We’re so pumped about our conversation with Heather Frierson. Heather is the Founder of Created Woman, Faith + Fashion Box, a Designer & Podcast Host and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Heather below.
Hi Heather , thank you so much for sitting down with us again. For folks who might have missed our initial interview, can you start by briefly introducing yourself?
I’m the girl that’s all about faith, fashion, family, and empowering women, and have been my whole life! My journey to narrow that down to just those 4 things, though, has been strange and unusual but nonetheless, exciting as I have had the opportunity walk out my purpose by helping others discover their own.
I’m the founder of a women’s leadership ministry called Created Woman, clothing designer, owner of the brand-new faith + fashion subscription box, Christian entrepreneur, and podcast host. But those are just the things that I do. What I am and treasure the most is being a mom, wife, Jesus’ lover, and friend and hopefully, after you get to know me, we’ll be friends, too!
A lot of people ask how do faith & fashion go together – we’d love to hear your thoughts?
Well, I’m so glad you asked! Bottom line, once we know who we are in Christ and what He has purposed for us to do, we then value ourselves and fashion becomes an outward expression of who we are on the inside. Fashion, simply put, allows us to show up well to the very purpose we were born and be relevant to our mission wherever that is (home, outside of the home, volunteer, etc, the list is endless).
It’s not about the trend at all, but a reflection of who we are created to be, and I believe, that only comes through knowing Jesus Christ.
Faith and Fashion came together for me in a real way because of my crazy career journey that took from the marble floors of Saks 5TH Avenue to the church doors where I began my ministry career. It was from those two experiences that I realized that no matter where I went, worked, or who I knew, women everywhere struggled with 3 things in different seasons of life:
• Their faith
• What to wear
• How they could make a difference in the world
So, with that, Created Woman leadership ministry was born which is a non-profit and more recently, our faith + fashion subscription box. Both walk women through 6 core principles that help women discover their dreams, run their race well and show up as Ambassadors of Christ.
You went to school for fashion but took a dramatic change 4 years later. Now after growing a ministry, you are back in fashion and designing; what have you learned from that journey?
That’s it’s not about me, at all, ha! When I started out my goals were all about me which is quite normal, I guess, for a 23-year-old graduate. But now as a mom, wife and just older I’ve learned that any goals that are about me are empty and quite frankly, will never leave a legacy of love and hope.
I think over the course of 15+ years, The Lord has shown me that we were all made to change the world around us, and He’s provided us each with gifts and talents that allow us to do just that in our own unique way.
So, my fashion journey now, it’s to make a difference in the lives of women, point them to Jesus and to hopefully soon, provide sustainable income for women as well.
That’s a big jump from climbing the career ladder to jumping off and pushing others up, but it fulfills me more and my daughters get to see that we have to do more than just talk, post, or say good things. We must do, too, and through that doing, lives are changed!
For those starting out in business or leadership, what are 3 things you have learned about leading a team?
1. My favorite quote to say is, ‘Your purpose in life will never change, but your strategy will constantly change.’ So, don’t’ be afraid to pivot in your business or leadership. The goal is what’s important, not the how.
2. Stay in your lane and then encourage, employ, or recruit others around you to do what you can’t, but they can.
3. Let go! I don’t’ have to be in control of everything! In fact, these days I don’t want to be! If someone has an idea that pushes the vision forward and can make it happen, then cheer them on!
Your non-profit is to help women discover their purpose and dreams; what’s the one thing you would tell people who are stuck?
Again, your purpose in life will never change but your strategy will. So, just take one dream step at a time until you have pivoted into what’s next.
Why is it important to you to have a socially conscious brand and why do you think it’s so popular to do?
Mainly because of my journey and learning that it’s really not about me, but the one who created me and gave me the gifts, talent, and passion for faith + fashion. Being socially conscious can mean so many things, but for us, it means creating a product that is created ethically and then goes towards empowering women and making a difference in the world. I believe that with our upcoming clothing line, we are accomplishing all 3!
What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
My plans are funny!
But seriously, create the vision, make a plan and then be flexible. If you can’t be flexible and pivot when you need to, you’ll either give up or just live frustrated!
Thank you so much again for sharing all of this with us. Before we go, can you share with our readers how they can connect with you, learn more or show support?
Well, it’s super easy to find! Personally, we can be friends on IG @heatherfrierson29. And if you would like to follow all things faith + fashion there are a few ways:
- @CreatedWoman – Leadership Ministry that also produces our subscription box
- And the brand new IG @faith.fashionbox
So, there you have it. Come find me and tell me a little bit about you because that’s way cooler!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.createdwoman.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createdwoman
- Other: https://faithfashionbox.com
Image Credits:
Marina Marston of Square Earth Studio
