Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Frazier.
Alana, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey began with an overwhelming (and significant) desire to walk fully, and beautifully, in the footsteps, God designed solely for me. Unfulfilled by the idea of simply working a 9-to-5 (in knowing I was created to do much more profound works), it became clear that I needed to align with my purpose and bring forth a movement that empowered women through God – a movement, that would be based on the premise of renewing the mind, and knowing that as believers, we can do all things through our God who gives us strength. And, to ultimately create a brand that reminds women that God thinks we are beautiful, worthy, brilliant, masterful, intelligent and powerful, among so many other things.
This is essential given that we as women can sometimes suffer from deprecating thoughts about ourselves, and have internalized this limited view of self. ‘God Thinks I Am’ is a powerful proclamation of truth and rebuttal against that. The aforementioned represents our brand ethos, but the tangible essence of the brand is executed through a chic and modern apparel collection for the cool, stylish elevated woman of faith.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Truth be told, I never in a million years thought of myself as an entrepreneur, as the notion of becoming one seemed far greater than my intellect, skillset and capability. I knew the weight of having a business/ministry would be significant, and to be honest, I wasn’t particularly fond of embarking upon the journey of entrepreneurship, coupled with the heavy responsibility of doing God’s work, and doing it exceptionally well.
Moreover, the idea of taking on a ‘second job,’ accounting, budgeting/expenses, taxes, the financial responsibilities, disappointments, stress, numerous challenges, decision making, fear of failure, along with the blood, sweat and tears that come with running a business flashed through my mind. “Is this what I want? Can I really do this?”
The problem with that was I was viewing myself from a limited mindset, attached with numerous self-deprecating thoughts about what I can do, and who I could become. In retrospect, the mantra of ‘God Thinks I Am,’ blessed me in so many ways because it ultimately encouraged me to think higher of myself, with God as my power source. And so, I began to turn my internal struggles and thoughts around in believing I am capable of doing this. I began to remember the power that lived in me, then strongly developing the belief system that I can truly do “all things” (Philippians 4:13).
I’ve made significant progress from when I first began — what started out as a dream, has now fully manifested. Who started out as a girl who didn’t believe she was capable of starting a business, is now a woman who is doing ‘it’ (with God as her power source).
We’d love to hear more about your business.
God Thinks I Am is a state of mind. A platform for women to self-actualize and celebrate God’s creation of us. We operate as a clean, stylish and minimalist online store with apparel and accessories that help women feel more confident about ourselves. We are especially known for creating feminine, faith-based apparel, with studio finish photography and branding, and beautiful aesthetic which was intentional from day one for many reasons, including our goal of being the Zara of our category and to one day be sold in Nordstrom. As a brand owner, I’ve been most proud of being mentioned in the September 2019 issue of ELLE Magazine, included as one of Essence’s most inspiring tees, and songstress Kehlani discovering and supporting our brand.
We’ve also done beautiful things editorially, including introducing ‘GTIA Muse,’ a celebratory arm on the blog of incredibly stylish and purpose-driven woman of faith who represent the real-life versions (on an amplified level) of the women whom ‘God Thinks I Am’ was intentionally created for. And, for our readers to see themselves in these women — the effortlessly, cool woman who is creative in thought and style, and most importantly, is led by faith. We’ve done write-ups on Grammy-Award winning artist, Kelly Rowland, TyLynn Nguyen, designer, wife and mother of three, and Natalie Manuel Lee, wife, fashion stylist, and creator/host of ‘Now with Natalie on the Hillsong Channel’ (both of Los Angeles), and Deun Ivory, art director, author, photographer, co-founder, and speaker who is passionate about visually telling the stories of women of color.
Lastly, from an editorial perspective, I’ve written poetry on women in the Bible, and a love letter to the women of the God Thinks I Am community, all of which can be read on the blog.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Having limitless dreams and believing I could do absolutely anything. It is this childlike wonder, confidence and belief that I pray I can encourage the next generation to not lose sight of at any cost.
Pricing:
- Prices range from $25 – $45
Contact Info:
- Website: www.godthinksiam.com
- Email: hello@godthinksiam.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godthinksiam/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godthinksiam
Image Credit:
Stefanie Marie
Jessica Kobeissi
Justin Milhouse
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