In 2014, Vannesia Johnson had a vision for a Christian-based apparel line. With the help of a friend, an intimate community of supporters would be the first to wear a few of her statement t-shirts that encouraged a movement and fostered fellowship.
Personal matters would lead Johnson to go on hiatus, but the vision and whispers of supporters never stopped tugging at her heart. Johnson would reemerge and officially introduce the world to her brand, Church is My Club, LLC.
CIMC, based in Raleigh, NC, is a fashionable line of not just t-shirts but everything from sweats, hats, jewelry, and accessories. All of which serve as bold “witness pieces and conversation starters,” says Johnson. Through premium blends and products, her faith-fueled passion, and capital through a Kiva loan, the solopreneur continues to expand her business one person at a time.
Johnson solely relied on her finances to fund the brand before launching her campaign on the Kiva crowdfunding platform in 2021. During a Launch Raleigh Program class, Johnson would learn of Carolina Community Impact and Kiva’s Central NC Hub. Our Capital Access Manager, Frank Del Villar, would be a vital and responsive resource for Johnson throughout her Kiva loan application process.
Johnson admits as she heard more about the “GoFundMe for business” as she coins it, there was some skepticism. But, her faith prevailed, and so, she lept.
Since securing $3,000 in capital in almost half the fundraising time, Johnson has gone on to trademark Church is My Club. Her fundraising has also allowed her to increase her inventory, serve as a vendor at events in Charlotte and Virginia, and enroll in Tee Academy, a marketing and mentorship program for apparel entrepreneurs.
“I’m very grateful for Kiva. It’s been life-changing, and it gives you that pat on the back and encouragement that you need to keep going in your business,” says Johnson. “I also loved the follow-up from CCI!”
The line of communication between Johnson and our team, along with prompts, assisted with her social media campaigns that streamlined things from start to finish.
For Vannesia Johnson, tapping into the Kiva platform and its community of lenders and the “awesome” partnership with CCI has allowed her to water the seed she planted years ago. Johnson looks to cultivate her successful e-commerce brand while sharing Jesus one witness piece at a time.