my first instrument – the drums – when I was five and trying to convince my mother that I had mastered my sister’s tap routine. It would seem that the desire to create or be in creative spaces was birthed early and cultivated often. From marching band and cheerleading to stepping and dance, I have never shied away from opportunities within the creative and performing arts. My college years were filled with dance classes and staged performances; and theatre production and choreography have been staples in my adult years. What I am assured of now, and even what I think I knew then, is that my gifts, talents and abilities were merely a reflection of who God created me to be – a Christian creative. Every idea, vision, dream or the like, that I have is truly God-breathed and orchestrated; and Shop Echo Tees is really a nod to that.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Certainly not! Entering the business realm, specifically e-commerce, came with tremendous doubt. Without educational or professional experience in business, I questioned if entrepreneurship was for me. I had limited knowledge about marketing, branding and general business acumen; let alone how to launch a successful t-shirt company. In truth, there were many aspects of starting a business that I did not understand. Fostering community among my followers, understanding my customer and target audience, creating designs that consumers would want and curating original brand content are still areas in which I’m growing daily. Even now, I face days (and sometimes, weeks) without sales or days with low customer engagement. At times, these challenges can cause me to waver in my confidence as a business owner; but I continue to hold fast to what I know God has given me. Being an entrepreneur has not been easy, but it has allowed me to become a lifelong learner.
Shop Echo Tees – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Shop Echo Tees is a faith-based brand for creatives, by creatives. We provide simple designs that echo a BOLD life and seek to cultivate a collective of Christian creatives dedicated to advancing the Kingdom of God. Whether through music, poetry, art or dance (and everything in between), Shop Echo Tees reminds you that it’s okay to be Christian and dope.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
A few years ago, success for me was mostly tied to whether I obtained a certain job, salary level, position or title. Once life’s transitions rid me of most of those attributes, I began to reevaluate what really gave my life value. I realized that my value was not hinged on superficial factors, and I removed those as parameters for judging my success as a person. What defines success for me is being authentically who God created me to be – dancer, actor, choreographer, creative director, teacher, entrepreneur – and walking in the purpose He has for me. Success for me is also being able to see my life progress and grow, both naturally and spiritually. I often say that when I leave earth, I want to leave empty – having gave all that was in me for the benefit of others and to the glory of God. If one day, my life’s work reflects that sentiment, that would be success for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopechotees.com
- Email: info@shopechotees.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopechotees/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopechotees
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/iam_marita/?hl=en
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