Inspired by his late sister, Macon designer wants his brand to inspire local youth.

For entrepreneur Ahmad Barron, his apparel line G1fted Culture is more than just a collection of signature sweatsuits, footwear and accessories.

The 25-year-old East Macon native described it as a lifestyle that combines community involvement with his faith-based goals of inspiring and empowering individuals to attain their highest potential by using their God-given talents.

“I want us to have a huge impact. We’re not just here to sell clothes. We’re here to change lives,” Barron said. “I feel like we were all blessed with a gift. My goal is if I can reach one person, I’ve done my job, and then that one person can reach the next.”

Barron founded G1fted Culture in 2019, in his dorm room during his sophomore year at Reinhardt University. The former student-athlete said that the death of his younger sister, Aquia, who had cerebral palsy, inspired the concept.

“She couldn’t walk, talk or feed herself. I used to just wonder why she couldn’t be like everyone else. Although she had those disabilities, after her passing, I realized that she did have a gift,” Barron said.

That special gift was Aquia’s beautiful smile, which could light up any room and make anyone feel at ease, Barron said.

Even five years after launching the business, Barron said he is still helping others in shining and finding theirs.

The apparel brands’ long, white cross and red No. 1 logos can be found on wristbands, sunglasses and outfits, alongside phrases like “G1fted by God,” “Unwrap Your G1ft,” and “The G1fted One.”

Barron said he chose to make the number red because it symbolizes that “we all appear to be different on the outside, but we all bleed red, which is a tie that bonds us together and lets us know that we’re all gifted.”

Inspiring Macon’s youth

Barron said he always envisioned for G1fted Culture to leave an impact on Macon’s youth.

“I want them to realize that no matter whatever they’re going through, they don’t have to fall victim to their environment. I come from the east side of Macon, an area where I had a limited supply of great influences,” he said.

He was able to accomplish that goal at the Inaugural G1fted Culture Day, a free community event held at New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church on June 1 — his sister’s birthday.

The event honored his sister through a balloon release, but it also inspired Macon-Bibb’s youth to use their gifts to excel, serve others and make a difference, he said.

In addition to the free food, apparel giveaways and entertainment, Barron invited an array of current city leaders and role models from different professions to speak so the youth could see all the different possible career paths they have, he said.

Macon-Bibb District 3 commission candidate Stanley Stuart, hairstylist Ramaiya Richards, pastor Richard Robinson Jr., and New England Patriots rookie Teldrick Ross were among those who attended the event

“A small change in what you see can lead to a big difference in what you do,” Barron said. “You don’t just have to be an athlete or a rapper to make it out. You can just go out in the world, utilize your gift and be great.”

Robinson said he agreed to have the event at the church because Barron’s community-related vision aligns with the church’s motto of “Love God, Love People.” He said he admired that the event brought different cultures together, young and old.

“I just felt, what better way to kick off a dream of Ahmad’s that helps better the community at his home church,” Robinson said. “I really believe in his brand and his dream because here in Macon, especially on the East side, there’s a lot of young people need to see people that look like them dreaming big and have those dreams come into fruition.”

Ross said the event’s turnout was nice because in addition to promoting Barron’s brand, they were able to highlight self-elevation and attract multiple spectators.

“I talked to them about coming from a small city in Macon, Georgia, where you don’t have a lot of resources (and) you feel like you can’t make it out of here,” the former Jones County High School quarterback said. “I wanted to show them I’m living proof of if you work hard, you can make it out of this.”

Barron said Maconites should anticipate the community day event to occur annually, and he is now considering starting a nonprofit organization for community outreach.