Dalton Tice uses his social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, to inspire thousands of his followers with messages of religion, hope and faith — instead of following popular trends online. 

A Florida Atlantic University marketing alumnus, Tice said his journey to producing Christian–based content began a year and a half ago when he pushed past fear, doubt and a lack of confidence. What started with giving encouraging notes to Target employees has grown to be a thriving ministry of sharing the gospel. 

“I just enjoy building something for the kingdom,” said Tice. He does this through his brand HEROSE, which aims to showcase his belief in God’s love through acts of kindness like giving drive-thru workers flowers. 

Tice explains the inspiration behind HEROSE’s name in three parts, which he attributes to the Holy Trinity—a Christian doctrine that represents God as three persons in one: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. The name draws from his first video, where he gifted fathers roses on Father’s Day as a symbol of love and appreciation, reflecting the brand’s roots. It also refers to Jesus rising from the dead, with the play on words “He rose.” Tice said HEROSE is meant to be a call to action for the community to be heroes in other people’s lives.

“Through his work, he prays for people, serves those in need and lives out his favorite verse, Matthew 5:14-16, as he seeks to be a light in the world that brings glory to the Father in heaven,” said his sister, Trysten Tice. 

Although Tice is the founder and face of HEROSE, he credits the ministry’s success to his support system.

“I may just be the only one that people see or know about when they think of HEROSE, but it’s so much bigger than me,” he said. 

Jordan Sharaf, one of his closest friends and FAU graphic design alumnus, helped Tice create the marketing aspects for HEROSE. 

“I do this not from a place of mere obligation but because I believe in his vision and genuinely want to see him succeed and spread his message,” Jordan said. “If I am able to contribute to a fraction of an impact, I will gladly help with open arms.”

This ministry is sponsored by WellBuilt Cities, a nonprofit organization that aids homeless people. It became a sponsor through Tice’s connection and friendship with Jon Dengler, the organization’s founder. Tice said all donations go directly toward helping others. 

In the past year and a half, Tice has hosted numerous community-based events, including toy drives for children’s hospitals, a Thanksgiving food drive last year for those in need and an Easter event for kids. 

The success of these initiatives encourages Tice to push forward, even when faced with difficulties preparing, he said.

“When I feel like giving up I look back and see all the things that we’ve done,” Tice said.

HEROSE also allows Tice to provide support and financial assistance to homeless people by using donations of necessities for them.

On Jan. 7, while filming content, Tice met a homeless man named Robert at Mizner Park, a shopping mall in Boca Raton, he shared. Tice said Robert needed $25 for an ID to be able to work. Because of supporters’ donations through HEROSE, Tice was able to give Robert $50 instead and also gifted him a bike for transportation.

Tice said this was the first time he felt confident enough and led by the Holy Spirit to ask someone if they were saved and wanted a personal relationship with God. At that moment, Robert accepted Jesus as his savior, and Tice led Robert in a salvation prayer. 

Reflecting on this moment, Tice emphasized the importance of sharing faith.

“People have a genuine yearning for the truth that Jesus loves them and that what he did for them on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice of love,” said Tice, stating that he hopes this testimony will be the first of many. 

“The goal was to get 25 people at least to accept Jesus this year,” he said. 

Tice said his aspirations are fueled by his obligation to spread “the most valuable thing,” which to him is the gospel because he can be a source of light to those who aren’t exposed to Christianity. 

“If people aren’t reading their bible, going to church, don’t have a relationship with God, then I’m the closest thing they’re gonna see to Jesus,” he said. “I just pray that I am displaying the most accurate version of Jesus that they could possibly need at that moment to ultimately lead them to salvation.” 

Tice’s loved ones said that they believe sharing the gospel of Christianity is his purpose. His friend Adam Sharaf explains.

“He has a very great way of speaking and sharing the love of Jesus, and I’ve come to realize that he is truly living out the calling that God put on his life,” he said.

In addition to leading people to salvation, Tice aspires to host more events and earn a YouTube plaque that creators receive when they hit certain subscriber milestones. 

“I think it’s a visual proof of a million seeds planted,” he said. 

Tice is also an inspiration to those closest to him, such as Graceanne Marshall, his fiancée and an FAU alumna, through how he lives in faith. 

“His passion and devotion to Jesus inspires me and have encouraged me to grow in my faith too,” Marshall said.

Tice urges people to be aware that Jesus loves them and follow the path intended for them. 

“If you choose Jesus, don’t look to the left or the right,” he said. “Stay focused on the mission that God has you on.”

Sephora Charles is a Reporter for the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email Charles at sephoracharl2024@fau.edu