Today we’d like to introduce you to Tristina Hayden.
Hi Tristina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I remember I was about 15 years old. I heard a song with the word “Virtue” in it. I never knew what that word meant, however, it stuck with me. As I got older, I gave my life to the Lord when I was 22 years old. I started Studying the bible, I came across the word “Virtue” again in the book of Proverbs chapter 31. Towards the end of that chapter, it spoke about a virtuous woman. It list several characters of her. She is valuable, she is trustworthy, she is a nurturer, she is hard-working, she is honest, she is a provider, she is an investor, she is an entrepreneur, she is bold, she is a giver, she is a homemaker, she is an encourager, she is a lover, she is strong, she is wise, she is loyal and so many more. All of those characteristics I can relate to. As I mature, I have aimed to live a life of integrity and character. One that strive to do things morally and has a conduct of ethical principles. No, I am not perfect, nor do I claim to be, but I aim to always do things with virtue. In June of 2021, I made one of the toughest decision to separate from a marriage of 4 years. I literally had to start over from scratch with my 2 toddlers, whatever I could fit in my 05 Lexus, and about $2000.00 in my account. I had to drive for 2 days from Indiana back to Florida and also had to spend the night with both my toddlers in my car. (Thank God for motels). I was devastated, I felt like a complete failure, and the weight of shame was so heavy on me. I took that time of brokenness to seek The Lord for healing and in that seeking He brought the word “virtue” back to my heart. Not only that but He added “Iam”. When I put the 2 together “VirtueIam” came to life. He told me to launch it and on October 9, 2021, VirtueIam was launched. VirtueIam is a faith-based T-Shirt and apparel brand and ministry for women. It has been a beautiful and successful journey thus far. Lots of trial and error but I believe that’s what make the journey beautiful because I did it all with faith, integrity, character, and of course in style. I was obedient to what I was told to do, and I believe that’s what allowed me to be as successful as I am with VirtueIam. That’s why today I am proud to say VirtueIam and if you can relate to those characteristics of the virtuous woman or are aiming to, then you too can say VirtueIam.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I believe a lot of entrepreneurs can agree to that as well. Especially if we had to do everything from scratch and with no help. For me personally. I had to sacrifice a lot especially when it comes to my kids. As heartbreaking as it was. I knew it was only a temporary sacrifice to be able to better provide for them. We didn’t buy any new clothes or gifts for the kids because I invested the little money I had left into taking a course that would teach me how to launch my business and to be honest I can’t say I learned much from it because I paid extra to get private access to the special group so I could get extra assistance and then to find out the group no longer existed.
So, I had to burn the midnight oil staying up sometimes all night teaching myself how to build my website, create my designs, and such.
I was exhausted and had to take care of 2 toddlers all by myself. It was frustrating, and at one point I wanted to give up.
BUT I had to remind myself of my “Why”
My why for every I do is 2 things.
1. To be obedient to God, who told me to do it in the first place.
2. To create a better life for my kids than I had.
Every time I get to a frustrating place, I remind myself of my “why” and that always gives me the strength to keep going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about VirtueIam ?
I’m known as the (POD) Print on Demand Queen. My business VirtueIam is a Print on Demand business. I know how hard it is to want to start a business (POD) and don’t have the first clue of what to do or where to start. Because of my experience and having to do everything from scratch, I can confidently say I have gained the knowledge and experience that has qualified me to help other women start their (POD) business as well.
I specialize in helping women, starting a Print on Demand business on Shopify within 14 days. Yes, in as little as 14 days you can have a business that generate an extra stream of income. Trust me it feels good to wake up from your sleep by a (ding), notifying you that someone made a purchase.
I’m most proud of knowing I get to serve women in an area where I needed help in and did not get it.
What sets me apart is my authenticity and love for sisterhood. I’m not doing what I am doing to just get paid. It’s bigger than that, it’s about the impact and change I get to make in the lives of other women. I don’t just serve/assist and move on. I maintain a relationship with every women I assist. I check on them, pray for them, encourage them, etc. I honestly care about them as a person. I sincerely do.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like that there is so many opportunities to grow if someone if willing to do the work. I also like that there is always something to do. It’s hard to get boring here because of all the different attractions that are available.
What I like the least is how crowded or overpopulated it can feel.
I’m from Jamaica and grow up in the country so I like the feeling of having (space) even when there is a lot of opportunities to do something. I don’t like the fact that when I step outside there are so many other houses/buildings just right there. I feel like it can get so busy where it seeks like people are just constantly going and doing nonstop.
It would be nice to have some quite in the city at times.
Maybe I’m just a country girl at heart, or it could just be the specific area I live in. But! I fell like that’s the whole city.
Pricing:
- $12.95- $34.95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.VirtueIam.com
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/latest/self_view?business_id=186726956865142&asset_id=226725029299306&request_product_tour=false&mio=false
