Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyia Canty.
Hi Keyia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have a clothing brand called High Priority. I created this brand after leaving a 10yr relationship. After closing that chapter of my life is when the foot work of me learning and finding myself started to begin. During that relationship I went through physical abuse. I didn’t know my self-worth to even leave and I didn’t know who I was after I left. But I knew I wanted to find out. I also wanted to create something bigger than myself. I knew that if I went through this, somebody else is too. I created High Priority to remind myself and others who have gone or currently going through what went through to know their worth. We are all a High Priority.
I started with what I could afford and I created five t-shirts. My t-shirts started creating some buzz and before I knew it I was selling t-shirts out of the trunk of my car left and right. I even received out of state orders. I hustled hard, doing pop-up shops, fashion shows, and partnering with a local store owner to get my brand out there as well. I eventually got local models to wear my brand to help spread awareness. I donated some of my shirts to a homey shelter and would often do t-shirt giveaway’s as a way to give back.
This road hasn’t been the easiest, but I’m here to rebrand, rebuild, and step out on faith once again. High Priority is not just clothing it’s everything to me. It’s my story of survival, of growth, self love, regaining my power and never giving up on me. I am a High Priority and my goal is to be a voice for the voiceless to inspire and to give God all the glory along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I moved to Georgia, I thought I would come and rebuild here but I faced a whole new set of challenges. I became homeless for a bit being a single mom with two kids. Staying in hotels and air bnb’s. I finally got us moved in and months later became jobless for 4 months doing Lyfts as my only source of income and going to different churches to get my kids and I food. During that time I felt at my lowest. I couldn’t believe I was going through this. I had God with me every step of the way though. He was talking to me letting me know that everything is gone be ok. My faith is super strong because of my journey. I started as a phlebotomist again and 3 months later became a phlebotomy instructor as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a phlebotomist and a phlebotomy instructor with dreams of opening my own school someday. I am the owner of a clothing brand called High Priority. I’m most known for speaking life into people and having great energy. I’m most proud that I have a great relationship with God and I never gave up on myself or let my circumstances change me. I love who I am and who I’m becoming. What sets me apart from others is that I’m not just a clothing brand. I’m not competing with anyone. I’m walking in my God given purpose. Im willing to put in the work to become a voice and speak more life into people who are broken, abused, neglected, lack self worth/self love, etc. I want to show a better life to myself, my kids, and others as well. Like if I can do it, you can do it too.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
What’s most important to my success is my resilience, my drive and authenticity. Connecting my story to my brand. Having faith and also being open to sharing my story to help someone else. Being a student and never feeling like I know it all. I’m always wanting to learn how so I can know it for myself. Stepping out of my comfort zone has helped me grow in so many ways.
Pricing:
- $30 t-shirts
- $70 jogger sets
- $25 front car tags
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.highpriorityfashion.com
- Instagram: @iamkeyia
