Brendon Green (SR, Wichita, Kan.) easily envisioned photography as part of his future.
As he wrapped up his junior year at Tabor College, an even bigger idea began to take shape. Alongside his sister-in-law, Rachel Smith-Nava, the duo opened Go Ostrich Designs. Based in Wichita, the company sells her art, and they both design a Christian clothing line and other accessories. They’ll soon be adding his photography under the business as well.
They have participated in the Hillsboro Arts & Craft Fair for the last two years and traveled to various markets through the greater Wichita area.
“I don’t think either of us saw it getting to this point in the first few years,” Green said. “We’ve increased our advertising after prioritizing in-person events and our website has grown beyond where we thought it would at this point.”
A faith-based business is a partial by-product of becoming a Christian while attending Tabor.
During his freshman year, he began attending the baseball Bible study led by Hillsboro Middle School teacher and coach Phil Oelke.
“The way he spoke out interested me,” Green said. “Over the last three to four years, he has been trying to meet with me weekly. He has been guiding me on the questions I’ve had.”
That led to his baptism in a local river between Hillsboro and Peabody.
“Tabor has blessed me with a Christian worldview,” Green said. “I know it’s what I believe in now and I’m living it out. Going into the business world with that perspective is different than where I once was. It’s why so many things have changed how I feel about business and what we produce and sell.”
Green said Lily Arthur, assistant professor of accounting, has also been instrumental in establishing the accounting and finance of their business.
“She and I met quite a few times and helped us kickstart our website and insurance while helping us prepare our taxes,” Green said. “Her classes have been really helpful in preparing me to keep our ‘books’ annually.”
He’s also in his third year working for the Tabor Communications Office, noting his work as a photographer under the leadership of Mike Klaassen, (g’13), Tabor digital content manager.
“I grew up working in lumberyards and not in an office setting, so working with them has shown me different aspects of what that environment looks like,” Green said. “You have to know how to have more relationships, and shooting photos at campus events has allowed me to get to know a lot of people.”