Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Pelley.
Hi Abby, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my first business at 16 years old. My mom taught me how to sew one afternoon, and the first thing I made was a scrunchie. I immediately started making scrunchies and posting them for sale on Instagram. At first, it was just a side hobby selling hair accessories to local girls, but after 8 months, my little side hobby legally needed to become a licensed business. I scrambled to build an actual website and figure out what license and taxes I needed to pay. Two months later, I launched an online hair accessories business. I am a Christian and have always been passionate about ministry and public speaking. I incorporated my faith into my hair accessory business by sharing blogs and social media posts about Jesus and the Bible. The more I did this, the more young women would ask me questions about studying the Bible. After roughly two years of selling hair accessories, I felt called to rebrand the business to be completely ministry-focused. In June of 2022, I rebranded my hair accessory business to become RBL Ministries which stands for read it, believe it, live it, and refers to the Bible. I no longer sell hair accessories; instead, I write Bible studies and design products that can be used as tools in the Christian life. In 2022 RBL Ministries held its first conference for young women. So many amazing people came alongside me to make this conference happen, and I am incredibly grateful for their help. It truly takes a community to spark a revival. We shared the Gospel and worshipped with many peers and are excited about our 2023 conference. In November of 2022, I started a second business as a social media manager for non-profits and ministries. I am currently in college, majoring in accounting. Managing two businesses while also being a full-time college student comes with many challenges, but I firmly believe that when Jesus calls you to something, He will equip you and sustain you in that calling.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business at such a young age came with many challenges. At the onset, the biggest challenge was figuring out what paperwork and taxes I needed to pay. Luckily, I met with several accountants and other entrepreneurs who helped me navigate the ins and outs of business reports and taxes. Because this was such a challenge, I decided to major in accounting in college to manage my businesses better. Several other challenges came about because of my age. Many banks will not let you open a business account until you are 18. You have to be 18 or older to enter into most contracts. These were all challenges, but with the help of my parents and others, I overcame them. Now, the biggest challenge is managing two businesses and college. I have to be highly organized and manage my time strategically. Most of all, I must seek the Lord constantly because He truly sustains me.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
RBL Ministries is a small online business designed to help women read the Bible, believe the Bible, and live the Bible. We do this by offering products, resources, and education. Our biggest form of education is our annual RBL Conference, where we study the Bible and worship the Lord. Abby Grace Marketing is a Christian-based organization that offers social media management and marketing services to non-profits and ministries.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I started RBL Ministries before COVID-19 broke out. Because my business is completely online, COVID did not have a major effect on the overall well-being of my business. Quarantine gave me extra time to scale my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: rblministries.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rblministries/?next=%2F
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/abbygracemarketing/?next=%2F
Image Credits
Leslie Arnold (she only took the photos that are black and white).
