Imbrace Facebook

Charity Colman may be a new university graduate, but she’s putting her college degree and business savvy to work. Along with her friend Alexis Franks, Colman is launching Imbrace: Upscale Greek Apparel.

The two launched their company in March 2012 but will celebrate its official debut with a launch party in their Greensboro, North Carolina base on May 2. Imbrace: Upscale Greek Apparel will provide National Pan-Hellenic members with quality Greek clothing with shirts ranging from $15-25. For those who didn’t pledge, their store will also offer positive African American art and jewelry. In efforts to reach local churches in the area, they will also sell church pins and buttons.

“I crossed AKA at UNCG,” Colman said to A&T Register. “Looking around and at the things everybody sells, sometimes it seems like people just throw letters onto anything. If we are supposed to represent greatness we shouldn’t take that.”

Colman and Franks hope to be a positive example of what African American Greek members can do in the community. But their business is just part of the duo’s vision. The two also hope to start a non-profit to give ex-convicts a second chance rehabilitation program.

“We want to encourage African-Americans to pursue a degree and career in the arts through mentoring, sponsorship programs and by providing scholarships,” she said. “By doing this we hope to encourage individuals to embrace their dreams and touch their fears.”

With high business aspirations, the two are more than just an inspiration for National Pan-Hellenic members. They are also a model for aspiring college entrepreneurs. Colman, who majored in the arts, is also showing people that you don’t have to be a business major to start a business.

“Coming into college as an art major, there is a lot of discouragement from people wondering what you can do with an art degree,” said Colman. “So I wanted to do something that would uplift both African-Americans and the arts by showing that there are no limits to what you can do with an art degree.”

While the two currently don’t have a physical location, items will be sold online at www.imbracegreekapparel.com.

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