Faith & Work – The Entrepreneur
Ruach Music sells percussion instruments handmade in Northern Ireland. Aged 20, Stephen was named ‘Institute of Directors Young Director of the Year 2014/15.’
My business started as a hobby but there seemed to be a lot of interest in the cajons (drums) I was making. During my A level year I decided to go for it. It was a bit scary because most of my friends were heading for university.
When I sat down to choose the name I wanted it to be something that meant a lot to me so I turned to the Bible. I found out you can translate Genesis 1:2 “The Spirit of God vibrated over the waters.” For me it connected with how a drum works and the Hebrew for Spirit is Ruach.
From then on I wanted to do everything in my business in a godly way and somehow witness through everything I do. Saying that, it’s hard to do because there are lots of ordinary things that just need to be done and how do you bring God into that? But, in terms of me pitching at events or networking, when people ask me, ‘What does Ruach mean?’ I’m able to immediately bring God into that conversation.
It also matters to me that I keep my word and deliver on time. I build a really good product because doing business you see a lot of sloppy work and broken promises. As a Christian I want to walk a straight line. It can be tough but it’s also good. I know other Christians in the music industry so there’s support out there and I’m connected with my church.
I believe God has given me the gifts for this and I’m not scared of failing. I’ve grown and developed in so many ways along with Ruach Music and I think and pray a lot about my business decisions. I have a clear vision for the next 10 years.
Stephen Henderson