A Journey of Faith and Entrepreneurship

Starting any business and forging a path to entrepreneurship is not an easy task, much more if you’re already trying to break into a busy landscape such as fashion. Consistent mentorship and guidance is what you’ll need if you’re just about to start. Such is the setup of Oscar and Audrey Setiawan, the dynamic father-daughter duo behind GOD IS AN INVESTOR—a brand not only dedicated to stylish streetwear but also rooted in a deeper purpose. Inspired by biblical teachings and driven by their Christian faith, they seek to inspire individuals to recognize and multiply their God-given talents through every garment they create.

Oscar Setiawan and his daughter Audrey are not just business partners; they are the driving force behind God Is An Investor, a newly launched streetwear brand with a unique twist. Their journey into entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in their family values, their faith, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world of streetwear. Their journey towards this new venture is one filled with Hope, Passion, and more importantly, Faith. Their commitment to making a difference not only in the world of streetwear but also in people’s everyday life is a testament to their resilience when starting this new venture.

‍Entrepreneurial Beginnings

Oscar proudly shares that the business is led by his daughter Audrey, with him as a pivotal mentor for her. Delving deep into Audrey’s mentor, Oscar, had a background in engineering but knew deep down that he was an entrepreneur when he started his restaurant Rickshaw Republic in 2012. A small family restaurant that served authentic Indonesian food with his mother as the chef. The business ran for 8 years up until COVID happened and they had to close down the business. However, Oscar said that despite this setback, he did start becoming a real estate investor back in 2016 and during the pandemic, it gave him the opportunity to double down on this trade and have been continuously doing so since. Truly an entrepreneur at heart, Oscar continues to share his other businesses which he built to answer certain client needs “As an entrepreneur I also have a bookkeeping company that I started back in 2022 and we serve our clientele, our real estate investor that needs uncomplicated financial reports for their business just like how I started,” he shares.

With Oscar's background, it gave him a solid foundation and equipped him with necessary problem-solving and strategic thinking skills that would later prove invaluable in his entrepreneurial endeavors. His experiences provided him with diverse perspectives when it came to managing operations, handling finances, and customer relations. This ultimately set the stage for his role as a mentor and co-founder to his 16-year-old Audrey.

Despite the closure of their restaurant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Oscar's resilience and faith-driven optimism never wavered. He viewed these challenges as opportunities to grow and adapt, lessons he eagerly shared with his daughter as they embarked on their next entrepreneurial chapter.

‍Product of The Parable 

As a faith-based streetwear brand, Audrey proudly shares their mission of inspiring others to “use and multiply their God-given talents to do greater things in this world”. This mission became the driving force to the conceptualization of God Is An Investor. In fact, Audrey cites the Parable of The Talents in the Bible which is the verse Matthew 25 as one of the brand’s inspirations. 

The parable talks about how three (3) men were given a certain amount of property by one master before he left. When the master came back, two of the men had multiplied the initial property that was given while one did not. The parable is meant to teach others to multiply what is initially given to them as well as the idea of working hard and not cower and just settle for the one they currently have. Using the resources that you have and working hard in order to inspire and attain more in life.

It is no surprise that Oscar’s daughter Audrey has shown promise with her talent as she displays the necessary skills to become an entrepreneur. There was no question however, that her influence to go into an entrepreneurial journey was ignited early on by her family's background in business.  Owing that she had been influenced since birth and was exposed to the operations side of the business when they had their restaurant. “It was my second home, whether I was bussing tables or helping out, I was already used to that environment,” she shares. 

Audrey's role in God Is An Investor extends beyond that of a co-founder; at just 16 years old, she has taken on the responsibilities of primary designer and marketer. Her creative vision, honed through online courses and hands-on experience, shapes the brand's aesthetic and messaging. Her approach blends youthful innovation with timeless wisdom drawn from her father's guidance and their shared Christian faith.

Intentional Concept & Product

Audrey shared that the business was conceptualized August 2023. “It was after Sunday service when my father was talking about his businesses with me. We love to talk about what’s going on and just brainstorm together on what could make us successful and what could inspire people as well,” she fondly shared. She continued by also imparting that God himself is also an investor. “He invested in us different gifts, different personalities, different characteristics that make us each unique and before anything, we should try and make a return on what he has given to us.”

When asked about the concept of why the brand faith-based out of all the concepts they could’ve chosen, Oscar reiterates about the purpose “I want her to know that her purpose on this earth is more than just about making money, being rich, and having a family, and going day by day without any higher reason.” Truly, they created the brand to share their Faith in everyday wear. 

The initial product lineup reflects this ethos, featuring items like the God Is An Investor hat, talented hoodie, and investment shirt. Each piece is meticulously designed to appeal to a diverse audience, bridging age and cultural gaps with its universal message of faith and purpose.

In order to bridge the gap between generations, Oscar has given Audrey the freedom to design the products based on their needs. Oscar shared his love for hats. “I love to wear hats. In fact I wear many hats in my life.” Oscar gushed while Audrey mentioned that she would love to wear something that she could take to her school. “I don’t wear that many hats which is why we decided to also expand to hoodies and shirts.” The father-daughter has made this faith-based streetwear as a way to bond and to really connect with different types of age groups.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Looking ahead, Oscar and Audrey envision God Is An Investor as more than just a clothing brand. Rather, they see it growing into a platform that nurtures and inspires young entrepreneurs, especially within their Christian community. They aim to build a loyal customer base while staying true to their mission of empowerment and inspiration. Their familial partnership exemplifies the synergy between experience and innovation. A prime example to a lot of young entrepreneurs who wish to bond with their parents. 

Oscar and Audrey ultimately exemplifies what it means to bridge two generations together, with Audrey bringing youthful creativity and Oscar offering seasoned entrepreneurial guidance. They stand as symbols of entrepreneurial resilience and vision. From overcoming setbacks to embracing opportunities, their journey reflects their unwavering commitment to their faith, and their steadfast dedication to the community. God Is An Investor is not just a brand but a beacon of hope and inspiration in an ever-changing world. Through their story, they remind us that faith, perseverance, and passion are the cornerstones of success in both business and life. 

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