Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.
Nations Outfitters
Lisa Ann Muir-Taylor, far left, started Nations Outfitters and recently opened a warehouse for the company on Highway 119. She runs the business with, from left, Casey Snipes, Talaya Champion, Amy Brennan and Julia Kate Mase (not pictured).
Lisa Ann Muir-Taylor can’t explain how she began a clothing company with no background in fashion, but after listening to the eulogy at Bronner Burgess’ funeral service online in 2008, she was inspired.
“I read where 93 percent of Christians never share their faith,” Muir-Taylor said. “I became a believer later in life, and I was praying God would give me something to impact his kingdom.”
Soon after hearing the eulogy, she came across a book in her closet titled “Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper. Muir-Taylor said the book had been there for five years, and she opened it up to page 126, to a section on “Consumed With Clothes.” It talked about how so many young people were obsessed with what they wear and how they look. Piper’s words inspired Muir-Taylor and she felt led in the direction of a clothing company.
At the time, Muir-Taylor, who has a background in nursing, had four children, ages 10 to 16. She was working as a full-time mom and leading Bible studies at the Lovelady Center. She prayed about it for a year and then began to research and design. In 2010, she launched Nations Outfitters, choosing the name based on the verse of Matthew 28:19 “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
Once it was launched, the company quickly became successful. It wasn’t long until it had customers in 43 states. But the company was about more than just the clothes. Muir-Taylor wanted to provide an alternative line of clothing that was fashionable but also promoted modesty and inner beauty.
“Our slogan is: It’s what you do in your clothes that makes you beautiful,” Muir-Taylor said. “As we grew, we could represent different nations and tell their stories. We are showing fashion, while also showing service. That’s what sets us apart.”
A Bible verse, taken from Colossians 3:12, is placed into each garment. It reminds the wearer to “clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” She has received positive feedback on how the verse is impacting people, and it appears people are receiving it in the way she hoped they would.
In addition to fashion, Muir-Taylor also wanted to support those who are making the world a more beautiful place. Nations Outfitters’ website and social media platforms showcase photos of young women involved in mission work around the world, “caught in the act” of serving others. The company supports many mission organizations both locally and abroad.
At the end of each season, a portion of the company’s proceeds are contributed to a ministry. The first one featured is UTK (Until They Know), which helps people in the Dominican Republic.
When orders are shipped, the package includes information about the charity. The Nations Outfitters website also has an area where charities can be submitted.
After nearly four years, the success of the business became too much. Muir-Taylor was physically, spiritually and emotionally spent. Her family and marriage were suffering, and the company was consuming her time. Muir-Taylor made the difficult decision to shut down the business in 2013.
“I knew where the business was, was not honoring to God,” she said. “I was very depressed about it and wondering why God would call me to something and it be so successful and then put it down.”
During that time, Muir-Taylor rested and spent time with her family. She said that even while the business wasn’t operating, it never left her heart.
After a two-year break, Nations Outfitters relaunched in August 2015 and has a new warehouse facility on Highway 119 next to the Shell station and Morgan Ashley Salon near Greystone. This time, Muir-Taylor is no longer trying to do it all on her own and is taking a more streamlined approach.
She has four part-time staff, including a social media person, buyers, photographers and customer service. Her staff and daughters, along with their friends, are frequent models.
While the company is an online boutique, the new warehouse will have open house dates during December for shopping. Dates and times will be listed on Nations Outfitters social media platforms.
“We need, as a community, to reclaim the fashion industry, and not allow the culture we live in to tell us what makes us beautiful,” Muir-Taylor said.
