Community Highlights: Meet Monica Burnett of Mon Christian Gifts

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Burnett

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
This business journey began unexpectedly, as the concept of owning a retail store was never part of my initial plans. Juggling the responsibilities of raising eight children, including two sets of twins, alongside managing an online coaching business and being a wife was already a full plate. However, everything changed when we received a divine calling to partner with the Lord in a plan that He had to meet people where they were at. In this case, the mall..

My husband and I had personal reservations about taking this leap of faith because of our lack of qualifications or experience since we never had worked in retail. We decided to look outside of our lack mindset and start dreaming with the Lord.

With divine favor, we secured a prime location between Macy’s and the Apple Store in the Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, totaling 5,500 square feet of retail space. From the beginning we were driven by a vision that extended beyond just commerce. I can remember the day that my husband said to me, “If this ever turns into a business, I’m out!” We have known from day one that this place was special and would not be run like most businesses.

Alongside offering Christian jewelry, apparel, home decor, and books, we designated a Living Room area for community gatherings, including weekly Bible studies, worship sessions, and prayer nights.

Over the course of two years, our store evolved into more than just a retail outlet; it became a thriving community hub. Attendees of our events formed deep friendships, and even mall employees have found refuge in our Living Room area during breaks. Because the Crabtree Valley Mall is a destination mall, people have come from all corners of the globe and have found peace and inspiration within our walls. Many have said that they will never be the same, with tears in their eyes.

A standout feature of our store is the prayer wall, adorned with more than four thousand prayers on sticky notes. Each night, our amazing team faithfully intercedes for these requests, witnessing countless answered prayers and transformative testimonies. From breaking addictions to igniting a new relationship with Jesus Christ, we’ve seen lives transformed through the power of prayer and community.

Over the last two years we have come to cherish the “place of the unknown.” Whenever we feel “stuck” someone has inevitably walked through the door with the answer. That’s just how God works. If this is His store then He will always set us up to have victory.

As a business owner there is a tendency to control situations in order to feel safe and secure. Over the years I have found a better way to feel safe summarized in one word: surrender. God’s plan and vision will always transcend my human limitations.

Most business owners will have a business plan. We have a prayer closet and it works.

Because we decided to surrender our dream and take up God’s dream, we have been witness to so many amazing experiences that one day be turned into a book. They are a testament to a God who pursues the ones that He loves. I can’t deny it because I see it happen every day. Our favorite words from people coming into the store are, “I don’t even know how I got here! I was going somewhere else!” or “Peace met me at the door.” All we can do is laugh and know that God has a special reason for them to be in our space. It’s always a breakthrough moment for them and our team.

People ask us all the time what Mon means when they look at our store logo. It has two meanings. First, Mon is my nickname, short for Monica. Second, I was prompted to look up the meaning of the individual letters in the Greek and Hebrew. I saw that the M was Kingship, Dominion, and Wisdom. The O was Obedience and His Presence, and N was Humility, Faithfulness. and Action. It was exactly what this space represents and I know that there are no coincidences when it comes to anything concerning the store.

This is the best job we have ever had! We never know what to expect every day, but we do know it will be good because people will be touched, tears will flow (I think we spend more on Kleenex than anything else), and joy will be restored even in the middle of the most dire experiences. We have had people come in who have just lost spouses or parents, they have just found out that they have cancer, or have lost their job. It is an honor to stand in the gap for them in such vulnerable moments. We are the body of Christ. People need to know that they are loved and that they have someone cheering them on to live the life they were created for.

Our family has forever been transformed because what has happened here. My kids expect to hear stories and testimonies every day about how God moved in the life of someone who walked into our store. That is very different from just reading a bible story. They are living in the middle of a huge move of God in the most unlikely place.

In our corner of the mall, we stand as frontline warriors of faith, reminding all who enter that they are loved and they can be strong and courageous in the most difficult times of life. If they want to, they can also buy a gift to remind them of that.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. There are so many things to learn in retail and it can easily become overwhelming. I remember speaking at a Christian business conference last year and this very question was asked. Since they gave us the questions ahead of time I had a long list of struggles and experiences to share. When I was about to open my mouth to list them off the Lord said, “Actually, your biggest obstacles are not those things. Your biggest obstacle is your unbelief!”

I sat with that truth bomb for a second and that was what I shared with the crowd.

If this is truly a diving calling and not something we strategized to create, then why should I worry? He has provided at every turn and I don’t expect him to stop anytime soon.

What we believe about any situation will make or break it.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mon Christian Gifts offers a wide selection of Christian gifts, apparel, books, jewelry, home decor, and more. Each item has been carefully selected to inspire and uplift the faith journey of those who visit us. We believe that shopping should be a joyful and meaningful experience, and we strive to create that atmosphere in our store.

What sets our retail store apart from most others are our events. We host a variety of community-focused gatherings throughout the week, including prayer nights, Bible studies, discipleship classes, worship nights, and much more. These events provide an opportunity for people to learn, grow, connect, and release the burdens they carry in their day-to-day lives.

Our goal is to meet people at their point of need. For some, it’s a simple smile and a warm welcome. For others, it’s a prayer or a comforting hug. Each day is unique, and while we may not know what each day will bring, the Lord does. He has blessed us with an amazing, dedicated team who are equipped to serve our community. We’re not perfect, but we have willing hearts—and the Lord can do remarkable things with a willing heart.

What we are most proud of about our brand is its growing reputation as a hub for faith and connection. Many people return—not just to shop, but to talk. Some even make intentional trips each year to visit our store. Why? Because they encountered Jesus here the last time they came in. Once you’ve experienced a touch of the Lord, you just want to come back. It’s unforgettable.

We are not a church; we are a touchpoint for people to experience the Lord—especially those who might never step inside the four walls of a church. The things we’ve seen happen in this space are incredible, and we are simply grateful to partner with the Lord in this unique opportunity for marketplace ministry.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is when we would camp at Yosemite National Park every summer. We are originally from California so it was only a 4 hour trip to get there. I can remember looking at those big mountains as a little girl and knowing that there had to be a creator of all these beautiful things. I felt close to him in the presence of nature and it was always a place where I not only had a great time with my family, but also found the peace of the Lord.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://monchristiangifts.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mon.christiangifts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mon.christiangifts
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@monministries
• Other: https://monministries.com