Where Fashion Fights Human Trafficking
Hi Tirzah friends,
My name is Allie Shirley and I am so excited for the opportunity to share with you a story only God could write. I pray it encourages you to pursue the dreams you feel are "impossible". Absolutely NOTHING is impossible with God.
When I was in 10th grade God placed a dream in my heart to start a modest clothing store. Seven years later God brought that dream to life. On June 9, 2014 we launched Marqué Modest Apparel. My hope then was to encourage women in their identity in Christ and to rebrand modesty. Yet something in my heart even then told me that there was so much more to come, God just hadn't revealed that to me yet.
“There is never a dream too big God will not fulfill if it aligns with His will.”
Fast forward to October of 2017, I got invited to go on a mission trip to Thailand. I was told we would be handing out Bibles on a pier, putting on a conference for Chinese college students, and working with a couple organizations fighting human trafficking. Little did I know God was about to turn my world and Marqué upside down.
I was already passionate about human trafficking before I left, but it wasn't until I saw the countless faces of lifeless women being trafficked in Pattaya that something shifted in me. At first I questioned God. I couldn't understand how He could be good and allow this to be happening to His beloved creation. As I wrestled with God, I heard Him say “I could stop all of the evil in the world Allie but I’ve invited you into the story to be my hands and feet.” Immediately, I knew that Marqué was made to join in this fight. I didn’t know how or when but I knew my answer was yes.
In the months after returning home from Thailand I began to ask God how I was to help these women and so many “only God could do this” moments started to unfold. Things I can take zero credit for. All I have done is open my hands, told the Lord I’m willing and walked through every door He has opened so far. So here is where we are at now:
Marqué Made is now a nonprofit on mission to provide sustainable jobs for women who are at risk or have been rescued from human trafficking. We will be providing these jobs through our design, production and fulfillment process for our clothing brand in Atlanta, Ga, Thailand and Moldova.
The journey has already begun and it would be an honor to have you on this journey with us. You can join us by signing up for our prayer team or giving of your resources financially.
I’m so honored to have been asked by Yelena to share part of my story with you. If you want to know more or have questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. I love hearing from new friends.
I pray you are encouraged and inspired to go after those dreams in your heart. Not hustling after your dreams but trusting that God has already ordained your every step and that He will provide as you continue to walk faithfully with Him.. Pray for deeper trust in Him and a spirit to walk faithfully. Those are prayers He will honor.
Jesus loves you and You matter so much to Him.
- Allie
+ Marqué Made is fundraising $200,000 for their first collection - let’s rally behind them to get this dream out into the world! -Yelena
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Allie is the founder of Marqué Made, which exists to end the cycle of poverty and end human trafficking by creating jobs for those in need. We would love for you to join the journey of making an impact locally and globally.