Meet Chelsea Jennings | Athlete & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Jennings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I am a living example of a young woman who was lost but was transformed when I discovered my purpose. When I began to Live With Purpose my whole life changed. Now I have a reason to wake up everyday and give each day everything that I have, because my purpose is bigger than me.

I originally started LWP, as a true testimonial story of being a student athlete at Texas A&M.

It all began my freshman year of college in 2012. I was a highly recruited athlete coming out of high school ranked in the Top 50 nationally , but when I arrived at Texas A&M my first two years I spent a lot of time on the bench. I went from a star to a bench warmer. I began to battle with depression, anxiety, and lost identity. I realized I didn’t know who I was outside of my sport. My whole life I let basketball define me, so not playing led to me feeling worthless. My junior year I had a life shifting moment , God spoke to me and said your purpose is bigger than just basketball. Basketball is just a tool. I did not understand at the time but from that moment on I started to operate out of purpose.

I ended up graduating from Texas A&M becoming the First Black Female Athlete to graduate from The College of Architecture alongside winning many athletic awards such as SEC Sixth Woman of The Year. When I started to Live With Purpose my whole life changed and I knew I wanted to share that with the world but I didn’t know how.

So concluding my college career, I started wearing my own hats with purpose across the front, people would always stop me, ask about it and then want to purchase one for themselves. This allowed me to genuinely connect with people and share my story. I have always been creative, so one day sitting in my apartment I thought what if I start a brand to encourage people to Live With Purpose. So that is where my story began as an Entrepreneur.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I tell people all the time LWP is more than a brand it’s a lifestyle , it’s a community. This clothing brand is bigger than selling apparel. Our goal is to provide affordable apparel that will inspire ALL people to not just live but Live With Purpose. LWP encourages everyone to live with purpose daily while being unapologetically yourself. So be you and shine your light.

Being a entrepreneur has been challenging for me. I am a natural creative, I love art. I call myself a jack of all trades because I have done a range of things such as Graphic Design, Photography, Videography, Brand Management , Web design etc. On the flip side I have struggled with the business side of things, this was new territory for me and I honestly feared failing. Everything that I know I have learned through trail and error. I have made mistakes, I have failed many times but being athlete has installed in me to be relentless. Sometimes I have to remind myself this brand is bigger than me and that gives me motivation too.

Having a brand I have has given me confidence as a business women, and everyday I am learning and growing. I have learned to be patience and not rush the process. God timing is the perfect timing just be obedient and operate out of purpose.

I want the world to know, that we all have a purpose no matter are race, gender, or religious background. So when you wear LWP its more than just a brand, you wearing a story. Not only your story but stories of everyone that is striving every day to Live With Purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am foodie and so is my best friend so we would definitely hit up a lot food places such as Kitchen + Kocktails, Spatch, The Breakfast Brothers, Da Crab Trap, Smoke A holics BBQ, The Turkey Leg King, XOXO Dining Room, and the list goes on!!

If we looking for a chill night perhaps Rooftop Cinema or Heroes Lounge for some nice vibes.

For a day time turn up , for sure sliding to Boozy Brunch at Concrete Cowboys in fort worth, A new day party experience. Enjoy food, music, and hookah!

Eso Mimosa Bar and Happiest Hour is other nice spot to go during the day, for good day vibe.

For the night life, The Garden, Harlow, Izina, Stirr, etc

In the DFW we always love a good Sunday Funday so that will for sure be on the to do list , I love places like Palms and Eso.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my family and friends that have supported me through this journey. It has been many times I have wanted to give up being a Professional Athlete and Entrepreneur is not easy, but having a solid circle has encouraged me to keep going. Lastly I want to give all thanks to God without him I know I would not be here.

Website: www.lwpurpose.com

Instagram: lwp.clothing

Facebook: Chelsea Jennings

Other: Instagram @cjennings13

Image Credits
Lance Pinnick Anthony Oliphant Chelsea Jennings

Instagram: lwp.clothing

Facebook: Chelsea Jennings

Other: Instagram @cjennings13

Image Credits
Lance Pinnick Anthony Oliphant Chelsea Jennings