By Suzy Alstrin
Inspired by his sister who had cerebral palsy when she passed away, Ahmad Barren (RU-2021) shaped his career to make a difference in the lives of others. A business major and football player at Reinhardt, Barren’s entrepreneurial spirit began on campus by creating and selling wristbands reading “I am g1fted” and then expanding to t-shirts. Now, six years later, runs a full clothing line he created under the branding G1fted By God.” The “1” in the name is intentional.
Barren explains, “I replaced the i with a red one because we all appear different on the outside, but we all bleed red, which is the tie that binds us together and lets us know that we are all gifted,” Barron explained. “My little sister had limitations, but she still had a gift to light up a room with her smile. God blessed us all with a gift. After she passed, it became my ‘why’ to do everything she couldn’t do and to inspire all people to reach their highest potential through that gift. I’m not selling just clothing; I’m selling a message and a reminder that you are gifted and have everything you need to shine a light in this world.”
Barron says having positive influences was pivotal to his success. “Reinhardt University was instrumental in building my confidence and resilience to be able to keep going, even when you hit a bump in the road. It taught me to manage the challenges that came in my life, especially working with Dr. Melissa Hickman (Dean of Student Success) and my coaches and teammates. I had a rough start, and the supportive community at Reinhardt really helped me through college and were a big factor in my success.”
Classes and professors, Barron explained, didn’t just teach him the basics of business, they ignited his passion for entrepreneurship and provided the foundation and tools needed to chase his dreams of being a business leader. He plans to continue to grow and to never stop improving – personally and professionally.
