"Mommy, you wouldn’t lie to me - right?"
This was the question my son asked as he buckled his seatbelt. His friends had told him Santa was not real, and now he was confronting his source of truth.
What began as an innocent tradition I had carried forward from my own childhood suddenly turned into this crushing blow to my son. I felt like the Grinch that year! But then something happened. Just like the Grinch realizes the true meaning of Christmas, I had a heartwarming epiphany. I wanted our Christmas to be about the real reason for the season—the birth of Jesus.
Beyond church services, there wasn't much in our home that reflected the true meaning of Christmas. Determined to change that, we decided to start with our decorations. As we “de-Santasized” our Christmas, I found nativity sets, ornaments, candles, and other home decor. However, year after year, I struggled to find Christmas stockings that reflected our faith. Each time I hung the old Santa stockings, it felt like a missed opportunity.
That's when the idea of creating Christian Christmas stockings was born!
Years passed, and despite our efforts, the project didn't take off. But the idea evolved beyond just stockings. Jesus isn’t just a seasonal decoration; His influence is year-round. Our mission grew into creating meaningful items that serve as constant reminders of Jesus's transformative power.
Through our 'What's Your AFTER Story' Collection and Brand Supporter program, we integrate storytelling, personal faith journeys, and community impact into every product. We help you live a faith that’s not just different but truly life-changing.
P.S. Remember my son who asked about Santa? The delay in launching our idea allowed him to grow up and become our Graphic Designer, bringing the vision to life. That, my friends, is AFTER the King."
OUR
STORY
MEET THE FAMILY BEHIND ATK
Margarita Valdes
Managing Partner. Creative Content Developer. Digital Marketing Lead.
The Visionary Behind The Company. Margarita leverages her extensive experience in Management and IT Systems Design to compliment her natural creative talents in design and communication.
Robert Valdes
Managing Partner. Operations Manager. Financial Strategist
The Rock of The Family. With a strong background in finance, from owning his own collections agency to bank auditing, and higher education finance, Robert manages business operations and ensures cost-efficiency.
Matthew Valdes
Lead Graphic Designer. Technical Support. Social Media Advisor
The Catalyst Behind the Business Idea. Read "Our Story" to learn more. Observing the family's frustration with an outside designer for the companies first logo, Matthew challenged himself to use his dormant artistic talents. He did so well, Matthew now brings the more complicated product designs to life for the company in his role as Graphic Designer. Thanks to the City of Mesa's investment in Entrepreneurs, Matthew successfully got his certification in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Animation. Matthew also serves as Technical Lead and Social Media Advisor.
The Valdes Family
Customer Service. Technical Assistance. Sales Assistance. Social Media Consultants and Support.
The Building of The Valdes Family Legacy Begins With The End in Mind. It is built on utilizing each member's unique gifts and talents. Nicole's customer service expertise, Tiffany's communications degree and entrepreneurial work at Penn States Launch Box program and contributions from both children and grands in technology, social media, and sales, collectively support the Mission and Vision of AFTER the King. L-R Back: Graham, Margarita, Robert, Matthew, Nicole, Joe, Tiffany and Eliana. L-R Front: Alec and Elias
Want to Make a Difference?
So Do We.
America is in the midst of a mental health and addiction crisis touching countless lives, including our own family and the founders of D2 Homes for the Homeless and Shatterpoof.
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Thank you and may His Blessings abound in your life! The Valdes Family
Together, we build a better AFTER!
*Click the icon to learn more about the organizations we donate to.
Your purchase of AFTER the King products helps support vital efforts and embodies Jesus call to care for others.
...but the organization* founders that receive our brands donations.
Mental health and addiction are ongoing struggles, and faith provides hope and healing.
The heart behind our giving is strategic and intentional.
America is in the midst of a mental health crisis touching countless lives, including not just our our own family...
Kidz at Heart International, equipping families and communities to nurture children’s spiritual and emotional growth, ensuring they are rooted in faith and love.
Together, we make a difference.
Together, we build a better AFTER!
Thank you and may His blessings abound in your life! The Valdes Family
DSquared Homes for the Homeless, addressing homelessness for those with serious mental illnesses, offering stability, resources, and compassion.
We see our mission as nurturing a better AFTER for families—strengthening bonds, fostering resilience, and embodying Christ’s call to care for one another.
Every product you buy is a step toward that mission, and we are grateful to have you on this journey.
At AFTER the King, we believe in the power of faith to bring healing and hope in the face of life’s challenges.
In a world filled with pressures that can lead to anxiety, depression, homelessness and grief; faith provides stability, comfort, and purpose.