Corey Risper
Merchandising & Design ‘17 | Concentration in Fashion Design
CEO / Creative Director, Approach Plate Clothing
What do you enjoy most about your field?
I am a very creative person and fashion design allows me to express my creativity through my designs.
How did education at Wade College help prepare you for what you are doing today?
Wade College gave me a huge step in the right direction. I wanted to be more than just a t-shirt designer and Wade helped open those doors.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
This is a tough field. If you plan to make it a career, competition is fierce and people's tastes change every season. Have a great game plan on how you plan to tackle the market with your ideas, and you can be successful.
What has your career path been like so far? How did you get to where you are at now?
My path was extremely treacherous. I was introducing a new concept to fashion and I knew it was going to be challenging to convince people outside of my target market to embrace my designs.
What opportunities, decisions, or events shaped your professional life?
I had to opportunity to work with a business incubator in Corpus Christi, TX where I initially started my clothing brand Approach Plate Clothing that gave me the introduction to business that would serve me later on.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
I received my Merchandising and Design degree from Wade College in 2017. My company was awarded a mayoral proclamation from the mayor of San Antonio, TX for my work with refugees resettling in the area. I appeared on the front page of the Caller Times newspaper in 2012 for my work with my t-shirt company.
Where can we find you online?
Facebook / Instagram: Corey Risper and Approach Plate Clothing (the brand's name)
LinkedIn: Corey Risper
Approach Plate Clothing: www.approachplateclothing.com
