Student Spotlight: Sean Wu ’25 "My goal is to establish a self-sustaining business that gains prominence and ensures long-term success, rather than being a one-time venture."
September 17, 2024
Sean Wu, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration student with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Data Analytics, is set to graduate from Chapman University in May 2025. His time at Chapman has been both enriching and challenging. Reflecting on his experiences, Sean describes it as a blend of excitement and hurdles: “The excitement stemmed from opportunities to network, connect, and learn within a dynamic academic environment. Challenges, however, included logistical issues like parking availability and managing class enrollment due to high demand.”
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, with his mother being a Chapman alumna, Sean’s passion for business has been fueled by the university’s robust entrepreneurial programs. His coursework, particularly classes like sales pitches and public speaking with Professor Cynthia West, and business law and finance with Professor Eric Jaegers, has equipped him with skills vital for his future endeavors.
Practical Experience
One of Sean’s notable experiences during his time at Chapman was his internship with Dynasty School, a company that provides training for real estate agents. His role involved structuring content and designing educational materials, a task that gave him firsthand insight into creating engaging learning experiences. “I learned how to captivate and educate potential buyers through well-structured content, which was both challenging and rewarding,” Sean explains.
This internship has played a key role in shaping his understanding of business operations and preparing him for his future entrepreneurial ventures. The importance of combining technical skills with creativity became clear during this phase of his academic journey.
Power of Networking
For Sean, one of the most critical lessons learned at Chapman is the importance of networking. “While LinkedIn is a useful tool, personal connections are essential in today’s network-driven world,” he says. Sean believes that meeting and building relationships with people face-to-face creates more opportunities, even beyond what an impressive online profile might achieve.
Throughout his time at Chapman, Sean has attended CEO Club meetings and engaged with entrepreneurs at the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship. His collaboration with business leaders such as Mr. Benjamin Janey has helped him refine his entrepreneurial mindset and expand his network.
Launching a Sustainable Fashion Brand
Sean’s entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap forward with the launch of his own clothing brand, smpl.house. This brand focuses on sustainability and high-quality craftsmanship, two values Sean holds dear. “My goal is to establish a self-sustaining business that gains prominence and ensures long-term success, rather than being a one-time venture,” he shares.
Building smpl.house is not just about creating fashion but aligning it with ethical production practices, ensuring that his brand resonates with consumers who care about the environment and sustainability. Sean’s vision for the future involves continuing to innovate within the fashion industry, while also contributing to a more sustainable world.
Journey of Growth and Independence
Sean’s journey at Chapman University has been transformative, both personally and professionally. Transitioning from Taiwan to the U.S. was a significant change for him, but it also presented an opportunity for growth. “Preparing mentally for the separation from my family was a significant part of this journey, but it has also been an opportunity for personal growth and independence,” he reflects.
With his entrepreneurial spirit, strong academic foundation, and commitment to sustainability, Sean Wu is well on his way to building a business that not only succeeds but makes a positive impact on the world.