Ellington

As a single mother raising two children, Bonita Berrios felt inspired by Jesus to launch a company to provide witnessing tools.

She began dreaming of launching the business, but felt that lack of funds might keep the dream from becoming a reality.

“I said, ‘OK Lord you gave this to me, now what do I do with it?’” said Harvest of Prosperity Founder/Chief Stewardship Officer Bonita Berrios, of East Brainerd. “I worked at a newspaper in Milwaukee at the time and asked a graphic designer to help me design a business logo for the company in 2003.”

Later she met graphic design major Steve Antonson, who offered to assist in designing the nine inspirational T-shirts now sold online. She said the business started in Milwaukee in 2006, but moved to her hometown of Chattanooga this year.

“The response to what we put out there has been amazing,” said Berrios. “We have a faith series of T-shirts. It means so many different things to different people. However you describe it faith in Christ is solid like a rock.”

Even though Berrios grew up in church she said it was the period of time that she quit attending church that inspired her to launch her company to reach others that have trouble too.

“I had a period of time that I stopped going to church,” said Berrios. “Then, this series of events happened that put me at Christ’s feet. I got a divorce and I lost my job. After I rededicated my life is when Harvest of Prosperity began.”

She said whenever T-shirts are sold at a church, Harvest of Prosperity tithes back to the church.

“The T-shirts help Christians start a conversation with people,” said Berrios. “What I would love is for the designs to fit with church missions and faith statements and be a mutually beneficial relationship.”

She said Joyce Meyer’s Ministry Dream Center staff wears the T-shirts while ministering to people on TV.

“Our next step is a Chattanooga store front where people can more easily access T-shirts,” said Berrios. “We will create a whole experience as they enter the store. They may walk away with a T-shirt and a whole lot more.”