"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 Ambassador 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."
How It All Started
Our Team Members
STRENGTH: Not every piece is made for the same move.
Recognizing that God made each of us unique, we aim to use our individual gifts in service to AFTER the King.
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
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 all the product designs to life for the company in his role as Graphic Designer. Originally trained in Affinity Design Studio, he successfully got his certification in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Animation. Matthew also serves as Technical Lead and Social Media Advisor.
Valdes Family
Customer Service. Sales Assistance. Social Media Consultants and Support.
The Building of the 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 State, and contributions from children and grands in technology, creative insights, 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
