Today we’d like to introduce you to DeWayne Savage.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I always wanted to wear my own clothing and make an impression in fashion. Before I started Christian Art Apparel, I created a shirt called Fly Fat Boy… lol. I drew up the logo myself and while on vacation in Las Vegas at a mall there was a shop that could print anything on a shirt so I had the guy make me a shirt. Nothing ever came of Fly Fat Boy but after moving to Texas and finding my church home the vision of Christian Art Apparel came to me during a fast that I participated in with my church. I drew an image and took it to a local print shop where I worked with them in creating my logo and the image I drew. Once that was completed, I worked on colors I wanted to start with, paid for the shirts then started networking by participating in pop-ups and other networking-type events such as Christian concerts. As time went on, I worked with some of the young talents within my church in creating new shirt designs. In August of 2020, I held my own Back to School pop-up/concert event where I had local Christian Hip Hop artists perform and gave away free backpacks and school supplies. My wife who is also co-owner of the company is the Market Director. She manages the website and social media platforms. We work well together because I’m an extrovert and she’s an introvert. I’m a people person, like talking and networking and she likes being behind the scenes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. There have been times when weeks would go by without a sale and I didn’t know where I would get the payment to keep the website up and running. I’ve overpaid for products in the beginning because of a lack of knowledge. I’ve participated in pop-up events where there was zero traffic. I’ve had models cancel on me a day before a photoshoot and had to scramble to find a replacement. My Back-to-School event, I had cancellations the day of, I even had to be my own MC because my MC canceled on me at the last minute. All of this comes with the territory and you learn from each experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create inspirational clothes that are geared towards a Christian audience. I want it to uplift people and to help encourage them. I am most proud of seeing people wear my vision. I remember being in service at church one Sunday and when I looked around the room there were at least 4 to 5 people wearing one of my shirts and they were all different. That was a really fulfilling moment for me and it is moments like that, that make the rainy days look brighter. For me, it’s not about just selling clothes it’s more about doing God’s work and spreading the love of Christ and I think that is what sets me apart from others.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I taught myself how to twist balloons into objects and was paid to do it at birthday parties.
Contact Info:
- Email: christianartshop@gmail.com
- Website: www.christianartapparel.com
- Instagram: christianartapparel
- Facebook: ChristianArt
