Turning Your Hobby Into a Business

CBN.com Annette Graham grew up in Jamaica and dreamed of living in America.

“My dream was just to have a better life,” Annette says. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do but I just knew I wanted to be successful.”
 
She moved to the United States and met George. They married and started a family.  As her kids grew, she bought her first sewing machine.

“I brought it home with no other intention but to make stuff for my kids and my family,” she says.

She also started watching The 700 Club.

“They were showing where they were digging a well in India,” Annette says. “They were drilling wells because they didn’t have any drinking water. They were also showing the babies that were born with an opening in their lips, and the ministry was sending people out there to help them.”

“Seeing that there was a program that was going to help me touch lives around the world, I didn’t have to think twice that this was what I wanted to do,” she says.
  
Annette joined The 700 Club. Within four months she increased her giving to the 700 Club gold level.    

“I always pray, ‘God help me so that I can touch someone’s life each day.’”

As friends and family asked her to embroider t-shirts for them, Annette discovered that her hobby turned into a business. She named it Colorful Stitches. She specialized in custom embroidery, team jerseys, and screen printing. 

“Once I saw the business really take off it was very exciting for the both of us,” Goerge says.

With the extra money coming in, Annette increased her giving again this time to the 1000 club level through  pledge express.

“After I increased my giving to the 1000 club level I found that God was blessing me more and more,” Annette says. “I was getting a lot more clients.”

Annette moved her business from her home to a nearby building. Extra expenses and taxes had drained her business account.

“I prayed to God and I said, ‘God, you said you will supply all of my need, and my need is for my rent to be paid this month, so I am going to trust you that you are going to pay my rent.’”

Before the day was over a customer came in and ordered $2,000 worth of products.

“I said, ‘Oh, God, you really heard my prayer,’ Annette says, “because now I can buy his stuff and I can still pay my rent!”

Today, Annette has more than tripled her client list. And wherever she goes she runs into business owners who proudly display her embroidery work.

“I think it goes way beyond circumstance or chance that the more she has given of herself has meant more business for her and more success,” George says.

“I don’t give to get,” Annette says. “I give because I believe in my heart that I want to help others.”

Annette and George put into practice the Biblical truths that they learn on The 700 Club and God, faithful to His Word, supplied their need! God wants to do that for you too. One way you can give to God is by giving to CBN. Not only will you help provide Biblical truth to people like Annette and George, but you will be helping people around the world with food, clothing, medical needs, and humanitarian aid - all given in the name of Jesus! Please join today!  

"I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them… If you do these things, your salvation will come like the dawn… Then when you call, the LORD will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' He will quickly reply."
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