Meet Matt Tse (right), the dedicated founder of sporting apparel startup company, Vision Wear. As a U1 Sociology major from Toronto, Matt leverages his passion and expertise in lacrosse to create high performance socks targeted toward athletes like himself. He has quickly and successfully transitioned from designing socks in his first-year dorm room to creating an ambitious new startup rapidly gaining traction within the lacrosse community.
Michelle Sung for Her Campus McGill (HC McGill): Where did you get your inspiration for Vision Wear and what did the startup process entail?
Matthew Tse (MT): Vision Wear essentially began with frustration over constantly ripping my athletic socks. It got to the point where I decided that I needed to invest in some higher end performance socks but all of the socks were too bland for my liking. I couldn’t really tell you why the next logical thing to me was to start my own sock company but after sitting on the idea for a month I had already mocked up 20 designs. The startup of Vision Wear became a personal project that led to a successful Kickstarter campaign.
HC McGill: How have you benefited from your background in hockey and lacrosse while launching your startup?
MT: Having an athletic background has been tremendously helpful in building the brand. Being a part of the niche I wish to sell to has allowed me to understand how my product needs to appeal to others. Similarly, I’ve been able to network with friends and get further feedback from the people I would be selling to. Being able to share my product with other athletes has also allowed me to improve my product while in addition to opening doors for the future of Vision Wear with regards to business opportunities.
HC McGill: What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome in the startup process?
MT: I feel as though finances are the biggest obstacle a startup can face, and normally what deters people from pursuing their ideas. This was definitely the case for me and still continues today while Vision Wear looks to expand its collection. Crowdfunding definitely gave me the financial freedom to tackle the startup effectively.
HC McGill: What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring student entrepreneurs?
MT: Be passionate about what you want to pursue! Entrepreneurship is only as fun as you make it. The hours will be long and you won’t likely be making much money for yourself when you start; however, if its something that you enjoy, you’ll be able to overlook that. Startups can be exhilarating and when you’re passionate about it the work gets really fun!
HC McGill: What habits do you maintain to de-stress when your combined duties as a student and entrepreneur become too overwhelming?
MT: Keeping social is key to my sanity… haha. It’s very easy for me to get caught up in schoolwork and Vision Wear work but being able to hang out with my friends keeps the mood positive and reminds me how there’s a lot more to life than working. Friends are good like that, especially when the going gets tough.
HC McGill: Where do you hope to see Vision Wear in the next few years?
MT: Progress is always good so hopefully a lot of that. I ultimately hope that Vision Wear becomes a brand that athletes can identify with and sport in all environments.
For more information on Vision Wear, check out their Facebook page or website.
Images provided by interviewee.