Cooper Chadwick, a senior at Wichita State University, runs a sustainable clothing brand named Bright Eye Originals. Chadwick, 21, showcased his work at a farmer's market on October 3, where he designs clothes from upcycled materials.
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Chadwick's interest in clothing began during the pandemic when he embraced his unique fashion sense, inspired by the thrifting trend. He recalls being teased in high school for his distinct style but remained undeterred. Although he has developed a profitable hobby in fashion design, Chadwick is focused on a career in physical therapy after graduation. He is majoring in exercise science and has been accepted into WSU’s physical therapy program, a field he was drawn to after an influential anatomy class in high school and his involvement in sports.
About a year and a half ago, Chadwick expressed his desire to learn sewing to his grandmother, who taught him and gifted him his first sewing machine. His passion for sustainability stems from his love for nature; he hopes to create clothing that minimizes environmental impact. This commitment was reinforced by witnessing waste firsthand, specifically a landfill filled with discarded clothing.
Chadwick officially launched Bright Eye Originals around a year ago, after gaining sewing confidence. He sources materials primarily from secondhand stores like Goodwill, often picking unconventional items such as blankets, towels, curtains, and bed sheets, aiming for unique fabrics with interesting patterns.
He recently began participating in pop-up shops, enjoying the personal interaction with customers. Chadwick values compliments even more than sales, considering them a boost to his day. He is willing to lower prices to make customers happy, demonstrating that his brand's mission extends beyond profit.
Running the business can be overwhelming at times. Chadwick has eased back on social media engagement to focus more on the creative aspect of making clothes, wanting to keep the joy associated with his work. While he is cautious about future expansion, he emphasizes that his sustainable approach aligns with his values, stating he has no interest in pursuing traditional fashion methods.
Chadwick remains dedicated to making a difference through his brand by promoting sustainability.