CHICAGO (CBS) — A man who proudly wears his faith on his chest created a clothing line based on his belief that God makes all things possible.
Queshaun Canty says his great loves in life are family, church and fashion.
“I am the owner, creator and CEO of Gréyce en Merci, a brand I created because I have seen God’s grace and mercy in my life,” he said.
Canty’s clothing line is having a moment. A big moment.
“Chris Brown, he’s had it four times. Jesus,” he said.
Singer, songwriter and dancer Chris Brown wore a Gréyce en Merci T-shirt during his United Center concert last June.
“His stylist says he chooses what to wear,” Que said. “I think the fact that he chose Gréyce and Merci is great.”
“Que,” as he is sometimes called, says the amazing key to his success is his faith.
“All this started because I trusted God. I believe he can do anything because I saw him do it. In my own eyes,” he said.
As a child, Que suffered from epileptic fits, but they stopped after he was prayed for at a church altar (hence the name Gréyce en Merci), spelled with a luxurious fire arrow.
“Those are my favorite words now. Grace and mercy is the reason I’m here, it keeps me going. It allows me to be a testament to other people and show them that they can keep going ” he said.
It’s inspiring, but not easy. Que designs, makes and ships his clothes from his family’s home in the suburb of Belvidere.
“I’m always up all night, four in the morning, pressing shirts, coming up with ideas, talking to manufacturers, graphic artists, it’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
But he’s not the only one. The business is a family affair, with his mother, brother and cousin all on board and in awe.
“Sometimes I could burst. His faith is just enormous, he makes me want to increase my faith,” said his Mahlonne Canty. “It’s like a privilege as a mother because I see his dreams come true.”
Que says those dreams started a long time ago.
“I’ve always loved church clothes and church shoes, put them on my Christmas list. I don’t know what kid asks for church clothes. But I always felt like God had his hand on me,” he said.
They laugh about it now, but Que’s younger brothers enjoyed getting their hands on his closet.
“We always stole Queshaun’s clothes because he always had the best ones,” Quincy said. “As far as you know, it only helped recruit girls or keep cool friends.” They want to look good. They steal our clothes, we steal Queshaun’s clothes. He has a vision like no one else has.”
And Que said that vision, that gift from God, is His gift to others.
“When you wear this shirt, I want you to feel like Superman. I want you to feel like God did it for me, because he did it for me. He can do it for you.”
Chris Brown is not the only big name to wear the Gréyce en Merci label. LeBron James’ wife Savannah, famed pastor John Hannah and Gospel Great Jekalyn Carr are also clients.
More designs from Que can be found at grayceandmerci.com.
