USC Student-Athlete Turned Entrepreneur Launches Streetwear Brand at Campus Store

L Simpson, a current USC student and former football player, is set to launch his streetwear brand 'Take No L's' at Shiekh in USC Village on September 26, showcasing a new path for student-athletes in entrepreneurship and fashion. The launch represents a culmination of Simpson's journey from a middle school project to a brand that has gained traction among high-profile athletes and coaches.

The 'Take No L's' collection, which includes hoodies, cropped sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweatpants, and hats priced between $90 and $200, embodies a philosophy of resilience and determination. Simpson's brand has already garnered attention from his teammates and coaches at USC, including head coach Lincoln Riley, who expressed enthusiasm for Simpson's venture.

This launch is particularly significant as it highlights the evolving landscape of college athletics and student entrepreneurship. With recent changes in NCAA rules allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, Simpson's brand launch serves as a prime example of how athletes can leverage their platform and experiences to create business opportunities.

The brand's success could potentially inspire other student-athletes to explore entrepreneurial ventures, blending their athletic pursuits with business acumen. It also demonstrates the power of personal branding and how athletes can transition their on-field personas into marketable off-field enterprises.

Simpson's journey from shopping at Shiekh as a child to now launching his brand there underscores the potential for young entrepreneurs to come full circle in their aspirations. This launch event, featuring appearances by influencers and celebrities, is likely to generate significant buzz and could serve as a model for future athlete-driven brand launches.

The 'Take No L's' brand, with its bold designs and empowering message, is positioned to appeal to a young, fashion-conscious demographic. Its success could influence trends in streetwear and athlete-endorsed fashion lines, potentially opening up new avenues for collaboration between athletes, brands, and retailers.

Furthermore, this launch highlights the growing intersection of sports, fashion, and social media influence. With Simpson's network boasting a combined reach of over 100 million followers, the brand launch demonstrates the power of social media in driving brand awareness and potentially sales for new fashion ventures.

As Simpson prepares to graduate from USC's Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism in 2025, his brand launch also serves as a case study in applying academic knowledge to real-world business ventures. It showcases how education and athletics can combine to create innovative entrepreneurial opportunities for student-athletes.

The 'Take No L's' launch at Shiekh in USC Village is more than just a new clothing line hitting the shelves. It represents a shift in how student-athletes can leverage their experiences, network, and personal brand to create business opportunities. As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, Simpson's venture may well be a harbinger of more student-athlete entrepreneurs entering the market, potentially reshaping the relationship between sports, education, and business in the years to come.