ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – A Dougherty County student is trying to turn tragedy into triumph. The young business owner said his inspiration was post-traumatic growth.
Ryan Chen is not your ordinary entrepreneur.
In June of 2024, Chen invented a clothing line called “Vanity Vitality.” It’s a brand that’s more than a catchy phrase. It’s meant to spark a conversation about mental health.
“When I see people that buy my clothes, I feel inspired and also motivated. Not only for the fashion, but for the meaning,” Chen said.
Chen said he struggled with depression when he was growing up. He said that after he lost one of his close friends to suicide last year, launching Vanity Vitality felt natural for him.
Each piece of clothing that Chen creates brings awareness to mental health, while also sticking to the fashion trends of today.
“Everyone loved flannel this year, so I tried to put flannel all over. Also, ‘protect your peace’ is one of my favorite quotes because when a lot of people are depressed, they’re chaotic. So, you have to protect your peace,” Chen said. “The back of the shirt has a quote from my favorite rapper, J. Cole, ‘There’s no such thing as a life that’s better than yours.’”
Georgia FLEX, which was founded in Fitzgerald in 2022, is a non-profit program that grants high school students in Georgia hands-on training in entrepreneurship to create and run real businesses.
Chen displayed his talents at the Georgia FLEX State Finals in May. Organizers said he had a powerful elevator pitch and a bold vision.
Chen attends Westover Comprehensive High School and the 4C Academy. The CEO of 4C Academy Chris Hatcher said he loves what his students are able to take away from the FLEX competition each year.
“It really brings out creativity and entrepreneurship in our students,” Hatcher said. “Ryan has a great story. He had a passion and a vision. I’m really proud of him and what he’s done.”
With Chen naturally creating apparel to help others, one thing he said he would say to someone struggling with their mental health is, “Look for help. Don’t be encouraged to keep it to yourself because the more you keep it to yourself, the worse your depression gets. Find someone that you truly trust and know that will help you.”
Now, if you would like to support Chen’s mission, you can do so by following him on Instagram @Vanity.Vitality. 5% of his profits are donated to Active Minds.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, help is just three numbers away. All you have to do is pull out your phone and dial 988 for help from experts with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.
link