Feb 29 2008
Once upon a time…
Many have asked how this whole thing began, so for your sake (and mine) I have resolved to actually write it down. Hopefully, I’ll stay on task and not interrupt myself multiple times with random facts or rabbit trails 
It all started when several years ago my girlfriends and I jokingly suggested that someone should open a modest clothing company. “Why can’t someone put together a store filled with beautiful, feminine apparel that all meets our standards?!” Little did I know what I was saying!!
That was just the first pebbles that started the avalanche.
My frustration mounted when searching high and low for a modest (and cute) bathing suit. Now, I know everyone’s standards vary, so I won’t go into detail, but there was nothing close to what I was looking for. So after discussing the idea a bit, Dad encouraged me to go ahead and draw up my own. That started the ball rolling and aprox 6 months later we had our first prototype.
Let it be known right now, I DO NOT SEW. Nope, apart from the occasional mending, I rarely approach the machine. I mean, I love homemaking and all that, but somehow I never pictured the sewing machine as part of it. Needless to say, I worked closely with a seamstress during the entire process.
We knew online business was the place to be, so we headed in that direction, building the site, acquiring photos, doing paperwork etc. We launched Jan 15, 2007 with a rough, but usable website. We then began adding on additional apparel and additional team members. We are still fairly small, but are advancing our borders one step at a time. Currently I’m working on the Summer and Fall line, corresponding with local and overseas manufacturers, writing product descriptions, networking, blogging, sorting out photo shoots…and on and on. Thankfully, I have an assistant now (she really does all the work).
The driving passion behind Christa Taylor as a company is using Business as a tool for missions. We are a kingdom business, meaning we see business as means of creating funds to further the cause of the gospel around the world. R.G. Latourneau is one of my greatest heroes. Latourneau, a multi-millionaire, gave 98% of his income away, supporting missionaries across the US and around the world. That’s really my heart in the whole thing, I just want the Lord to use our feeble efforts as a means to glorify Himself.
Never in a million years could I have done any of this without my very amazing, incredible, brilliant, self-sacrificing, ingenious and entrepreneurial family. But, actually, they are really just normal people who do the little things extraordinarily well. Each of us is an Empowered Traditionalist- with different passions and focus. Mine just happens to be modest clothes.
So that’s my story. Short and sweet version .
If you have any other questions- feel free to ask. ( I really like answering them)
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Hi Christa-
My mom (Michelle Hensley) just sent me this website along with a note and a like to this site. I checked out your clothing site as well…I love it. It is hard in this world to remain feminine and modest at the same time. Sometimes I feel like all the world has to offer that we could consider modest is T-shirts and turtle necks, and while they do have their place, they don’t really fulfill the desire I have to dress like a woman. I especially appreciate your blog on the skirts! My husband loves skirts, and so do I. They are the MOST comfortable items of clothing I own.
Anyways, I don’t really have any questions right now, just a word of encouragement. Thank you for going against the flow. We need more salmons swimming up stream (in modest bathing suits, of course!
).
Sincerely,
Ashley
Hi Christa,
I am Michelle Hensley’s daughter and Ashley Ruth’s little sister. I went to your website and I loved your clothing!!! They are so pretty. I especially like the “white coat dress”. It is beautiful. Thank you for making clothes that are modest. I really appreciate it and most likely all the other women/girls do too.
Serving Him,
Alexis
Sorry, nitpicking, I know. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I believe LeTourneau gave away 90 percent, not 98.
Amy- you’re a dear! lol.
I ‘ll definitely re-check my facts!
Wow! This is so wonderful how it all started and happened! Just great.
It’s actually something that has been on my heart, but I have not had the means, (or maybe the drive) to make it happen. My sister and I have opened a little webstore with the hope to create some modest fashions… but it’s taking time, and at the moment just has handmade gifts and accessories for sale.
One thing that I would love to know, but can understand if it’s a trade secret that you can’t share
, is how you came up with the basic patterns for your clothing. I did a dressmaking and pattern cutting course by correspondence, and though it taught me lots, I found it was rather outdated and lacking in professionalism. And the means for creating the basic pattern from which to draft all others seems rather complex, yet insufficient. I would love to know if there is available somewhere a ‘basic pattern’ that can be used when designing.
Thanks for sharing this, and your lovely outfits!