Meet Ci’Andria Jefferson | GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING™ Founder, Owner & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ci’Andria Jefferson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ci’Andria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING™ (GNE) is bigger than just a business for me; it’s being in purpose, on purpose like Jesus was on earth. It’s about reaching people. It’s about building and leaving a legacy. This is about obedience. This is about sacrifice. This is about growth. This is Kingdom. This is ministry.

GNE is more than just a brand with quality custom apparel, it’s an intentional reminder to never give up and that we’ve got everything we need RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, to start RIGHT WHERE we are. It’s a reminder that we can confidently and obediently move forward in our callings with faith, trusting that whatever else we need, God will provide it along the way.

I founded GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING™ in 2020 with the belief that God has enabled us all to have some sort of platform in our lives, a “pulpit” if you will, where we have the power of influence through our words and actions, as well as our presence. This very thought led me to launch in January of 2021 byway of testimony on apparel™. I wanted to create a Kingdom conduit that would effectively, creatively, and engagingly spread the word, power, and love of God through personal testimonies, strategic delivery of clever puns and thought-provoking innuendos.

Another part of my thought process behind starting my own business was to share the goodness of God from lessons I’ve learned in my own life and, in turn, encourage others to have their own relationship with God and becoming disciples through their testimonies, as well.

Everything GNE is my ode to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, (Them together), as our Everything. Having God entrust me with this vision has truly been a rewarding, yet humbling, experience every step of the way and I’m so grateful for it.

What should our readers know about your business?
Other than what I mentioned above, I want readers to know that

GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING™ is a living, breathing, operating testimony in itself. A custom limited edition apparel line that, first, focuses on uniquely communicating in a fashionable way the messages that God wants to be shared. Second to that, GNE focuses on selling comfortable quality garments and accessories that complement the body, fuels confidence, and highlights individual style and beauty.

Each GNE release is about growth, progression and getting better with time, every time. Quality over quantity. From the blueprint of the vision all the way to the packaging and shipment of an order, all of our products are promised to be handled with the utmost care, respect, and intentionality.

The customer experience is extremely important. Rather ordering online or purchasing in-person with us at a pop-up shop, operating with integrity, positive energy and attention to detail are non-negotiables throughout the entire process. Its yet another way that to truly show the love of God to the world.

At this time the focus on our releases are tees and causal sportwear and classic relaxed everyday fits for both men and women. There are plans in motion this year to release GNE’s first ever youth apparel line. A variety of new accessories, such as caps and bags, will also be added and some new developments that are sure to leave great lasting impressions.

I want readers to know that every exclusive GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING™ collection piece aims to be an experience with meaning: that of great quality and creativity that’d capture the eyes and curiosity of those that see it; all in hopes that it lays the foundation to start great conversations that involve the sharing of testimonies with whomever, wherever, whenever. A moment to BE the church outside of the building, “…the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified” (-Isaiah 61:3, KJV).

The direction that things are moving in for GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING™ is one of elevation and apparel is just the start. Expansion in other fields are soon to come for GNE and I’m truly excited about it.

I have always been a creative with a business mindset. Having the genuine love and support of my amazing parents, grandparents and brothers while growing up and witnessing their stellar work ethic was paramount in my desire to create something from ground up with God as my #1 business partner. Coupled with my heart for helping people and being raised in the faith stirred up something much bigger in my spirit.

In 2009, I graduated with my Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from the University of North Texas in Denton. I’ve been blessed with an extensive background in leadership and philanthropy that’s helped to not only create a stronger foundation within myself of hard work, but of resilience, effective communication, and a deeper love for people.

Despite all of my accomplishments, in 2019, I found myself going through a depressive spell and extreme spiritual warfare. I tried my best to save face, but some days the burden was just too heavy. This led me to start a devotional book gifted to me years prior by my college friend and dear brother, J. Mark. While fasting as the book instructed, God gave me the name for my first business: GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING. So simple, yet so profound. Up to that point, I’d been waiting on the right time for certain things to be in the right place to make certain moves with that vision when, in fact, the only thing that needed to be right was my mindset. I had to realize that I was fully equipped to start with what I had, and that God would give me what I needed, when needed, along the way. God had lifted a veil from over my eyes and it was time to not just see it in my mind but walk in it in the natural.

I then went from making excuses to focusing on results. From starving procrastination to feeding purpose. From thinking I needed more to start, when in fact, all I needed was God.

During that season in 2020 of laying the foundation of my business and establishing the brand, God was simultaneously stretching, growing, and healing me. Although I’d grown up in the church and knew the importance of relationship with God, I really got to know Him, even more, that year for myself. He showed me the version of myself in Him, through Jesus, that He wanted me to be and still does to this day. I’m a better businesswoman, a better person overall, because of it.

Around that time, I got the idea to launch as an apparel line first. I figured the best way to effectively communicate starting out was to put it right IN FRONT of the people by placing it right ON the people.

September of 2021, I decided to move forward in a different direction and part ways with the non-profit company I worked for. That season I realized, that despite all of the challenges I endured, the biggest of them all to overcome was ‘self’: how I spoke to myself, how thought of myself, how I treated myself, how I believed in myself. Was I merely going to just flow with the cares of the wind, be stagnant with what was even after God had shown me what was possible and complain about what I couldn’t change or was I going to trust God and live in the leap of faith required for me to get here? I’m living that answer now and I’m humbly glad that I am.

As things elevate and I’m required to grow into a better version of myself daily, I wish I could say I no longer go through tough and trying times, but the reality is I sometimes do. And although I’m better equipped, I refuse to lie or be deceptive as if I’ve just got it all together. I’m still swimming in God’s grace and mercy right along with the rest of the world. God makes me live the title of my business everyday where I have to remember not only who I am, but Whose I am. Each day is a fight to stay in purpose on purpose; somedays just don’t require that much muscle, but one thing I’ve noticed…it’s worth the tussle (AYE! Bars, lol). And that’s what I want to leave people with that read this: no matter what you’re going through, how foggy it may seem sometimes…God loves you; keep going. Listen to the mentors God placed in your life. Don’t give up. Keep moving towards what God’s shown and promised you. Surround yourself with a tribe of people that love you and will push you past your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to elevate, even when you’re scared, (like my mentor once told me) do it anyway.

There are souls out here waiting for our obedience to what God has put in our hearts to create, in our minds to manifest, and in our bodies to do. I want people to remember that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in the image of THE GREATEST EVER, and that you, too, have everything you need RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, to start RIGHT WHERE you are. So, tap into your gift with faith, be intentional with action and see it through. GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING. You’ve got this because God’s got you.

Before I sign off, all readers and future partners, check out the next and newest 2023 GNE releases drops in April! Follow GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING™ on Instagram @Godplusnothingequalseverything and check out the website at www.Godplusnothingequalseverything.com and/or www.shopgne.com for more updates. And for those interested in possible collaborations, feel free to email info@Godplusnothingequalseverything.com.

This year… it’s UP!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I travel more these days so I can honestly say, amidst discovering the world, I’m rediscovering my own home of DFW right along with everyone else. Yet one thing that’s a constant is I’m going to find somewhere good to eat (lol). With that said, a list of great eats first! Breakfast at Ellen’s or Breadwinner’s is always a win. For seafood, the Blackbox at Aunt Irene’s. For Caribbean Cuisine, Jamaican Gates. Soul food, Sweet Georgia Brown, Rudy’s Chicken, or Kooly BBQ is a must. Best late-night tacos, Fuel City in Downtown Dallas, or Velvet Taco. For a more dressed up feel Truluck’s, Monarch, Nick & Sam’s, Del Frisco’s, and The Capital Grille never disappoint. The wings and fried green beans at Wing Bucket are great every time. Mi Cocina’s, Deluccca Gauco Pizza or Moxie’s are additional places I adore. Pepper’s Street Tacos in Grand Prairie is so worth it. For fun I’d say Andretti’s, Texas Live!, Six Flags, Epic Water Park, rent The Big Kahuna on Joe Pool Lake or check out the event calendar for artsy Deep Ellum Entertainment District. Great views on a relaxing and chill day or night, a walk on Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge or Klyde Warren Park. Uptown Dallas and North Park mall for shopping. For open mics or live bands, Deep Ellum is a hit; The Freeman Cajun Cafe & Lounge is a great spot to check out. Sports fans lucky enough to catch a game, Cowboys stadium, American Airlines center or Texas Rangers stadium. (I guess I had more spots to suggest than I thought, lol).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For Sure!

First and far most, ALL glory and honor to God. I’m nothing without Him and forever indebted. I could never say thank You enough, God. I love You with all of me!

To my dad (Willie, Sr.), my mother & bonus dad (Beverly & Horace, II), my siblings (Wil J. & Horace III) and my grandparents (my angels in heaven) who have fiercely always had my back and supported me every step of the way. With all of my heart, I thank you and I love you more than words can ever express.

To Marchella, Cane, Randon, Brittany, Chase, Rikki, J. Mark, Blair, Penney, Domi, Devin, Tasha, Dakarion, Justin, Jessica, Jade W., Kristina, Ja’Verrion, Josh, Crys, Gail, Tim, Ashley, Thomas, Brandon, Chelle, Mrs. Etheridge, Mrs. Hampton, Ms. Lamonica, Ms. Edison, Ms. Buster, DST Spr’ 06 32VV-Zeta Eta, Jade G., Nate, Keith, Lock B., and Bryan W.: for each intricate part you all have individually contributed in helping me to this point, I’m forever grateful for the love, support, mentorship and push. God did a number when He blessed this journey of mine how He did, when He did, with you. Thank you and I love you guys deep.

To my extended family, EVERY person and business who has supported GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING™ thus far via purchase, social media post, pop-up shop, apparel worn, message sent, good word spread, prayer prayed & testimony shared, trust me when I say that from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely love and appreciate you.

And last, but certainly not least, to Voyage Dallas for this feature, thank you for this opportunity to share my testimony and show love to God and my people! Special shout out to my bestie, Marchella for referring me to be featured; thank you, Sis!

Besides being raised to the tune of the best book of all time, the Holy Bible, there are three books referred to me that I’ve read recently that I’d like to mention. “Upset the World” by Tim Ross, “Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike, Phil Knight” and “The Greatest Salesman in the World”, written by Og Mandino. These books were and are incredibly pivotable in elevating my thinking and motivating my decisions, not just as an entrepreneur, but as person. Must reads for sure!

And remember…to each eye reading this, God wants to do a work in you, too. Relationship over religion! Jesus is waiting for you=). GOD + NOTHING = EVERYTHING™. It’s up from here!

Website: https://godplusnothingequalseverything.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godplusnothingequalseverything/

Other: personal instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciandriaj/

Image Credits

Blair Caldwell, (solo photo of Ci’Andria Jefferson)
Willie Jefferson, Sr., (photo of pop-up shop)
Ci’Andria Jefferson, (product photos)
Models (in order of appearance): Jade Williams (white GNE shirt), Dakarion Littles (black GNE sweatshirt), Justin Barthelemy (white GNE sweatshirt)