Meet Jillian Gillis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Gillis.

Hi Jillian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I established SōL TRIBE Supply Co. in 2020, a month before the pandemic hit, with $200 and my iPhone. I didn’t have fashion design experience or a huge investment to work with, but I had time and a burst of confidence to finally pursue my three-year-old vision. I’ve always had an appreciation for written expression, streetwear, and creative arts, and the birth of SōL TRIBE became a fusion of all three.

SōL TRIBE is a unisex lifestyle brand that unites elevated streetwear essentials with timeless biblical truth—little reminders from the Bible about our true identity in Christ, what we’re capable of, and how God sees us—”fearfully and wonderfully made.” The intention is for each garment, accessory, and piece of content I create to provide an open door to the Gospel. Culturally, the U.S. is becoming less Christian and less religiously observant across the board, so I wanted to meet people wherever they happened to be on their spiritual journey and share my faith through avenues that my target audience uses to express themselves daily: their wardrobe and social media.

I create content and design apparel that sparks conversation about God while providing space for people to embrace the lifestyle of Christian discipleship in a way that’s attractive and relevant. The brand is rooted in Matthew 5:16- “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” As Christ-followers purposed with living bold and radiant lives, we shine our lights through our gifts and talents as reflections of Jesus and testaments to God’s glory. I don’t think 2020 was the year any of us planned, but I’m thankful for the pause that allowed me to put this labor of love in motion.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’ve considered the idea of giving up more days than I’d like to admit, but each time, I’m reminded of why I began the journey in the first place. Prior to SōL TRIBE, I was an elementary school teacher for six years, but I always felt like God was calling me to do something different. The frustrating part for me was that I didn’t have clarity about what that ‘something different’ might be. I like to see the big picture and have a sense of where I’m headed, but at that point, I think God was intentionally exposing my tendency to be overly self-sufficient and teaching me to trust Him in a real way. I was in a mental and emotional rut, and the fear of failure and the unknown held me back for a long time. As unfulfilled as I was as an educator, I chose to renew my contract year after year because it gave me a false sense of security and control.

In any situation, we can choose to step forward into growth or step backward into safety. My best friend was the catalyst that helped me take the step forward. I would tell her often about the nudges God was giving me and how I felt like a new season had arrived, but I was also afraid of what moving on would look like. Not even going to lie, when she challenged my motivation for staying put and questioned my faith, I was salty, but also undeniably grateful that she cared enough to hold me accountable and not let me play small—that’s the heart of SōL TRIBE. We all possess an inner light that is displayed through our unique set of gifts and talents. SōL, Spanish for “Sun,” represents the light within each of us that radiates as we draw closer to the Son, Jesus Christ. Our TRIBE is our support system, especially partners in the faith who know us deeply, recognize our light, and help us to remain aglow—they fuel our flame and encourage us to shine in every area of life.

I signed my separation notice in 2017, and I haven’t looked back. That seemingly small act of obedience led to indescribable peace and one of the best school years I had ever had. Obedience really is better than sacrifice. We often delay the blessings and opportunities meant for us by holding onto old habits, people, and environments. When I’m unsure of what’s next, I make a point to do the last thing God told me—when my decisions don’t quite align with God’s plan. I can trust Him to redirect me. After I left the education field, I didn’t have a career plan, and once that “summer money” ran out (my fellow teachers know), things got real.

I assumed a full-time volunteer role with my church’s affiliate non-profit organization, I drove for Uber & Lyft to make ends meet, and I was the beneficiary of gracious friends who opened their homes as my temporary residence when all I had to offer in exchange was consistent laughs and little to no contribution towards rent. I was ashamed, stressed, anxious, and second-guessed my decision to resign, but when I tell you having a solid tribe in your life is a game-changer? I mean it. Community and meaningful relationships are so important, and I’m not lost on the fact that not everyone is rich in that way. We all need a group of people that accept us, support us in times of need, and share in the joys and pains of life.

It was a rough year, but eventually, I was offered a full-time position on staff with my church. That experience helped me to grow tremendously in humility and provided lessons that I hold close to this day. I learned the value of patience, resilience, and resourcefulness and to never despise humble beginnings. Entrepreneurship requires lots of discipline, and I’d be remiss to omit the reality that challenges have been a part of this journey. As a business owner, it’s been lots of trial and error. Finding the right partnerships and vendors can be tough, and concepts haven’t always sold as well as I anticipated, but every obstacle serves a purpose and gets me closer to where I’d like to be. Mentorship, constant prayer, and accountability have been life-savers as I continue to grow in knowledge and learn from others.

I would love for SōL TRIBE to be a billion-dollar company one day, but I didn’t start this business to make a fortune. Whether we reach ten people or ten thousand, the impact is what’s most important to me, and I am surrendered to allow this brand to become whatever God shapes it to be.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Beyond SōL TRIBE, I specialize in branding and content creation through my secondary business, ICONIC Creative Solutions. I’m a self-taught graphic designer who is known for “Jillicizing” everything from logos and business cards, to web design and presentation decks. I get to meet and collaborate with exceptional people and put a little bit of myself into every project. It’s important for me to create as a follower of Christ, and I understand that my creativity provides me with a unique outlet to inspire others. I feel connected to God when creating because He is the most influential creative–I get to imitate Him. My faith and reliance on God have allowed me to use my gifts to accomplish great things and I believe these gifts will take me places unimaginable. As I commit to excellence in my craft and put the spiritual mission first, God continues to bless my creative and personal dreams.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.soltribesupply.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/soltribesupply
  www.instagram.com/iconiccreativesolutions
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/soltribesupply

Image Credits
@midjulyphotos