We had the good fortune of connecting with Khadijah Abrams (Torbert) and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Khadijah, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
When I look back at how “Made Worthy” came to be, it feels like a journey that’s been stitched together with all my life’s ups and downs. It all started back in Opelika, my hometown, where I found little escapes in my diary – it was like a secret friend I could tell everything to without any fear.
Then, fast forward to my days at Troy University. Life threw a curveball at me – a heartbreak that felt like the end of the world at the time. Once again, it was my journal that caught all those tears and fears. It was more than just writing; it was like healing on paper.
My faith? Oh, it’s been the backbone of my entire journey. I’ve always had this deep connection with God, and my journals were where I’d scribble down my dreams – I always believed God was speaking to me through them. One morning in 2016, I woke up with the word “worthy” echoing in my head. It felt weird at first, but later, it hit me – this was a sign, a nudge from above to start my own line of journals. That’s how “Made Worthy Journal Notebooks” came to life. It wasn’t just a name; it was a message I needed to hear, and I knew others needed it too.
Creating the Made Worthy line was like putting a piece of my soul into each journal. Choosing the designs, the feel of the paper – it was all done with so much love and care. Launching it in June of 2020, which is also my birthday month, felt like giving birth to a new beginning. And you know what? The response was mind-blowing. I was thinking maybe 50 journals in three months, but we hit 80 in the first week!
Although it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, My mom, who has always had this way of seeing things clearer. She said, “Khadijah, people need this now more than ever. It’s a way for them to let it all out.” And she was right. It was the perfect time for people to document their stories, their struggles.
Journaling has become my daily dose of sanity. Every morning and/or night, I write. It’s like setting the stage for the day or just taking a moment to appreciate how my life has played out, always with a heart full of gratitude.
And now, using my own journal, the “Purple Royal Rose Dreams” – it’s surreal. It’s like I’ve come full circle. Creating something like the “Sermon” journal, tailored for churchgoers, makes me feel like I’m giving something back, something meaningful.
But this isn’t just about journals. It’s about the journey. From that scared little girl in Opelika to who I am now – it’s been a wild ride. “Made Worthy” isn’t just a brand; it’s a belief. It’s my way of telling the world, “You’re Worthy,” “You Are Beautiful,” “It Is Well.” Because at the end of the day, we all need to hear that, don’t we? We’re all made worthy.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career path has been a fascinating journey filled with twists and turns that ultimately led me to my current role as a Senior Corporate Communications Specialist III. Here’s a brief summary of my career journey: I started my career in the vibrant and ever-changing world of the Broadcast/TV Industry. For six years, I was a journalist serving two markets in Alabama, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa. During this time, I wore many hats, from being a news producer and news reporter to a sports reporter and even a fill-in anchor. It was an exciting and fast-paced environment that taught me the importance of adaptability and effective communication skills.
In 2021, I took a significant turn in my career by becoming the Interim Director of Communications and Sports Information for the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC). In this role, I became the go-to person for athletic communications for 21 community colleges in Alabama. Managing communication for such a diverse group of colleges and sports programs was a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience.
Following my time at ACCC, I transitioned into the position of Workforce Development Marketing and Communications Manager at The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, West AlabamaWorks!. Here, I delved deep into the world of workforce development and fine-tuned my skills in crafting communication strategies to promote economic growth in the region.
And now, I’ve reached a new pinnacle in my career as a Senior Corporate Communications Specialist III at TD Synnex, a Global IT leader. In this role, I oversee high-level corporate communication strategies for a global organization. My prior experiences in journalism, community engagement, and sports communication have all come together to prepare me for the challenges and opportunities of senior corporate communications.
My career path has taught me adaptability, versatility, and the ability to excel in diverse roles and industries. Each step along the way has contributed to my skill set, making me a well-rounded communications professional ready for the exciting challenges of senior corporate communications.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a newly wed, July 8, 2023 and two months after the wedding we packed up and moved to Greenville, SC to begin new roles. So not only are we still getting adjusted to a new city and state, but also life as newly weds. We don’t have a favorite spot right now, as we are discovering new locations and hotspots each month. We’re enjoying every minute of the journey together.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Demi Lewis
Website: https://shor.by/MadeWorthyJournalNotebooks
Instagram: @madeworthy_journalnotebooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeWorthyJournalNotebook/