Today we’d like to introduce you to MarQuis and Lydia Thomas.
Hi MarQuis and Lydia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our story began back in early 2016. My wife approached me one day after work and told me that she felt led to start a business in Houston but not an ordinary one, a Christian-based retail store. We spent the next few months in prayer, discussion and investigation. We not only wanted to fill a niche but a need as well. One of the gaps we discovered in the Houston area was a lack of Christian-based retail stores which also engaged in outreach and evangelism. There was also a noticeable lack of outlets for Christian music targeted towards the young, hip, “street rap” music consumers. We would combine both of those needs in our new business which we named IV Gods Glory which is taken from I Corinthians 10:31. We combine specialty retailing (Christian clothing, books, shoes, accessories) with music, available for sale in store and through onsite concerts and off-site outreach activities. Over time we’ve expanded our offerings to include a free on-site food pantry, custom embroidery and t-shirt creation. Most recently we’ve partnered with U-Haul and offer IV Gods Glory Moving Services!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Oh goodness, the challenges have been many! Typical of any small business we struggled financing our start up. We did not want to take out any loans so we financed our lease, build-out, and furnished out of our own pockets and with the help of family and friends. Dealing with landlords has also been a very big challenge. Losing our lease at our first location was heartbreaking. We had established a reputation and friends in the area and having to start all over again was tough. Losing the lease at our second location was not only heartbreaking but extremely frustrating as well. And it couldn’t have happened at a worse time – the COVID-19 epidemic was shutting down the city. We’re confident that we’ve now found our forever home over in Bay City and will begin again to be a blessing to the local community and beyond. Our focus here now is to continue to be the light in our local community while still servicing the Houston area. One thing God revealed through time, was “it’s not about the place. It’s about the people. So we keep our faith in him to continue with the purpose and mission he has before us! To God be the Glory!
We’ve been impressed with IV Gods Glory, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Book: The Blessing in Brokeness Dr. Charles E. Perry Jr.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@ivgodsglory.com
- Website: Ivgodsglory.com
- Instagram: IVGODSGLORY
- Facebook: IVGODSGLORY
- Youtube: IVGODSGLORY
