Meet Marc Stern | Pastor & Business Owner

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

Hi Marc, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It’s a crazy story. I was an associate pastor at a local church for three years, and I decided to go back to school full-time. To bring in some extra money, I started investing into cryptocurrency, and eventually into NFTs. For those that do not know what NFTs are, they’re kind of like digital artwork. I was not aware of many Christian focused NFT collections, so I decided to start my own. I had a graphics designer start working on the designs. And almost immediately, I realized this was going to get expensive and take a lot of time. So, I had a thought, “In the meantime, why not put these designs on a hoodie?” And that is exactly what I did. And from there, my interest in starting my own clothing brand gradually grew. It went from trying to make some extra money while in school, to trying to build a clothing business that is focused on the Kingdom of God.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When it comes to “work” I am a minister of the gospel. It doesn’t matter if I am working a 9 to 5 job, mentoring, operating a clothing brand, or a pastor on staff at a local church. I am a minister at heart. EST 33 Clothing is just another opportunity to communicate a message. The message is simple. It’s the Kingdom of God over everything else. I “work” to communicate that message in a chaotic and divided world, where many don’t want to hear it. A clothing brand is just a unique way to share that message.

This definitely has its’ challenges. Because this started more as a hobby or side hustle, it has been extra challenging not to quit and move on to something else. I think the thing that has helped me overcome those moments is the fact that there is a purpose for doing this. It’s about more than money. And when you are doing something you love for the right reasons, it’s hard to find a good reason to quit.

When I look back on where we started and where we are today, I get excited. I see the growth. I see the change. I see the fruit of being consistent and not giving up. Ultimately our goal is to continue to grow, continue to faithfully communicate the message, and maybe one day become the #1 Christian clothing brand on the planet. I believe the best is yet to come!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am definitely a home body at heart. But if my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time on their visit, I would probably take them to a Mavericks/Rangers game, Arlington Improv, and Pinstack in Las Colinas. As far as restaurants go, we are going to Cheddars for their cookie monster dessert, Rita’s for their Italian ice, BJ’s, and then we are checking out some of the restaurants in the Trinity Groves area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I am going to shoutout anyone, it’s going to be my wife, Misty. She has supported me in this journey beyond measure. She has been there to encourage, to model clothes, support financially, support emotionally, and so much more. Her favorite question is, “What do you need?” Sometimes, it’s not that you need anything; sometimes it’s just the simple fact that you know you are not in this alone. She has always been there to support me, and for that I am grateful.

Website: https://est33clothing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/est33clothing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/EST-33-Clothing/100083575263611/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@est33clothing