With just about two months to go until the Fairfield StartUp Showcase on Tuesday, April 18, the five teams that will make their pitches to a panel of investors for seed money are meeting weekly with mentors and advisors to refine their business plans. Kwahmyre Barbour ’23 is CEO and owner of Affluential Clothing, a streetwear clothing brand that seeks to inspire others to change the way they think about wealth. Barbour, a double major in management and finance, developed the idea for Affluential Clothing after helping a friend develop their own business. He has been selling the apparel for seven months and personally fulfills the orders through the University’s mailroom.

"Affluential Clothing was developed to redefine affluence and showcase wealth as a mindset rather than a lifestyle," said Barbour. "We want to provide clothes that invoke a 'look-good, feel-good' mindset, and encourage others to just get started, no matter what their ideas may be."

The lifestyle clothing line aims to create original, sleek pieces that are versatile in function, good quality, and well-priced. Items include hoodies, crewneck shirts, sweatsuits, and more. The brand, however, is more than apparel. Barbour and his team are working to grow a community that believes in personal growth and education and aims to cultivate an entertainment aspect of the brand through making book recommendations and recording podcasts. Team members Nick Aicardi '23, Jared Alicea ’26, and Nadia Sempher ’20 will join Barbour at the April 18 Showcase at the Quick Center.

To learn more about the Fairfield StartUp Showcase and to register, visit fairfield.edu/startup.