Meet Certrell Russell | Singer, Songwriter, CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Certrell Russell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Certrell, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, I was encouraged to start each business by close friends while having a conversation.

With Peculiar Custom, I was getting ready for my first concert, and a friend of mine showed me how to start the business and I produced my t-shirts for that concert. She was already in the business at the time, doing the same thing. This led me to the creation of Peculiar Custom T-shirts & Apparel.

The Choir Hour LLC was created out of a conversation about posts we were seeing on social media.. There were a lot of conversations after the pandemic about “Bring Back The Choir.” What I did not see were conversations about how to bring back the choir. The Choir Hour, LLC, was designed to bring back the awareness of choirs. We host various events throughout the year to keep the choir sound in the forefront. I believe that the choirs never left, we just stopped using them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m Certrell Russell—a worship leader, choir director, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for the preservation and revival of choral music. With over two decades of experience in music ministry, I began directing choirs at the age of 14, and since then, my journey has been all about harnessing the power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite people.

I proudly serve as the CEO of Peculiar Custom T-shirt and Apparel, a t-shirt company designed to make lasting memories through custom apparel that tells a story and celebrates life’s special moments. I’m also the Founder and CEO of The Choir Hour, LLC, an initiative I created to restore the visibility and value of choirs. The choirs never left—we just stopped using them. Through The Choir Hour, I organize events throughout the year that focus on unity and teaching the foundational standards of choir music.

In line with that vision, I direct The Choir of the Hour, an ensemble that represents my commitment to excellence in gospel music. I also have the honor of leading the Renew Young Adult Choir at Antioch Fellowship Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. There, I work with a new generation of worshipers, helping them grow spiritually and musically through powerful choral expression.

As an artist, I’ve released a single titled “O God”, which reflects my deep faith and passion for worship. My ministry also reaches beyond the local church—I currently serve as the Musical Director for the Bridge Convention of the National Baptist Convention of America, helping shape the sound and structure of worship on a broader scale.

I’m a proud graduate of Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where I earned an Associate Degree in General Studies. My academic background, combined with years of experience in ministry, music, and service, all reflect my commitment to uplifting others, whether through a song, a shirt, or a simple act of kindness.

Although I serve in many capacities, the one thing I have learned is to stay true to God and remain humble. This has helped me achieve more than I could have imagined in my career. It has taught me not to be afraid to go after the things I want to accomplish. If I continue to trust in Him, then I will see the things come to pass. No this hasn’t been easy and many times I’ve wanted to give up, but knowing that I’m doing it for a greater good makes it all worth it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is my type of thing. I’m the planner of my crew. lol

First day of arrival, let’s say they get here in the evening. Well, my Louisiana self would have food already cooked. Fried Fish, Gumbo and rice, and Strawberry Banana Pudding. Something like a kickback since it’s late.

Day 2- See the city, the aquarium, then Dinner at Wild Salsa Downtown.

Day 3- Six Flags, why not all day? Dinner at Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles. Have you had the Kool-Aid? My goodness.

Day 4: Let’s Go to Frisco, Lunch at Haywire in Legacy West. Then walk around and shop. Then a visit to the Star. Then Tupelo Honey for dinner.

Day 5- We could never do enough shopping, let’s start and Parks in Arlington, then Grapevine Mills, then North Park, Trulucks for dinner, then end the night in Deep Ellum for live music.

Sounds like a good week to me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would say ultimately God. I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am if it weren’t for Him. My mom indeed. She birthed me, but is usually one of my first customers in all of my businesses. If nobody supports me, she does. My Executive Liaison Jazlyn Heggins, she keeps me working. She is always making sure I have everything I need to effectively operate my businesses. It feels good to have someone on my team who believes in my vision like I do. My pastor, Chris Wesley, who trusts me to lead on a national level, truly doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for believing me. To the many pastors and churches who have allowed me to share my gift, thank you for allowing me to share with you all. To the many clients and customers that placed countless orders Thank you. I really appreciate you.

Website: https://www.peculiarcustom.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PeculiarCustom, www.instagram.com/TheChoirHour, www.instragram.com/TheChoiroftheHour, www.instagram.com.com/CertrellRussellMusic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PeculiarCustom, www.facebook.com/TheChoirHour, www.facebook.com/TheChoiroftheHour, www.facebook.com.com/CertrellRussellMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Certrellrussell

Image Credits
Ed’s Media

Jack Akana Jr at Reflections Hd.

Karl Wesley

Clifford Hamilton