Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Markelle Torres, founder and CEO of Struggle of the Faith, located in Dallas, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Struggle of the Faith is a faith-based social enterprise that creates quality apparel to help impoverished communities. This means our business model strives to address social, economic, and environmental issues. We are not driven by a bottom-line profit. We are driven by a purpose. For us, that purpose is to provide impoverished families and individuals with opportunities to build their independence and economic outlook. Struggle of the Faith accomplishes this mission through several service projects held throughout the year. We also have a ministry part of our business that is currently growing. We are hopeful that our social media platforms encourage others to restore, build, and strengthen their relationship with God.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Markelle Torres; I am 22 years old. In high school, I was blessed with the opportunity of traveling to China through a summer immersion program. This ignited my passion for understanding different cultures, and I pursued and obtained my Bachelor’s in International Business from the College of Saint Benedict. Throughout my college career, I was able to study abroad in East Asia and Central America for a year and a half. While traveling, I learned more about how poverty affected different countries and examined how I would turn my passion for helping those in need into something extraordinary. Helping those who are less fortunate has always been instilled in my upbringing, which is why, after much discerning and prayer, I launched Struggle of the Faith in July 2021. Our goal is to help those in need both locally and internationally.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment thus far has been being able to help others globally as I dreamed of. Struggle of the Faith held its very first Christmas Angel Program in December. With the help of many donors, we raised over $700 and blessed over 40 families in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

I know that God gave me the opportunity to travel and establish many network connections to bless His people around the world. This is just the beginning for Struggle of the Faith. We hope to continue to bless impoverished families across the globe.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Consistency is key! Starting a business and doing everything alone can become very difficult, but I love what I do. If helping others was not a passion of mine, I would not be doing it. Having to juggle a full-time job and run a business can become exhausting, but with constant prayer and determination, anything is possible. There may be many times that I may get discouraged, but I know that my God is bigger and has a plan for my business and will lead it in a way to bless many people.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. As a young Latina Social Entrepreneur, I would tell anyone that is looking to start a business to dream big and never to underestimate the power of God. There will be many times that people will tell you that you cannot do it and that you will not make it, but never doubt the power of prayer. Believe in yourself and trust God throughout the entire process because it is for the reason that God instilled the calling in your heart.
  2. Do your research and make sure you understand the industry you will be entering well so that you can succeed. Do your part and allow God to do the rest.
  3. Lastly, prepare yourself for what you have prayed for. Your business journey will come with change, and in order to accept the change, you must get rid of your old self and allow your new self to guide you in the direction God is calling your business to go.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Know that you will fail at times. It is absolutely normal to fail; just reanalyze, refocus, and try again. Do not hesitate to ask for help. There are so many resources out there; just ask!

If you’re interested in becoming a part of the SOTF family, follow us on our social media platforms! We are excited to announce the kickstart of a new service opportunity in Dallas, Tx. Find out more on our website at StruggleoftheFaith.com

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://struggleofthefaith.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/struggleofthefaith/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/struggleofthefaith/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.