Meet Eli Nightingale | Clothing brand owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eli Nightingale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eli, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a desire to push myself beyond my comfort zone and do things I hadn’t done before. Starting a business at just 15 felt like the perfect challenge—it’s exciting to know I’m building something meaningful at a young age.

But ultimately, the heart of 3:16 Threads is about spreading my faith. I wanted to create a brand that not only reflects my Christian values but also inspires others to wear their faith boldly and confidently. It’s been an incredible journey of growth, creativity, and purpose.”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, 3:16 Threads, is a Christian apparel brand that creates modern, stylish clothing designed to help people express their faith with confidence. What sets us apart is the purpose behind what we do—it’s more than just clothing; it’s a way to share the message of God’s love and connect with others. Our designs are inspired by scripture and Christian values, but they also have a fresh and trendy feel that makes them relatable to people my age and beyond.

I’m especially proud of the impact we’ve made in such a short time, and I’m excited about how our brand has sparked conversations about faith. Seeing people wear our clothes and share their beliefs with confidence is what keeps me motivated.

Starting a business at 15 has been a big learning experience. It hasn’t been easy—balancing school, work, and building a brand comes with challenges. I’ve had to learn things like budgeting, designing, and marketing from scratch. When challenges came up, I leaned on my faith, my family, and the support of my church to keep going.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success takes consistency and staying true to your values, even when it’s hard. 3:16 Threads isn’t just a clothing brand to me; it’s a platform to spread my faith and inspire others to live theirs boldly. That’s the story behind everything we create.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the Metro Detroit area for a week, I’d want to make sure they experience some of the best spots around here. First, I’d recommend spending a day at The Henry Ford Museum. It’s such a cool place with so much to see, from historic cars to iconic American innovations—it’s definitely a must-visit.

Next, I’d take them to downtown Rochester, especially during the holidays when the lights are up. It’s such a magical atmosphere, and we could grab a bite to eat at Paint Creek Tavern, which is a cozy spot with great food.

After that, we’d head to some of the local parks around Rochester. The trails are beautiful, especially in the fall or spring, and it’s perfect for a peaceful walk or just enjoying nature.

Those would be my top recommendations to give someone a mix of history, good food, and the charm of the local area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my church, Rochester Christian Church. They’ve been such a huge part of my journey, offering constant support, encouragement, and inspiration. The community there has always pushed me to grow in my faith and step into opportunities with confidence. Their love and mentorship have played a big role in shaping who I am today and ultimately inspired me to start 3:16 Threads as a way to share my faith with others.

Website: https://316threads.shop

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop316threads?igsh=MXNxcTJqam42c3RrZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr