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

Hi Ashley, 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?
Honestly, I didn’t come up with it. It was Spirit-led. At an HBCU, homecoming is a big thing and definitely for organizations. Some years back, I found myself conflicted about representation. Now I want to be clear, it wasn’t because I felt like I couldn’t wear anything else or that I couldn’t represent Christ dressed in anything else, but it was more about where I am with everything and that is based on Romans 13:14, “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ…” It was too easy to wear every other brand and/or organization across my chest to represent what I was associated with or what I liked, but I felt like it was time for me to do that with Jesus. I wanted to put on for Him. I understood that I didn’t have to walk around with a bible in my hand, but I could clothe myself in what I felt represented Him. I am honestly into outfits and accessories that are conversation starters. After really thinking about it, I deciding at the last minute to go to homecoming, but I was going to design my own shirt. And that was the birthplace of TWO.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think that everyone has something that sets them apart creatively. I will just say that I love visuals. Even though you get the message on the shirt or hat or wristband, you may only get part of it if you’re not a “bible thumper”. So on TWOsday’s (Tuesday), I give what I call the “TWO-in-1 moments”. These are one-minute videos that give the inspiration and revelation behind every piece of merch.

What I am most excited about is the Gospel getting out there in a most unconventional way. My desire is that it starts a conversation and it leads people closer to His Word/Promises and ultimately to Christ. Like can you imagine a shirt leading someone to salvation?! Dope, right?! I am also excited about us expanding from just t-shirts. We now have hats, shorts, tanks, onesies, wristbands, SOCKS, and different prints like tie-dye and army fatigue! It has expanded beyond what I could have ever imagined!

I honestly don’t feel like I am where I am supposed to be professionally yet. Paul says in Philippians 3:13, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before…” I feel like that professionally. I don’t feel like I have gotten to where I know God will take me, but if I can say one way I have gotten to the place I am thus far is by praying and trusting that He is leading me. By no means has it been easy, but in order to overcome it, you have to move towards it. Think of this analogy, if a running back ran in the opposite direction of the end zone every time opposition came his way, he would never score! Paul says in verse 14, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”” The lesson I learned in all of this was the only way to overcome the “uneasy part” is to keep pressing toward the goal and if you press hard enough, you will eventually get there!

What I want the world to know about me and my brand, is that I want to just put Jesus on display as much as possible. Why? Well, we have one shirt that says, “created by the CREATOR to create”. He is the inspiration for everything! And more importantly, I want to keep the conversation going, because that keeps the encouragement flowing!

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?
I would definitely want to find the best Acai Bowl spot. My sister has really put me on to them, so we would probably spend the rest of the week going to different spots that served Acai bowls and rating them. Maybe go shop for painting materials or anything crafty I can get my hands on and go to a park and eat, craft, talk, and LAUGH!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a big S/O to JESUS! I know it sounds cliche, but where else does the inspiration for being clothed in “the Lord Jesus Christ” from? LOL! I would also like to say I thank God for my family’s support!

Website: www.twothewordonly.com

Instagram: @twothewordonly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWO-The-Word-Only-114023850390005

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIfsPIES0ajQ8-pIQavazaw/featured

Other: TIkTok- ashleyannice2

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