Who we are
The 116 was born out of both grief and grace. What started as a small way to honor our dad, Christopher Brown, who passed away in 2019, has grown into a journey of healing, purpose, and faith. Each year I designed shirts for my family’s float trip in his memory, and that simple tradition reminded me how powerful it is to wear something that carries meaning.
Over time, after sending my sister countless “look at this shirt” texts, we realized we could create our own. With prayer, bold ideas, and plenty of late-night laughter, The 116 came to life.
Our name comes from Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” This verse isn’t just a name. It is the foundation. It reminds me to live boldly in faith and let everything I create point back to Him.
I believe God gives each of us unique gifts, and it is my joy to use mine to encourage others. Whether it is a verse that speaks life, a design that lifts someone up, or a custom idea that honors a loved one, I want to create pieces that matter.
My hope is that these shirts do more than look good. I pray they inspire, encourage, and remind you of the One who always keeps His promises. The 116 is more than apparel. It is a space where faith and creativity meet, where stories are shared, and where you are reminded that you are seen, known, and loved.
Let’s create something beautiful together for His glory and your story.
FAQs
What events or craft fairs are you planning to attend this year?
This year, The 116 will be set up at the UMS Craft Fair on November 8–9, 2025.
We’d love to keep attending the same shows each year, but a little mix-up never hurt anybody. Our 2026 schedule is still TBD.
In the future, we’ll post a full event schedule on social media so you can plan to stop by our booth and see what’s new.
Where can people shop The 116 in person?
While The 116 is an online store, you can also find a seasonal selection at Back Home Design & Decor in Union, Missouri.
We keep products there that fit the store’s current vibe and season.
Right now, our rack is self-serve, but in the future we’ll share posts about new arrivals and restocks so you never miss your favorites.
What types of custom orders do you take?
We take on all kinds of custom work, company shirts, church groups, family events, and can do so much more. Our goal is simple: help you wear what you love without paying an absurd amount.
We’ll soon be offering both vinyl and screen printing, which means even more options for designs and materials.
You can contact us however you like. Message us on social, email us, or use our website form. We want reaching out to be easy.
Turnaround time and pricing really depend on the project, so we usually discuss those details one-on-one through email.
What does The 116 mean?
The 116 was built with one focus in mind: God. Everything we do is about using the gifts He gave us to share His message through creativity.
Our name comes from Romans 1:16, the verse that pushes us to live unashamed of the gospel and bold in our faith:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16
What started as a small idea turned into something so much more. Every shirt, every design, every detail is a reminder of where our purpose comes from. The 116 isn’t just a brand. It’s a way to point everything back to Him.
Meet the Team
-
Aubrie Brown
FOUNDER
Hey, I'm Aubrie, Jesus lover, creative thinker, professional overthinker, and co-founder of The 116. I started this with my sister as a way to honor our dad, but also because I kept having too many t-shirt ideas and not enough closet space. Now it's my favorite way to share faith, encouragement, and a little personality in one design at a time. I believe in creating with purpose, laughing a lot, and living unashamed.