Brent Mitchell Shares His Story: ThisTestimonyThough-Part 1

Brent & Reevedia 

What is your background? Education and Work Experience?

 This is my 18th year in Education. I've been everything from a Substitute Teacher, Coach, Teacher, Principal, and District Administrator. 

I have a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Arkansas.

I have two Master's Degrees from Harding University, an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Central Arkansas.

I'm  currently finishing up my Ed.D from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 

What's your favorite quote(s)

“It doesn’t matter if a million people tell you what you can’t do, or if ten million tell you no. If you get one yes from God that’s all you need.” - Tyler Perry

"Failure is a great teacher, and I think when you make mistakes and you recover from them and you treat them as valuable learning experiences, then you've got something to share" - Steve Harvey

"It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me." - Daniel 4:2 New International Version (NIV)

 

What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business?

I was going through a rough patch in life. It was my first time really dealing with adversity as an adult. As I began to go through it, I realized that EVERYONE goes through tough times and a lot of people were supportive of me and pulling for me to come out on top. After talking with God, the vision for #ThisTestimonyThough. 

Ironically, things began to turn around for me when I started using my gifts to help others. I was volunteering at church, mentoring aspiring leaders, and doing more work in my fraternity and social organizations.

I actually launched my brand with my unemployment checks in the midst of losing my home and relocating to another state…(talk about a testimony). I just knew God was hitting reset button on my life so I’m excited about what’s next to come.

Meet #TeamMitchell

Can you provide us with a description of your business?

This Testimony Though was created during the darkest time in my life. I had just lost my dream job, my marriage was on the verge of ending and a life changing investment was stolen from me. 

One day during a conversation with a mentor he reminded me that when God begins to turn this thing around you’ll have an awesome testimony to share with not only those that supported you but an even stronger message to those that doubted you.

 From that moment on I began to post positive messages and inspirational quotes to uplift people who may be going through similar issues. It is my prayer that when people wear this Christian based apparel you allow someone to learn about your testimony and encourage them that when believers are going through hell. God provides a round trip ticket. 

Our goal is to build an army of believers that will tell about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for them." (Daniel 4:2) 

If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?

I love my career, because I love kids and having a chance to impact their lives is my passion in life.

The only thing I would do differently would be my investments. I would have definitely done some smarter things with my money in my twenties lol. 

What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?

My biggest failure came on a bad business deal. I had close to $200,000 stolen from me by someone I trusted. My biggest take away from it to also research investments and always have a paper trail on all business. If it seems too good to be true, IT IS.

It also taught me to listen to what successful people did to become successful. I also believe that life teaches you lessons early that prepares you for greater later. So I learn from mistakes and grow from them.

Lastly, I also had to learn how to forgive people. And that's still a growth area for me. I truly believe that negative energy prevents you from blessings. 

How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?

Depends on what I put into it. I’m wiser now, so when my discernment kicks in I walk away from it.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

I believe that God doesn’t equip us with the spirit of fear. I believe that from time to time we all will have setbacks. I manage setbacks by putting all of my faith in God and knowing that when I get through the adversity, I’ll be better for it. I created a shirt that says God 1 – Devil 0. God is still undefeated.

If you could talk to three people, who would they be and why?

1. My father – He died when I was three months old. There are so many conversations I wish we could have.

2. My grandfather – He died a little over a year ago and he was truly my mentor. He always gave the best advice. He would always proofread or listen to my speeches and give me insight. I see parts of him in me everyday, so that’s a blessing.

3. Barack Obama – He’s so charismatic. Just seems like a conversation with him would be amazing.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

My grandparents are all amazing. I love and appreciate the values they’ve instilled in me. All four of them have lived great lives and impacted me in ways that I could never repay them. My biggest prayer is to be able to invest back into the community I was raised in and build things in their honor like community/resource centers.

What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)

My favorite book other that the Bible is “Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in Life” by Baruti Kafele. I’m currently reading “Men Who Win” by Mark Evans. It’s a great book that teaches you how to fight back after life knocks you down.

What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

I’m learning something new every day. I didn’t have a clue about how to create shirts, sell shirts, web design, etc. I love creating apparel that folks actually wear and can’t wait to buy. I’ve got like 80 shirt ideas in my head, so I’m working on getting all of out to our website in stages. I also have some other visions I want to pursue like launching a non-profit and bringing some things for youth in my hometown.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Seeing the brand go from a vision to “real life” was pretty amazing. When I got my first order I cried. When I got my first international order I cried. When I saw my grandmother wear a shirt, I REALLY cried. It’s so awesome to see how God sees things through that he instructs you to do.

What final thoughts would you like to leave with us? 

I can honestly say that at the end of the day everything I’ve gone through has been a blessing. Every setback has only been a setup for something better.

Check out our website https://thistestimonythough.myshopify.com/ and stay tuned, God is just getting started

Contact Us

info@thistestimonythough.com