CHEA Clothing, LLC is a business that provides high-grade adaptive apparel for people with unique physical needs. The company was founded in 2001 by Joyce Fields, who was inspired to create the line after her son, Tilas, was born with cerebral palsy.
CHEA Clothing’s mission is to offer a clothing line that is comfortable, stylish and easy to wear while allowing easy access. The line is designed to allow people with disabilities to live and be seen in a dignified way at home or in public.
CHEA is also an acronym, meaning “Creatively Heavenly Extraordinaire Attire,” which was created with Tilas in mind.
Joyce Fields is the founder and CEO of CHEA Clothing, LLC. She is the mother of three children. Her son Tilas passed away in 2008, but his legacy lives on through CHEA Clothing.
“Dressing a child with special needs can be difficult, but I love making clothes, and I love my boys,” Fields said.
Growing up, Fields’ passion for making clothes burned hotter and hotter. Fields attended the Cleveland Institute of Art, where she studied fashion and design.
While gaining experience in the fashion industry, Fields quickly noticed that children such as Tilas have a difficult time sourcing outfits.
“It is not many local clothiers who make clothes for those with disabilities,” Fields said.
The company’s products include a variety of items, such as shirts, trousers, skirts, blouses, dresses and outerwear. The clothing is made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester and spandex. The designs are both stylish and functional, and they are designed to accommodate a variety of disabilities.
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Additionally, some of the company’s products have openings that allow for easy access to feeding tubes or catheters. Other products have Velcro closures that make it easier for people with limited mobility to get dressed.
According to latest figures from Statista, the adaptive clothing market has witnessed significant growth in recent years and was valued at $300 billion in 2021. The global market outlook is projected to grow 16% by 2024. Additionally, research by Coresight Research indicates that the U.S. market is estimated to reach an impressive $54.8 billion by 2023.
The reach of adaptive clothing is indicative of CHEA Clothing’s extensive partnerships with various organizations, including Special Olympics, Make a Wish Foundation, Noble Indiana and Loving Care Nursing Agency.
CHEA Clothing took part in a fashion show in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in May. The event focused on raising awareness and donations for those with disabilities. Here, Fields got to put her brand and its cause on display for hundreds to witness.
“Just because they can’t physically walk the runway does not mean that they cannot tear up the runway,” Fields said.
The company is also planning to host an annual fashion show to showcase its products. The fashion show will be held in Indianapolis, and it will feature models with disabilities.
CHEA Clothing is a valuable resource for people with disabilities. The company’s products offer a way for people with disabilities to dress stylishly and comfortably while still allowing for easy access. The company fulfills its mission to help people with disabilities live and be seen in a dignified way.
Fields is passionate about helping people with disabilities. She believes that everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin, regardless of their physical abilities.
CHEA Clothing adaptive apparel is her way of giving back to the community and helping people with disabilities live their best lives. It is also a loving way to keep Tilas’ memory alive.
“Now, I have all of these Tilas’ running around in his clothes, and that brings me so much joy,” Fields said.
Contact multi-media staff writer Noral Parham III at (317)-762-7846 or via e-mail at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @NoralParham.
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