Q&A: Christian Clothing CEO on Wearing the Faith, Lifestyle
Jason Morris, 25, took a calculated risk in launching a business during the current tumultuous economic climate. Higher Authority Clothing, under the umbrella of Sold Out Enterprises, is a new company committed to offering alternative clothing choices to Christians that keep the hip style but add a dose of godly message.
“We are not saying that the secular counterpart is always wrong or bad, but we believe that in many cases Christians would prefer either a different product or different environment that more reflects their beliefs and their walk with Jesus,” Morris said.
Morris comes from a line of entrepreneurs, with his mother being a former restaurateur and his grandfather being the owner of a security company.
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Morris had noticed a gap in the Christian clothing market after visiting local Christian clothing stores and bookstores. He felt compelled to go bigger and was convinced that he could make a difference in the untapped market.
Morris rustled up nearly $10,000 from friends and family to help get his idea off the ground, investing the money into a well-designed website, marketing outreach and product. The company officially launched February of this year.
CP: How did you come up with the idea for your Christian clothing line? What was your inspiration?
Morris: Started back in 2008, I knew I wanted to do something and I was not sure what it was and I started seeing t-shirts at Family Christian Bookstores, but I felt like there needed to be more. I felt that there are not a lot of young people shopping at the Family Christian Bookstores so they do not have the opportunity to see them.
CP: How did you choose the name of your company?
Morris: My girlfriend, who is now my fiancée, was working and called me frustrated and upset about her day. She said, “I have to remember I serve a Higher Authority and it is going to be okay.” And we both said wow, that would be an excellent name for my company. And instantly it hit me and I started envisioning t-shirt designs, logos, and graphics.
CP: How many employees do you have?
Morris: I do not have any employees. I started the company by myself with some additional help from my friends. I have a freelance graphic designer who I pay by the job. My dad is one of the smartest guys I have ever known and I feel blessed he is part of the company. He is the president and in charge of marketing, my mom is the secretary and treasurer and my fiancée helps with the women designs and accessories.
CP: What is the one message you would like the people who purchase your product to take away from your brand?
Morris: Most clothing lines push clothing on young adults by pushing sex. It is detrimental to youth and I hope it changes. I don’t want to offend people or turn people away, but I believe that my clothing line will make a difference. The people who buy Higher Authority, they are the movement. They are proud enough and comfortable in their faith to want to wear their clothing, [and with that], represent Christ, it's a lifestyle, it’s who they are.
On the web: Higher Authority
