Meet the Family Behind AFTER the King...
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
Managing Partner / Creative Content Developer
Margarita Valdes
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.
Managing Partner / Operations and Financial Strategist
Robert Valdes
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.
Lead Graphic Designer / Technical Support
Matthew Valdes
The Catalyst Behind the Business Idea. Matthew reignited his artistic talent to design the family’s first logo, stepping into the role of graphic designer. Initially self-taught, he later earned certifications in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Animation through the Mesa Business Builder Program at Mesa Community College. Now serving as Lead Graphic Designer, Matthew brings the more complex creative concepts to life.
How Our Story Unfolded
"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—a heartwarming epiphany, much like the Grinch discovering Christmas means something more. 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 this true meaning. 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 something else happened that solidified our mission. When we tried teaching our son about Jesus, he responded: "You told me that other dude was real too." Those words hit hard. We had unintentionally taught him that what we celebrate and emphasize is what's real—and we'd emphasized the wrong thing. We didn't need to make Jesus a seasonal decoration—or put Him in the Sunday church box. His influence needed to be part of our everyday life.
Our mission grew: create meaningful items that prioritize faith over cultural influences in everyday moments. Prayer pillows that teach children to pray, faith-you-wear apparel that sparks conversations, and discipleship resources that ground families in truth—all helping families build the traditions and daily routines that turn knowledge about Jesus into transformative relationship through Him.
And that transformation is living the Better AFTER we aim to help you build.
P.S. Remember my son who asked about Santa? The delay in launching allowed him to grow up and become our Graphic Designer—bringing the vision to life.
That, my friends, is AFTER the King.
"If you have a family,
you need the Better AFTER."
Want to Make a Difference?
So Do We.
Our faith lives in our actions. AFTER the King donates a portion of each purchase to organizations like DSquared for the Homeless and Kidz at Heart International so that the essential work of loving our neighbor is achieved.
Love Like Jesus
Thank you and may
His blessings abound in your life!
The Valdes Family
Want to Make a Difference?
So Do We.
Our faith lives in our actions. AFTER the King donates a portion of each purchase to organizations like DSquared for the Homeless and Kidz at Heart International so that the essential work of loving our neighbor is achieved.
Love Like Jesus
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.
Kidz at Heart International, equipping families and communities to nurture children's spiritual and emotional growth, ensuring they are rooted in faith and love.
How Our Story Unfolded
"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—a heartwarming epiphany, much like the Grinch discovering Christmas means something more. 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 this true meaning. 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 something else happened that solidified our mission. When we tried teaching our son about Jesus, he responded: "You told me that other dude was real too." Those words hit hard. We had unintentionally taught him that what we celebrate and emphasize is what's real—and we'd emphasized the wrong thing. We didn't need to make Jesus a seasonal decoration—or put Him in the Sunday church box. His influence needed to be part of our everyday life.
Our mission grew: create meaningful items that prioritize faith over cultural influences in everyday moments. Prayer pillows that teach children to pray, faith-you-wear apparel that sparks conversations, and discipleship resources that ground families in truth—all helping families build the traditions and daily routines that turn knowledge about Jesus into transformative relationship through Him.
And that transformation is living the Better AFTER we aim to help you build.
P.S. Remember my son who asked about Santa? The delay in launching allowed him to grow up and become our Graphic Designer—bringing the vision to life. That, my friends, is AFTER the King.