We were lucky to catch up with Rakeiya McKnight recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rakeiya , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, is deeply rooted in my faith and purpose. As the owner of Guided Notes ( a faith-based clothing brand) and a Biologist, I draw my strength from my unwavering belief in God and His promises. My journey has not always been easy, but I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities for growth and refinement.
Each obstacle I’ve faced has reinforced my conviction that I am walking in my God-given purpose. My resilience stems from knowing that I am not alone; I am guided and supported by a higher power. This faith fuels my determination to persevere, to adapt, and to keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances.
Moreover, my resilience is driven by the mission of Guided Notes. I am passionate about inspiring and uplifting others through our faith-based apparel. Knowing that our brand makes a positive impact in people’s lives motivates me to overcome any hurdle. I am committed to this vision and to the community we serve, and that commitment gives me the strength to rise above challenges.
In essence, my resilience comes from a combination of faith, purpose, and the unwavering belief that every challenge is an opportunity to grow closer to God and to fulfill the mission He has placed in my heart.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Rakeiya, a biologist by profession and the owner of Guided Notes. If I could describe myself in a few words I’d say “I am where science meets faith”.
Guided Notes is a faith-based clothing brand dedicated to creating stylish, high-quality apparel that inspires and uplifts. Founded in 2017 by me, a black female entrepreneur from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Guided Notes blends contemporary fashion with powerful messages of faith and purpose.
Our mission is to provide meaningful clothing that serves as daily reminders of God’s love, hope, and promises. Each piece in our collection—from cozy sweatshirts to inspirational tees—is designed to help individuals express their faith confidently and authentically.
Guided Notes goes beyond just fashion; we are a community committed to supporting and empowering one another on our spiritual journeys. Through local partnerships, community events, and engaging online content, we foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
I am always working on new designs to encourage and inspire , so please stay tune for new releases. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram &Tik-Tok at Guidednotesclothing and you can visit us at Guidednotesclothing.com
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey with Guided Notes, three qualities and skills that have been the most impactful are; faith, perseverance, and community engagement. Here’s why these have been crucial and some advice for those starting their journey:
Faith:
Impact: My unwavering faith has been the cornerstone of my resilience and vision. It has guided my decisions, sustained me through challenges, and inspired the core messages of Guided Notes.
Advice: Cultivate a strong spiritual foundation. Make time for daily devotion, prayer, and reflection. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who support your faith journey. Trust in your purpose and let your faith guide your actions and decisions.
Perseverance:
Impact: Building a business comes with inevitable setbacks and obstacles. Perseverance has helped me stay focused on my goals, adapt to changing circumstances, and continually push forward despite difficulties.
Advice: Develop a mindset of resilience. Understand that setbacks are part of the process. Learn from failures, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary. Keep your long-term vision in mind and stay committed to your mission. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
Community Engagement:
Impact: Engaging with my community has been essential for growth and support. It has allowed me to understand my customers’ needs, build meaningful relationships, and create a loyal customer base.
Advice: Actively participate in your community. Network with other entrepreneurs, collaborate with local artists and organizations, and seek feedback from your customers. Build a brand that resonates with your audience and fosters a sense of belonging. Authenticity and genuine connections can significantly impact your business’s success.
For those early in their journey, here’s how you can develop these qualities:
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Achieving consistent sales is one of the most challenging aspects of running a business, especially in the highly competitive fashion industry. It can be easy to quit and get discouraged but every time I feel ready to throw in the towel I am reminded of how impactful Guided Notes and how needed it is.
I know that achieving consistent sales requires a multi-faceted approach that combines understanding your market, building strong customer relationships, and staying agile in the face of changes. For Guided Notes, this means not only creating compelling, faith-based apparel but also engaging with our community, adapting to trends, and consistently delivering value to our customers. By addressing these challenges strategically, we can work towards achieving more stable and predictable sales patterns.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Guidednotesclothing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guidednotesclothing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guidednotesclothing/
Image Credits
Photograph of me by Jon Gentry
Digital artwork by Studiohimages
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
