Today we’d like to introduce you to Chynel Cooper.
Hi Chynel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been creative since I was a little girl, crafting things with my hands and using what I had to create something new. I remember making clothes for my toy dolls using old scraps of clothing and the yellow sewing kit my mom kept in her bedroom–That was when I first started designing clothing. Throughout the following years, I explored almost every facet of my creativity and learned a lot of useful skills.
The very first time I saw someone wear something that I created was in high school, and it was one of my great friends Sabrina! I had made a simple pencil skirt utilizing some vibrant stretch printed fabric from the Textile Discount Outlet in the Pilsen area of Chicago. She wore it to our homecoming, styling it with a cute matching top and accessories–I was in love! Throughout the rest of high school, I mainly danced, but I would make very small pieces occasionally. My junior year, I offered to alter the uniforms for my school’s majorette team that I was a part of & helped administer over, and it was a journey! It was a team of almost 20 girls, I had never worked with sequins before, and no matter what I did, my needles just KEPT breaking. It was sending me into a serious sewing depression because I wanted to be able to deliver what I promised to my team. By the grace of God, I ended up finding a solution and some help and got them done just in time for our next performance! That situation scared me so badly that I didn’t pick up sewing again until college.
My senior year, I was connected with Suzette Opara of the 828 Collection to fix a prom dress that I had gotten that was advertised differently than what I had received. I didn’t even think about making my own dress or fixing it myself, as prom was very important to me. Meeting Ms. Suzie, as I fondly call her now, was pivotal in my life because seeing a black woman designing that reminded me so much of myself let me see that we could actually be fashion designers! It was so inspiring to see her in action. She made me a jaw-dropping gown that I will forever keep and adore! Everybody loved it and I felt so beautiful all night at prom and had a blast!
It wasn’t until December 2016 after the first semester of my freshman year at Alabama State University that I started my very first business called, The Pink Chocolate Collection! I was inspired by the various emerging e-commerce brands across my social media and also looking for a way to utilize my creativity to create some income for myself. My family wasn’t in the best financial situation at the time either since both of my parents had recently lost their jobs and in new roles, but God was still paving a way for us and I wanted to use the gifts and skills that he gave me to help provide too!
The first item I made to sell was velvet lounge shorts. I went to my favorite fabric store in Chicago, the Textile Discount Outlet, to source my fabric. I would later work there during a college summer break. I used some shorts that I already had to create my own pattern and did a lot of trial and error. It was so fulfilling when I finally got them right! I also remember setting up my first photoshoot with my hot pink curtains hanging on a clothing rack and using my Ipad mini to take the photos. I created my own website using BigCartel, and officially started Pink Chocolate!
While in college, Pink Chocolate proved itself to be a great source of income for me. There weren’t many fashion designers in Montgomery, AL that did what I did and was easily accessible to such a large campus community like I was. African Printed fashions were perfect for a HBCU campus community. Pink Chocolate didn’t just help me survive while I was 600+ miles away from home, but it also improved my character, leadership, confidence, analytical skills, faith, college experience, and so much more! I knew that in order to continue building into a successful brand, I had to run an honest, profitable business and always be willing to learn and grow.
Throughout my four years, I managed my classes and my business well, making a ton of connections with different photographers, models, and just overall supporters! I created birthday outfits, dance uniforms, music video costumes, swimsuits, formal gowns, men’s clothing, women’s casual clothing, and so much more! I also participated in the annual “Hustle Fair ” and was even invited to have a full scene in our campus modeling troupe, Elite Models, show. It filled my heart to be trusted and supported so heavily by my peers to the point where I didn’t even have to worry about getting a part-time job. I went to college expecting to be a part of their band dance line, but God had other plans for me. Becoming a fashion designer was never in my direct plans, but I see how God used it to better my life in so many ways!
Since graduating with my BA in Psychology, I’ve moved to Georgia to start my professional psychology career and continue on with Pink Chocolate. I’ve worked with a few celebrity clients, continued to expand my network, participated in a few pop-up shops, and became more creative, unique and skilled over time. I have collaborated with an amazing brand in Miami called KP Takeova, created uniforms for the Diamond Dancers of Cleveland and Chicago on a few occasions, participated in a fashion show in the heart of Atlanta, and more! I have continued to level up in my business mindset and my designs, and I know I’ll have my own Pink Chocolate physical store one day!
2022 will be a great year for Pink Chocolate, so I’m ready for what’s in store, and I can’t wait to show everybody what God is allowing me to do!
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?
Learning and doing everything on my own was a big struggle. I had to learn to be accountable for everything that was going on with my business and to be open to learning new approaches to achieve different results. I’ve also had to learn how to ask for help. My friends and family will oftentimes help me when I have pop-up shops, need a photographer/videographer, and/or a model. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them!
We’ve been impressed with Pink Chocolate Collection, 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?
I specialize in modern designed African-printed designs that make my clients stand out in any room! It is a very eye-catching brand with very vibrant colors and mesmerizing patterns. My dedication to vibrant color is a staple of my company and what draws most people in. I’m proud of my continuous growth over time. I create formal gowns, birthday & casual outfits, purses, hats, and more!
Any big plans?
I plan to have a physical store in the future, and I’m looking forward to my new collections for spring and summer 2022!
Pricing:
- Formal Gowns start at $300
- Casual Outfits start at $20
- Small Accessories start at $5
Contact Info:
- Email: Pinkchocolatecompany@gmail.com
- Website: PinkChocolateCollection.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/PinkChocolateCo
- Facebook: Facebook.com/PinkChocolateCo
Image Credits:
@Davonab.photography
