Meet Julien Alford of AppointedOkc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julien Alford.

Julien, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started as a broken 17-year-old who lacked God’s peace. I was determined to seek restoration, but I had yet to know the journey that I was about to embark upon. At the time, I was working at a tea shop, zealous to make an impact on the world, but I just didn’t know how.

The unprofessional behavior of one of the store managers lit a flame in me to start my entrepreneurship journey. with a meager investment of $150. The following day, while getting a haircut, my barber jestingly said he was going to start a clothing brand, which intrigued me enough to ask him the name. He replied, “I’m not telling you, you’ll steal my idea.” With confidence, I said, “That’s fine; I’ll start my own.”

A month later, around 2 in the morning, the Lord woke me up and revealed to me my logo and company name. Weeks later, while scrolling on TikTok, I stumbled upon a manufacturer I had never heard of. That day, I contacted them and sent over the digital art my graphic designer and I had been working on. My faith in God Appointed, was established on October 14th, 2021.

There have been many trials and tribulations that have tested my faith concerning the success of my business, such as a fake blog and wolves in sheep’s clothing. Almost 9 months later, I’ve accumulated, all glory to God, 788 followers on Instagram and 1816 on TikTok with multiple division one ambassadors throughout the states. One being, by the blessing of God, Caleb Herring, ranked 76 in football nationally and number one in Tennessee.

Going into Appointed, I had told myself that “Even if I’m the only one who wears it, I’ll wear it to the glory of the Lord.” To anyone out there who feels the calling to follow their God-given ambition, I want to encourage you with these final words. When the Lord is for you, absolutely no slander, lie, or the enemy will ever get the best of you. You’re Appointed in Christ.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been many trials and tribulations that have tested my faith concerning the success of my business, such as a fake blog and a professional soccer player from the United Kingdom saying my brand would amount to nothing shortly after denying to sponsor him and ship gear.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Appointedokc is a Christian clothing brand that not only seeks to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through fashionable wear but to provide high quality for the AP family. I believe what sets Appointed apart from most brands is the reality that is displayed.

We’re a collective body that invests in not only one another but those who are lost, and we aren’t afraid to do so because we know eternity is at stake. What we’re known for is our comfortable, vibrantly colored trucker hats. One thing that makes me proud about Appointed is our message. We aren’t perfect, but we serve a perfect God who redeems and calls us by name.

As of June 8th, 2022, Appointed has partnered with Samaritan’s Purse, which is a ministry that provides aid to the needy. When disasters strike around the world, Samaritan’s Purse responds immediately, quickly mobilizing staff resources to meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, disasters, disease, and famine.

They work in more than 100 countries worldwide, addressing critical needs such as food, clean water, shelter, and medicine. In the United States, they help homeowners who are devastated by natural disasters and provide marriage enrichment for wounded U.S. soldiers and their spouses.

We’re all called and appointed by Christ to be the hands and feet of Jesus. This is one of many ways we’ll be serving.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If I were to give advice to an individual, I’d say the calling Jesus has on your life is more powerful than any mistake or failure you could ever make. There will be nay-sayers along the way, but what’s  a testimony without doubters?

If you’re going to pursue your dreams, give it all you’ve got. A good work ethic is crucial. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun through the entire process.

Pricing:

• •$30 Trucker Hats
• •$25 T-shirts
• •$60 Hoodies
• •$20 totes

Contact Info:

• Website: https://appointedokc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appointedokc/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRNjfRLr/

Image Credits
Betty White and Haydyn Roach