"Chase your curiosity. Find what lights you up and head that direction. Keep going when people try to shut you down..."
We first came across Clayton Chambers' work as most people do, online. It was clear from the jump that he possesses a strong eye for tasteful curation and research. One of the things we admire and appreciate most in life.
After our Fall 2024 Collection debut, we trekked out to London on a whim. When Clayton got word, he graciously offered us the opportunity to partake in his "Fall Market" in Shoreditch. It was there, amidst the chaos of him producing a multi-brand pop up whilst recently moving his family to Amsterdam from the states, that we finally met in person. His humble and laidback energy was refreshing, especially in a new environment and within the context of the moment. After setting up our "lookbook booth," it was only natural that us kicking it around Shoreditch would turn into an out of the blue If We Know, You Know profile with him.
Due to the circumstances of the market, we weren't able to do our traditional 1 hour sit down with Clayton so this IWKYK profile is a bit shorter than the rest.
With that being said, let's dive right into it...
Where are you from?
I’m Clayton Chambers. I’m originally from Tennessee, but I was raised in Florida.
Where do you live now and why did you move there?
Right now, I live in Amsterdam with my family. I’ve traveled a lot internationally, but I’ve never lived somewhere internationally. The more I’ve worked on my own businesses and creative projects, the bigger the itch I’ve had to live outside the US.
Amsterdam is a city I’ve always loved, and since I first visited I mentally bookmarked it as a place I’d want to spend more time in. I’ve ben lucky enough to make that happen this year, and I’m so grateful it materialized.
I’m Clayton Chambers. I’m originally from Tennessee, but I was raised in Florida.
Where do you live now and why did you move there?
Right now, I live in Amsterdam with my family. I’ve traveled a lot internationally, but I’ve never lived somewhere internationally. The more I’ve worked on my own businesses and creative projects, the bigger the itch I’ve had to live outside the US.
Amsterdam is a city I’ve always loved, and since I first visited I mentally bookmarked it as a place I’d want to spend more time in. I’ve ben lucky enough to make that happen this year, and I’m so grateful it materialized.
Do you think this has impacted your work or inspiration/do you see it altering any perspective?
100%.
In general, I think life in Europe alters your brain. How? It’s the walkability of cities… Biking everywhere versus driving everywhere… Access to canals and waterways. Feeling connected to neighbors and strangers by the proximity of living close together… Old architecture that leaves you in awe of its beauty.
There’s so much serendipity in simply walking the streets that it helps give you the mental reset you need with your creative work; it’s something you wouldn’t otherwise get sitting in a cubicle in a random American city.
What did your career path look like before starting Sprezza, and what made you take the leap to being full time self employed?
I’ve mostly worked for other companies in my career, and I’ve always loved clothing. I was lucky to spend time at places like Barneys NY and Michael Kors, and even started my own menswear blog back in the Tumblr / WordPress days.
I’ve also worked in startups and tech over the years too, and a few years ago, between one of my jobs, I left feeling burnt out and tired. I started working on Sprezza as a side project and it quickly turned into something I loved working one.
I spent a few years hacking away at it, and this year, finally, I hit an inflection point where I was forced to decide whether I would keep pursuing this or let it rest. That was an important moment for me to recognize my own power and momentum, and realize that if I wanted to do this full-time I needed to treat it with the attention it deserves.
Going all-in on anything is scary (especially when you have kids!), but when you ride the momentum you already have and trust your instincts, you realize that everything works itself out.
Where did the name Sprezza come from, and how did you nurture it from an idea to what it is today?
Sprezza is short for an Italian word, “sprezzatura.” It’s a word I discovered by working in clothing and I’ve always loved it because it translates (roughly) to moving through life with ease or making anything look effortless and easy.
In all the the stories I tell, the people I interview, the product recommendations I share, etc. I try to make sure that the content reflects sprezzatura as a theme.
Where do you look for inspiration within the industry/what platforms are you inspired by?
Aaron Levine, L’etiquette Magazine, Where is The Cool, 18east, etc.
What is your dream project?
Turning Sprezza into a physical space where people can find community and experience the brand in real life.
What are your big goals for the next 5 years?
Build Sprezza into a global, independent media company that maintains authenticity, community, and serves as a source of joy and creative inspiration for everyone.
I’d like to carry on with the digital content, eventually launch print, host more regular events, make a select set of limited edition physical products, and build relationships with good people along the way.
What advice would you give to your younger self or other young people trying to follow a similar path?
Chase your curiosity. Find what lights you up and head in that direction. Keep going when people try to shut you down.
Wake up every day and try something new. Be yourself. Be disciplined. Experiment often. Be kind to others. Do stuff for free without expecting anything back. Give yourself space to do nothing. Get your bag and take care of the money, but don’t do everything for the money.
0 comments