Big Idea Food™: A Weekly Devotional for Entrepreneurs, Side Hustlers & Dreamers
This best-selling book by Marlena Banks is the kick in the butt you’ve been needing to get your life, kick fear in the face & go boldly after your God-given dreams.
"My morning routine is reading a verse from the Bible and from this devotional for entrepreneurs."
- Yvonne Orji, Emmy-nominated actress & comedian from the hit HBO series “Insecure”
BIG IDEA FOOD™ will give you the energy to finally:
Push past paralyzing fears & mental blocks keeping you from building the business you know you’re called to build
Get started (or re-started) on projects you’ve been procrastinating on
Build more time with God into your daily routine
Understand how to apply the Bible to your everyday business struggles
Gain clarity on your next steps so you can walk confidently in your purpose
"Because of this book, I've let go of the paralyzing fear that once held me back from starting my design business. Fear of failure does not reside here anymore. Thank you for your obedience.” - Kristina Soline
"I have been getting my entire life with this devotional! It's really inspiring! You're giving me the courage (and kick in the butt) to publish this journal I've been sitting on for 3 years now. You + your faith + your authenticity is everything!” - Zakia Haughton
"I take Marlena Banks' devotional with me everywhere I go. Reading her devotional has helped me commit time to God on a daily basis. I am so thankful God chose her as a vessel!” - Jasmine Marie
"This devotional has been GOLD! It has been a STAPLE for my daily walk. I keep it in my purse and it has been a fav for everyone I’ve gifted it to. Marlena makes our daily walk with God relatable to our current times. It’s scripture sound and encourages me on a daily basis.” - Ola Kimble
"Big Idea Food has been a well of inspiration for me, and at times serves as confirmation when I feel stuck or unsure about my next move. Marlena Banks has an amazing knack for modern application of timeless scriptural values and messages. In other words, she knows how to “make it plain”, and guide her readers in the directions of their own dreams. I appreciate this book so much and I co-sign it’s tagline, this is the perfect book for entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and dreamers!” - Ashley C.
"Because of this book, I've let go of the paralyzing fear that once held me back from starting my design business. Fear of failure does not reside here anymore. Thank you for your obedience.” - Kristina Soline
"I have been getting my entire life with this devotional! It's really inspiring! You're giving me the courage (and kick in the butt) to publish this journal I've been sitting on for 3 years now. You + your faith + your authenticity is everything!” - Zakia Haughton
"I take Marlena Banks' devotional with me everywhere I go. Reading her devotional has helped me commit time to God on a daily basis. I am so thankful God chose her as a vessel!” - Jasmine Marie
"This devotional has been GOLD! It has been a STAPLE for my daily walk. I keep it in my purse and it has been a fav for everyone I’ve gifted it to. Marlena makes our daily walk with God relatable to our current times. It’s scripture sound and encourages me on a daily basis.” - Ola Kimble
"Big Idea Food has been a well of inspiration for me, and at times serves as confirmation when I feel stuck or unsure about my next move. Marlena Banks has an amazing knack for modern application of timeless scriptural values and messages. In other words, she knows how to “make it plain”, and guide her readers in the directions of their own dreams. I appreciate this book so much and I co-sign it’s tagline, this is the perfect book for entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and dreamers!” - Ashley C.
Hey, I'm Marlena 👋🏾
I’m not a business expert, pastor or spiritual guru. I’m just someone who knows how HARD entrepreneurship is and how easy it is for our souls to get worn down in the hustle.
When I realized there wasn’t really a devotional out there for millennial entrepreneurs that spoke in our voice without a bunch of fluff and cliche’s, Big Idea Food® was born. I side hustled for years and received word after word from God when I needed it most to get me over humps and push me in the right direction. My dream in writing this book was for you to read it and hear God speaking to you just like He spoke to me -- straight, no chaser and more like your business bestie than the “big guy” upstairs.
Whether you’re side hustling, full-time or just getting started, I already know you need constant encouragement to power you through your day. BIG IDEA FOOD® will nourish your entrepreneurial spirit while showing you how God’s word is not only applicable to your life and relationships, but can also be a game-changer when applied to your business.
Who is BIG IDEA FOOD® for?
🙇🏾♀️ Dreamers who dream about starting a business or creative project one day but haven’t gotten started
👩🏾⚕️ Side Hustlers who work a 9-5 but desire to go into business full-time
👩🏾💻 Full-time Entrepreneurs already in business full-time and looking to add more encouragement into your day
✝️ Christians who want an entrepreneurship devotional that “gets” you
💚 Non-Christians who could use some positivity and direction
BIG IDEA FOOD™ was written by a black millennial Christian woman in a voice we could relate to since there was nothing else quite like it out there at the time. That said, women (and men!) of various ethnic & spiritual backgrounds have enjoyed reading it too!
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"If you're an entrepreneur building up your sh%t, I def recommend this read. It has faith based quotes, but you don't gotta be Christian to appreciate it (I'm not).” - Cindy Chu
Designed for the creative eye.
Video credit: KayeMcCoy.com
The cover and interior feature dope art that will keep you inspired while you read.
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“What can I say besides this book came at the right time in my life. It mixes scripture with real life experiences. I find myself frequently going back to the book for a quick pick me up. Sometimes just looking at the book cover reminds me that God has my back!” - Marsha “Summer” Hoffmann
Each of the 52 devotions include four core elements:
FAQ'S
I know it says it’s a “weekly” devotional but I find myself wanting to read it daily or read more than one at a time, what’s best? Feel free to read it at your own pace, whatever that looks like. Many people read it one sitting because they can’t put it down but then go back and read it daily as a part of their daily routine. Others stick to weekly or just pick it up and open to whatever page they land on and read that for the day. It’s designed to be versatile enough for however you need to use it in whatever season you’re in.
What translation of the Bible does it use? It uses multiple translations from the Bible in order to provide variety & clarity.
When is the next one coming out?! Many readers have expressed that they’re ready for another version yesterday so we are working diligently to create it! Coming soon! Make sure you’re on our email list so you can be the first to hear when it drops (we’ll also send you a fresh new devotional every Tuesday).
About the author
Marlena Banks is the founder of Big Idea Food™, a Christian media brand that produces faith-fueling content for entrepreneurs & creatives. Since releasing the Big Idea Food™ book, a down-to-earth, devotional for entrepreneurs in 2018, she's continued to grow the brand's offerings to include a weekly devotional newsletter, edge-snatching social media content & a growing membership community.
When she’s not speaking at inspirational events, you can find her coaching & curating expert-led trainings for her tribe of early-stage founders inside the Big Idea Food™ community to help them launch & grow their big ideas into the influential businesses God has called them to be. Her ultimate mission is to elevate the influence of more Christian creators so that, together, we can positively impact our world at the level God intended.
Marlena side hustled for 10 years as a graphic designer & creative director, helping new business owners build impactful brands. Her professional background is in project management where she worked in both the non-profit & advertising worlds. Originally from Akron, Ohio, she currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
what people are saying
Highly recommend this book Big Idea Food. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
Melissa Kimble, founder of #blkcreatives
"Big Idea Food was the book that got me together, inspired me and kept me focused when I started to grow my business. Although it's a 52-week devotional, I devoured it in less than a week. It's THAT GOOD. This faith-based devotional for entrepreneurs was just what I needed when my faith was about to be stretched"
Tamera Darden, DC Product Photographer & Educator
Marlena’s tell it like it is, no holds barred is just the motivational nudge (kick in the rear) that I needed.
Black & Brilliant Entrepreneur Magazine
I take Marlena Banks’ devotional with me everywhere I go. Reading her devotional has helped me commit time to God on a daily basis. I am so thankful God chose her as a vessel!
Jasmine Utterback, founder of Creative Women Build
Thank you so much for being obedient to the Lord and writing your book! It has been a blessing to me and you are speaking my language!
Angela Christine, NY actress & model
I'm already in love with this devotional. Every entrepreneur should own a copy.
Breyley Ann, founder of White Collar Professional Wear
Needed a business meeting with God this morning. The perfect time to reopen Big Idea Food.
Shay Duriel, founder of the BronzeHustle.com
Big Idea Food has been the "edge-snatcher" I've needed in this season. Marlena uses the Word to give clear inspiration, encouragement & strategy for the Kingdom creative. I felt like it has been a great way to start off my work weeks and maintain my focus on God as my source and CEO."
Arica, food, beauty & fashion entrepreneur
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