Lana Hults’ dream of owning her own business has been years in the making, but it would have never been born if she hadn’t read the funny-sounding little Greek word that changed everything for her.
Doulos. It means “slave” or “servant” in Greek. For Hults, a Christian ever since her young teenage years, it’s a word used to describe unwavering loyalty and obedience to God that centers her entire faith.
Hults knew that’s the message she wanted to share with the world, and the faith-based Doulos Collective apparel store was born.
“The heart behind the brand is just to share Jesus with people,” Hults said.
Doulos Collective’s casual, solid-color T-shirts and hoodie sweatshirts bearing the the “Doulos” name put the message front and center. A newly launched “JOY” design with a smiley face and “You have filled my heart with greater joy” add a whimsical touch while still staying centered on her message.
Hults, a 2019 Gautier High School graduate and junior at Mississippi State studying business administration and marketing, said her course work in her chosen field, along with her past experience working for small businesses, has prepared her to launch her new venture.
“My heart for small businesses and shopping local has really inspired me to do my own small business,” Hults said.
Combining your faith with your business can be “dangerous,” Hults said, if you’re not focused on the right goals, but, on the other hand, “it’s a great thing, because it can be an avenue for people to be reached” with your message.
The future for the growing apparel company is filled with possibilities. If things go well in the first year of business, production could eventually move to a warehouse. Maybe even further down the line, the online-only company could open a physical store, Hults mused.
However, no matter how many orders she fulfills in years to come, the busy entrepreneur still hopes to send a thank you card with each order.
“Don’t worry, because worrying isn’t going to get you anywhere,” Hults recommends. “Really, just figure out what you like and what your heart desires and follow that, because it’s not about making money but doing what you love. That’s how you’ll be successful”.
Doulos Collective can be found online at www.douloscollective.com or on Instagram at @douloscollective.
