Agape FM Interview with Riaan Viljoen - Founder of ITG Clothing
Share
🎙️ Interview with Riaan Viljoen, Founder of ITG Clothing
Faith, Fashion & the Power of a Dream
Host: John, Midday Talk Show – Agape FM
Guest: Riaan Viljoen, Founder & Owner of ITG Clothing
John:
Good afternoon, everyone! It’s a beautiful day and I’m thrilled to have you join us for another edition of the Midday Talk Show. I’m your host, John, and today we’re diving into an inspiring conversation with a visionary entrepreneur, a father, a husband, and a man of deep faith—Riaan Viljoen, founder of ITG Clothing.
Riaan, welcome! How are you doing today?
Riaan:
Hey John, thank you so much. It’s a real privilege to be here. I’m doing very well, thank you.
🙌 Meet Riaan Viljoen
John:
Let’s start with an introduction. Who is Riaan Viljoen, and what is ITG Clothing all about?
Riaan:
I’m Riaan, founder of ITG Clothing—a family-run Christian clothing brand. We started in 2010, and our mission is simple: to glorify God through everything we do. We design and print Christian-themed apparel like caps, t-shirts, hoodies, babywear, and accessories for the whole family. It’s more than fashion—it’s a way to share faith and spark conversations about Jesus.
John:
I love that! Do you have anyone you'd like to give a shout-out to?
Riaan:
Absolutely! My kids—Samuel, Lisa, and Esti—are listening in the other room. Big hugs to them. Also, my mom, and of course, to all our listeners. Thank you for being with us today!
🌱 The Beginning: A Dream from God
John:
Let’s rewind a bit. How did ITG Clothing begin?
Riaan:
It started with a dream back in 2008. I woke up one morning with several Christian t-shirt designs in my mind—it was vivid and unlike any dream I’d ever had. At the time, I didn’t even own a Christian t-shirt or know anything about the clothing industry. But I just knew—it was a divine prompting.
John:
Incredible. That’s the kind of conviction we often talk about in the faith. But still, you were in real estate then, right?
Riaan:
Yes, I was working in my dad’s real estate business after returning from working on cruise ships. One day, someone in our shared office space mentioned she was selling her screen printing equipment. The dream came flooding back.
John:
God's timing!
Riaan:
Exactly. The amount she asked for was the exact amount in our savings account. My wife Elmari had just lost her job that same week, and we also had to find a new place to live. It was a whirlwind. But we found a home—with a Wendy house in the backyard that fit the equipment perfectly. We knew it was God.
✨ Taking the Leap of Faith
John:
Eventually, you took the leap to go full-time. That’s no small decision.
Riaan:
No, not at all. We worked our day jobs and printed at night. It wasn’t sustainable. We felt God was calling us to go all-in. So, we trusted Him. We invested in stock, worked local holiday markets, and God was faithful every step of the way.
🎨 Learning on the Go
John:
How did you learn the ropes of screen printing and design?
Riaan:
My wife Elmari learned CorelDRAW from scratch—she’s the tech side of things. I focused on the manual side—screen printing. It’s delicate work! A single ink smudge can ruin a shirt, so focus is critical.
👕 More Than Just Fashion
John:
Let’s talk about your brand and its meaning. What does “ITG” stand for?
Riaan:
Originally, it stood for In The Gap, inspired by Ezekiel 22:30. But later, we rebranded, and it now stands for I Trust God. The logo features a cross (Jesus at the center), a crown (He’s King), and is done in black and white—to symbolize light in a dark world.
🧢 Product Range
John:
You’ve got a wide range of products. Can you walk us through it?
Riaan:
Sure! We’ve got something for the whole family—men’s, women’s, and children’s t-shirts, hoodies, caps, babywear, leather wallets, wristbands, beanies, and even pillows. All designed with scripture and faith-based messages.
🕊️ Ministry Through Apparel
John:
You’re not just creating clothes—you’re creating conversation starters.
Riaan:
Exactly. Every shirt or cap is an opportunity to share the gospel. It’s wearable faith. We hear testimonies all the time about people being asked about their shirts—and they get to share Jesus.
🙏 Testimonies That Inspire
John:
What’s one story that has stuck with you?
Riaan:
A couple came into our store, looking at baby clothes. They’d been told they couldn’t have children. I felt led to pray for them. A year later, they returned—to buy baby grows. God had answered!
John:
Wow. That’s powerful.
Riaan:
Another story—someone wore our shirt to a store, and a stranger struck up a conversation. He ended up ministering to eight people that day. These small seeds matter.
💡 Staying True in a Secular World
John:
Fashion trends today can be… questionable. How do you stay true to your mission?
Riaan:
We focus on quality and intentional design. Some shirts are bold, others more minimal—something for everyone. But each piece is designed to testify and glorify Jesus.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Faith
John:
You’re running a family business. How has that shaped your journey?
Riaan:
Our business grew as our family did. When the kids came, we started babywear. Then kiddies’ clothes. We homeschool and work from home—it’s busy, but we try to stick to office hours and keep family time sacred. It’s all about balance and boundaries.
📖 Wisdom Gained
John:
What’s the biggest lesson God has taught you through this journey?
Riaan:
To trust Him. Fully. When He speaks, act. Even when it seems impossible, He’ll make a way. That’s what I Trust God is all about.
🌐 Connect with ITG Clothing
John:
For our listeners, how can they find you and shop your products?
Riaan:
Visit our website: www.itgclothing.co.za
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @itgclothing.co.za
We’d love for you to check out our range, send us your questions, and be part of the ITG community.
💬 Final Word of Encouragement
John:
Before we let you go, Riaan, can you leave us with a word of encouragement?
Riaan:
Sure! Seek first the Kingdom of God. Trust Him in everything. Honor Him with your time, talents, and finances—and He will make a way. Put Him first, and everything else falls into place.
John:
Wow. What an incredible testimony and business. Thank you, Riaan, for sharing your journey with us. May God continue to bless ITG Clothing, your family, and your mission.
Follow Agape FM for more inspiring interviews, and check out ITG Clothing for quality, faith-filled fashion.
📲 Agape FM WhatsApp: 069 766 8063
📣 Facebook: Agape FM
