UGA women's basketball player turns passion project into successful fashion business
Georgia women's basketball guard Chloe Chapman does more than you might think off the court, turning a passion project into a successful business during her tenure as a Bulldog.
The almost 23-year-old has always been artistic and is a textiles, merchandising and interiors student working towards her master's degree.
Chapman came to UGA with a love for fashion. Shoes, clothes, accessories, the works. The idea of starting a clothing brand/store presented itself, and so it began: 'Create What U Can't Have.'
"I wanted it to be just something unique that other people could connect to, not just myself," said Chapman, who posted four points, five rebounds and six assists Monday in the Bulldogs' win against Georgia Southern. She wrote in an Instagram caption: "I'm creating what you can have."
Chapman gathers inspiration daily. Whether it's from a song − she likes Chris Brown and a good throwback tune − or what she witnesses on a walk from her apartment to the basketball facilities, or her favorite designers like the late Virgil Abloh, the visionary of Off-White and head of Louis Vuitton men’s wear.
Like many artists, things that drive her emotions and what she's dealing with in life tend to manifest in her streetwear collections, design after design.
She put the gas in the tank for 'Create What U Can't Have,' or CWUCH for short, in her first year at UGA. She said once the name was nailed down, it was about finding vendors, manufacturers and advertising. CWUCH has both an Instagram account that's built up almost 700 followers and a website and Chapman promote on all facets available to her.
Her Georgia teammates and coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson have been supportive of the endeavor.
"We did a talent show kind of thing for team bonding, and she made this really cool jacket," Abrahamson-Henderson said. "I asked her, 'how long have you had that?' and she said (she'd) just made it the other night. I was like, 'What? That's crazy!' She's super talented."
Fifth-year forwards Javyn Nicholson and Jordan Cole love to watch Chapman's process and own several pieces from Chapman's previous drops.
"We talk about different colorways. She gets inspired, and I love to see it," Cole said. "I encourage her all the time, like I'm glad she's doing something outside of (basketball). It's also really good for her mental health and she really buys into her clothes (and what she does) and I love to support her."
"I got hoodies, beanies, socks. As a team, we try our best to support her and just buy all her gear. She's grown a lot and she's evolving in that space," Nicholson added. "She's always creating, always having ideas and that's really where she finds her peace. I'm happy for her and I think she's doing great."
Newcomers like transfer forward Destiny Thomas have taken quick notice and interest and, while she said the store might be out of her current price range, she's still supportive and makes sure to share the love.
Chapman has had her fair share of hurdles, whether it be finances or marketing strategy. But she's built from the ground up and proud of where it stands today.
"My business is kind of a way for me to get out of being so caught up in the basketball season since we're practicing for hours, we're on the road, still have schoolwork and stuff," Chapman said. "Me being able to still continue designing and getting that creative outlet is really important for me."
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia women's basketball player Chloe Chapman creates fashion brand
