You do not have to look hard on the campus of Florida A&M to find unique brands and businesses created by students.
Larry LaFrance, a third-year business administration student from Atlanta, is one of many young entrepreneurs putting their brand on the map.
LaFrance is the founder and CEO of GUYOW, Give Up Your Own Way, a Black-owned Christian clothing brand that displays his love for God, people and clothing.
The GUYOW clothing line features Christian-based designs along with a modern streetwear style. The brand’s name stems from the Bible verse Luke 9:23, which states, “If any of you would like to be my follower, you must give up your own way.”
LaFrance recalled stumbling upon this verse while reading his Bible one day.
“I always wanted to start a clothing brand, but finding this verse allowed me to realize this was exactly what I wanted to name my clothing brand, because following God is a lifestyle,” LaFrance said. “This was a personal brand for myself, just giving up my own way and taking upon the life God has already created for me to live.”
LaFrance takes pride in his brand on its creativity and distinctiveness from other Christian clothing brands. He likes to design out of the norm and creative clothing that stands apart from his competitors.
“I feel like the clothing brands out there are pretty basic,” LaFrance said. “I wanted something different from the typical, ‘God is Dope’ or ‘Jesus Loves You.’ I believe that GUYOW has a stronger message of loving Jesus than other clothing brands.”
In the spring of 2022, LaFrance transferred from Georgia Southern. When asked how he felt about the reaction of his clothing when coming to the hill, his answer was simple.
“Coming to a Black institution I knew my clothing brand would receive love right off the rip,” LaFrance said.
LaFrance’s brand has reached new heights since this first drop of GUYOW sweat suits.
When walking around campus during the winter, there will be several students wearing the “The First Drop” sweatsuits. These sweatsuits come in three different colors: pink, brown and gray. The suit displays the GUYOW logo on the right side, along with the inspired Bible verse Luke 9:23 on the leg. When looking on the back, there will be three crosses on the back displaying “God is Love” on the back.
Gary Stewart, a best friend of LaFrance, has witnessed the progression of his brand since the first drop of sweatsuits.
“His progression has been very authentic so far to say the least,” Stewart said. “Larry took time to go back from the beginning to evaluate his designs and the quality of the clothing from the start of his brand two years ago.”
Chelsea LaFrance, sister of Larry, says she’s proud of Larry and his ability to bring such creative pieces to life and intertwine with their families’ core values of “Keeping God at the forefront.”
“Larry and I grew up in a Christian-based household, we went to church every Sunday, including Bible study and vacation Bible school,” LaFrance said. “I find myself having proud sister moments seeing Larry’s designs come to light. From the first video he dropped to where he’s at now from his creativity and visions makes me so proud of him.”
Chelsea also shared her thoughts on her brother’s inspiration to other young entrepreneurs looking to start a Christian clothing line.
“Larry’s progression into Christian fashion shows that through hard work and dedication, others can do it too, you just have to have the faith.”
LaFrance released his latest collection last Friday. It includes the multi-colored corduroy fitted hat and acid colored black zip up. To stay up to date with more releases by LaFrance, make sure to follow his clothing brand on Instagram @guyowclothing, or his website www.guyowclothing.com