While playing NBA 2K 18, 15-year-old Corey’L Sams was focused on more than the scoreboard—he also took an interest in the designer clothing of the players.
“Although I am a business major and entrepreneur, I’ve always been creative at heart,” Corey’L explained. He, therefore, enjoyed NBA 2K 18’s feature that allowed him to customize the basketball players’ clothes, which inspired him to think beyond the video game: “One day, I was like, ‘why not design my own clothes?’”
Soon enough, Corey’L founded his very own apparel company, CAPEL Clothing Creations LLC. CAPEL stands for Creativity And Positivity Equal Life, and Corey’L describes his business as “a lifestyle clothing brand that advocates living life to the fullest.” Since its founding in 2020, CAPEL has launched an e-commerce website, gained support from local businesses, and released a popular line of products, including t-shirts, The CAP, “The Life” Crewneck, and the 3 C’s Crewneck.
But for Corey’L, his company is about much more than selling designer clothes: “The mission is to unite adventurous people who use the power of creativity and [a] growth perspective to elevate themselves, and the lives of others.” Specifically, Corey’L feels artists/creators need a signature brand to call their own. He believes, “Like athletes, artists have to overcome challenges of doubt through perseverance and a growth perspective to achieve greatness.” As a result, CAPEL has styled itself as the clothing brand of choice for people who embrace a creative and positive lifestyle.
Now, as a Canfield BHP freshman, Corey’L is gaining more insights into effective business leadership. For example, in BA 324H: Business Communication, he learned more about the power of teamwork and community through a case study on how to effectively operate in a team with diverse personality types. Additionally, the career atlas project in BA 101H: Professional Development and Career Planning helped Corey’L realize the impact that his values, strengths, and weaknesses have on his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Of course, running a business has not been without its challenges. Recently, Corey’L has had to balance his CAPEL responsibilities with his courses and extracurricular activities as a freshman at UT Austin.
“When life transitions,” he explained, “business does too–and evolving is an exciting yet daunting necessity.” Therefore, to help him stay focused on his goals, Corey’L reminds himself about why he is so passionate about CAPEL’s mission, which motivates him to continue growing his company and its positive impact.
When asked if he has any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Corey’L emphasized the need for dedication and effort. “The hardest part is consistency and having the discipline of focused vision and intentional action 6 months, 1 year, 2 years. . . 10 years after you start,” he advised. And failure should not be viewed as a setback but rather a growth opportunity. Through his work with CAPEL, Corey’L has learned that “success and positive impact are only possible for those who have the faith to try (no matter how big/small), fail, and grow from it–and try try again.”
As for his own company, Corey’L has big plans to expand CAPEL, such as introducing its own cut and sew pieces and finding a new warehouse space. On a larger scale, Corey’L envisions CAPEL as a brand that supports artists/creators and serves as “a symbol and story” that inspires people to live a creative and positive life. And Corey’L is proud to say, “the story is just getting started, right here on the 40 Acres.”
In celebration of Black History Month, the Canfield Business Honors Program will be showcasing some of our Black/African American students and alumni for the month of February.