We had the good fortune of connecting with VaShaun J. Pickens, affectionately known as “Shaun P! and Dj Handz On,” and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaun P!, what do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to what my mother, Deborah, calls “Stick-to-it-iveness.” Sticktoitiveness meaning, “Stick to What You Start!” As far as my brand, the most important factor behind Godly Example’s success is its commitment to promoting Christian values through its products. The brand’s message of love, hope, and faith resonates with customers who are looking for ways to express their beliefs through their clothing. Additionally, the brand’s commitment to giving back to the community by donating at least 10% of sales to feed and clothe the homeless has helped to build a loyal following.

Say H.I.I., which stands for Help, Inspire, Impact, has been a major factor in the success and impact of Godly Example Clothing. This message represents the brand’s commitment to empowering people to live a life of purpose and to make a positive impact on the world. By encouraging customers to embrace this message and to live out their faith through their actions, the brand has built a community of like-minded individuals who share the same values.

Overall, Godly Example Clothing’s commitment to promoting Christian values and doing good in the world has set it apart and helped it to build a successful and impactful business. By inspiring and empowering people to make a positive difference in the world, the brand has created a movement that extends beyond its products and has the potential to change lives. Don’t get me wrong, we know that nobody is perfect, but we can all strive to be a Godly Example.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As someone who works a full-time job as a 3rd shift manager for a bank while also running a successful branding and graphic design business, being a dj and other adventures including Godly Example Clothing, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance it all. It requires discipline, time management, and a deep passion for what you do. But despite the challenges, it is all worth it when you see the impact that you are making in the world.

What sets me apart as the owner of Godly Example Clothing is my commitment to promoting Christian values through my products and my dedication to giving back to the community. I am most proud of the fact that my brand is not just about making a profit, but about making a positive difference in the world. Seeing the impact that we are making in the lives of others is what excites me the most and motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Professionally, I got to where I am today by working hard, staying focused on my goals, and never giving up. I believe in being better today than I was yesterday and better tomorrow than I am today. It was not an easy journey, and there were many challenges along the way, including balancing family, my full-time job with my business and dealing with setbacks and failures. However, I overcame these challenges by staying true to my values, seeking guidance and mentorship from others, and persevering through difficult times.

Along the way, I have learned many valuable lessons, including the importance of perseverance, time management, and building a supportive community. I want the world to know that Godly Example Clothing is more than just a clothing brand – it is a movement that is committed to spreading positivity, hope, and faith to the world. I hope that through my story and my brand, I can inspire others to live a life of purpose and make a positive impact in the world. I want others to Say H.I.I.,Help, Inspire, Impact!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Since I am from Greenville, SC, if my best friend is visiting Greenville, SC, there are plenty of great places to explore and unwind, as well as some places that can help with Godly Example Clothing.

To unwind, one great option is Falls Park on the Reedy, a beautiful park in the heart of downtown Greenville with stunning waterfalls and walking trails. For a more serene experience, you can visit the beautiful chapel of “Pretty Place”, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for weddings and special events. This place is the definition of peace.

For some inspiration for Godly Example Clothing, there are a few places to check out. First, you might want to visit a local bookstore that specializes in books on spirituality and personal growth. We can always go to Westend Custom Printing to get our own custom shirts.  Then we can either grab a burger from Fresh Burger or some soul food from Fhinney’s. Another option depending on the time of year is to go to the Artisphere festival, an annual event that features a variety of artists and craftspeople from around the region. This could be a great opportunity to connect with other artists and get some inspiration for your designs. Don’t miss out on the local small business pop ups and socials.

For other places to unwind, we can visit the beautiful Greenville County Library System, which offers a variety of resources and programs to help you relax and unwind. Another option is the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a scenic trail that runs along the Reedy River and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. You can run directly into the newly designed UNITY Park where everyone is welcome to play.

Overall, Greenville, SC has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to unwind, get inspired, or explore the local culture and history. And of course, the stunning views from Pretty Place should not be missed!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am beyond grateful for my “Whys” – they are the foundation of my success. With their unwavering love, motivation, and support, I am empowered to pursue my dreams and make a difference in the world. One book that has been helpful for personal growth is “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, which emphasizes the importance of living a life of purpose and finding meaning in everything we do.

Of course, I must also give a shout out to God, who is my ultimate source of strength and inspiration. When I feel lost or discouraged, He reminds me to trust in Him and His plan. Another book that has been helpful for business growth is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries, which provides valuable insights on how to build a successful and sustainable business.

My mother, Deborah, and my right and left hand, Kimi, are also key “Whys” in my life. They keep me focused and push me to my limits, and their unwavering belief in me is priceless. I am also grateful for my father, Victor, my business partners, staff, bestie, business bestie, day one, supportive family, friends, and mentors, who have all played a part in the success of Godly Example Clothing. One book that has been helpful for building a supportive community is “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann, which emphasizes the importance of giving and adding value to others.

I would also like to give a special shoutout to gospel artists like Westendshawty, Rezum, and Kalin Jones, who have not only worn and supported the Godly Example brand but have also used their musical talents to spread our message to help, inspire and impact their fans. These artists are true ambassadors of Say HII – Help, Inspire, Impact, and they represent everything that our brand, Godly Example stands for. Their support has helped us to spread brand awareness and reach new audiences who are looking for ways to express their faith through their clothing. We are inspired by their commitment to making a positive impact in the world and using their platform to spread positivity and hope. They are not only talented music artists, but they are also role models who inspire others to live a life of purpose and make a difference in the world around them. We are honored to have their support and look forward to continuing to work with them and others like them as we spread our message of hope, love, and faith to the world. Thank you for your contributions to our mission. We deeply appreciated it, and we are grateful for your partnership.

To all those who have supported me and Godly Example, no matter how big or small, I want you to know that your support is deeply appreciated. You all collectively are the reason Godly Example exists, and I am grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Check out our latest collection of one of one custom fedoras from Godly Example, “COVERED!”

Website: www.GodlyExample.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/GodlyExample

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/GodlyExample

Twitter: www.twitter.com/GodlyExample

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GodlyExample

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtGoRlnH9rsETCE2nuCp_qg

Other: Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/GodlyExample TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@GodlyExample

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