Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh An Coplin
Hi Leigh An, as you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I design Christian graphic apparel and accessories.
My concept is to offer comfortable, good quality products with a purpose of spreading God’s Word. Many Christian shirt companies offer attractive designs, which the wearer gets joy from. That’s important, but the vision God gave me is to spread His Word. So, every product has a verse on it. I use a quippy design on the front that refers to a verse that is printed on the back. The idea is to get people’s attention. It’s not proper to stare at someone, so I give them a quick, punchy idea on the front. Then, from the back, of course you can stare. So, that’s where I put the verse. I make sure the back is easy to read so it has the best chance of getting the message across.
Yes, I would love the shirts to be a conversation starter, but in our “keep-to-yourself world,” I haven’t had many chats come up, but I’ve had lots of compliments and definitely some double-take looks. Everywhere you look, people are putting sayings on their apparel and accessories — a brand they like, a cause, or just a word or design that they have decided is cool. But those who feel their faith in their bones, jump at the chance to spread His word. I love when customers came into my booth at a market and are just in awe of having the privilege to wear God’s Word and have it artistically and bluntly communicated to others.
When I’ve been at markets, dealing with low sales is hard, but I am always encouraged by any seeds that are planted from just being there … non-Christians just passing by and see a shirt that says “Truth” on it and maybe makes them ponder. And, when I think about everyone who is wearing them and multiplying seeds being planted, I get happy tears!
The idea for the shirts came from God. In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, He said to surround yourself with His commandments, talking about them when you get up in the morning and go to bed at night, when you are in your home or on the road, repeating them to your children again and again, writing them on your doorposts and gates … So, I thought, “Why not use the real estate that is most visible and always on you throughout the day?”
God is love, so by spreading His Word, we spread love. That concept is from another verse, Colossians 3:14, which is Livin’ Light’s anchor, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us together in perfect harmony.”
We’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Although I majored in Journalism in college and landed a small-town reporting job, I quickly found myself dabbling into the design elements of newspaper production and landed in my then dream job as a page designer for The Honolulu Advertiser. I discovered that my talents were more efficient in the art side of the newspaper business than the reporting side and I was more fulfilled. I was a page designer for about 10 years and totally loved it. Then, I met my husband who was in the Navy. With a baby on the way and orders to move to Guam and two years later, to Virginia, my career changed to stay-at-home mom. With my husband out to sea or working crazy hours on rotating shift work, my life was devoted to caring for and loving on our two daughters.
Before I started designing shirts, my husband and I always loved the comfort and designs of Life is Good shirts, so fast forward a few years where my then 5 or 6-year-old daughter and I were chatting and thought of starting a Christian T-shirt business like Life is Good, but call it God is Great. About that time, my husband decided to retire from the Navy and we moved to Central Florida. Before I started designing shirts, I wanted to read the whole Bible so I would have more knowledge of the source of my business. I wrote a blog called BibleBum to where we had 365 daily readings going through the entire Bible. God even placed a wonderful seminary graduate in my path to provide commentary and answer any confusing passages. That blog still exists at https://livinlight.org/365-bible-readings/.
After that, my focus on the business was spotty, but then I got more serious. On the way to a college tour with my oldest daughter, I realized that many people view “bum” as “butt.” I didn’t want the Bible associated with derrieres, so I had to strip BibleBum from all of my business documents. After two days of possible names going through my head, my brain stopped on Livin’ Light.
I haven’t had much startup cash, so I have just been building it as I go. I got yelled at by my then web host, which was from God because what he said moved my business into public view. I started selling at markets and had great reception, but the goal has always been to have the website be the main selling outlet to reach a greater audience.
Growing up on a farm in Kansas with both sets of grandparents being Christian, I was pretty much born a Christian. One grandma was a 5th Grade Sunday School teacher. My dad and grandpa were elders and my mom was the church’s main organist. I was baptized in the Fourth Grade. But, not until I went through some rough spots did I feel the vital importance of Jesus. He has always been with me, even when I didn’t acknowledge Him.
Not until Middle School, making posters to run for student government and collages in art class, did I realize that I felt real joy from organizing words and images. I am so very grateful that God opened doors for art all along the way. And word choices were still vital to our designs. In my page design job, my coworkers and I had so much fun trying to think of quippy headlines. So, all of those skills have come center stage for Livin’ Light. I am not a highly skilled designer, but with the Bible providing so much design material, I just need to present it in a creative and meaningful way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Doubt, technology and money are my biggest hurdles.
I tackle doubt with God’s Word, remembering that He gave me skills to bring Him glory, which helps grow His Kingdom. I had people very close to me say that they thought I should consider quitting because it was stressing me out or I wasn’t making any money. I learned that I had the power and calling of God and nothing or no one will stand in my way of fulfilling this purpose and bringing God glory through shining a light on His Word and thus, sharing it with others.
My ability to focus on learning new technology skills is weak, but I am learning to breathe deep and just try. When I can’t figure it out and have exhausted Google and Youtube tutorials, I contact my site designer, who I feel God totally put in my path!
I worked a couple years to save some money for start-up cash. That carried me through a year or so. Then the markets brought in money, but now I need to focus on building my web presence. I am very fortunate that my husband’s income pays the bills!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Don’t give up, especially if God is urging you! He will see you through. Funny story: When I use to be a vendor at Artisan Alley in DeLand, I found inspiration on the walls of a brewery bathroom stall in DeLand. I don’t know if all the stalls were like this, but the one I visited was chock full of inspirational verses and encouragement. One was along the lines of Philippians 1:6: He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Pricing:
- affordable, I’m not in it to get rich. In the coming months, I will flag some profits to help vital charities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://livinlight.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinlightbrand/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livinlightbrand/
