Garmai Matthew (MBA’25, Chin’20)
Faces of Leeds Snapshot
Name: Garmai Matthew
Majors: Hybrid MBA, Chinese Language and Literature
Garmai Matthew (MBA’25, Chin’20) says people are often surprised by how deeply connected she is to the history of streetwear—not just as a consumer, but as a cultural archivist. Growing up studying the brands that shaped early-2000s streetwear inspired her startup, , a streetwear rental brand.
“They’re also surprised by how much of my entrepreneurial drive comes from my Liberian heritage—the creativity, the resourcefulness, the community‑centered mindset. It all shows up in how I build,” she said.
Matthew studied Mandarin as an undergraduate and traveled to China through a global seminar, visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. The experience deepened her passion for sustainable fashion.
“I studied up-and-coming designers at Hebei Normal University and learned the zero-waste method, where designers use every ounce of fabric in the design process. My first venture, Guwala da Nele, was inspired by that. In 2017, I won a New Venture Challenge grant to travel to Liberia and produce 50 garments with local tailors using the zero-waste method.”
Leeds caught up with Matthew to learn more about her journey since graduating in 2025.
How have you continued to evolve The Swap since earning your MBA, and what’s been the most exciting shift so far?
The biggest evolution has been transforming The Swap from a local streetwear rental concept into a regionally curated, culture‑driven platform. We introduced regional boxes—West Coast Cool, Mile High Hype, and Custom Coast‑2‑Coast—designed to reflect the energy, history and style codes of the communities that shaped streetwear.
We’ve also expanded our network by building relationships with heritage streetwear brands like Baby Phat, FUBU and Karl Kani. Bringing their legacy pieces into a modern rental ecosystem allows us to bridge nostalgia with sustainability and give a new generation access to iconic fashion moments.
Another milestone has been developing Swap‑branded merch with new colorways and a refreshed logo. For the first time, our community can wear the brand beyond the rental experience, and the response has been incredible.
Looking back, what’s one lesson or experience from Leeds that still shapes how you think or work today?
Leeds taught me the power of designing with intention, mentorship and purpose. As the only African American woman in my cohort, and the first Black woman to graduate from the Hybrid MBA program at Leeds, I had to step into my calling and bring something to market that the fashion industry needed and the streetwear culture yearned for.
I am also a newly minted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the first African American sorority, founded in 1908 (photo below). I take pride in being the first: pioneering streetwear in a clothing rental model and trailblazing a path for Black women at Leeds who want to elevate their business acumen.
Whether I was building a business model, analyzing a case or presenting a strategy, Leeds pushed me to ask: What problem am I solving, and who am I solving it for? That mindset is embedded in The Swap. Every box, every partnership, every drop is rooted in understanding culture, community and behavior, not just trends.
Enduring Lessons
Garmai Matthew says her Leeds experience continues to guide her vision for The Swap in three ways:
- Strategic thinking. I learned how to build systems, not just products.
- Sustainability frameworks. Leeds reinforced that circularity isn’t a trend; it’s the future.
- Leadership development. The program taught me how to lead with clarity, empathy and data.
What are you excited to build or explore next, and how does your Leeds experience continue to play a role?
I’m excited to scale The Swap into a national streetwear rental ecosystem that champions underrepresented designers, preserves cultural archives, and redefines how people access fashion. Next, we’re expanding our regional boxes, deepening partnerships with vintage and emerging designers, and building a scalable operational model supported by the right investors.
From a mentorship perspective, I founded the Black Women’s Alliance (BWA) at 鶹ѰBoulder in 2016 and continue to be involved as graduate chair. This past spring we held several successful events, including a panel that featured African American women leaders from the Denver business community. BWA was a vital support network throughout my undergraduate and graduate experience, helping foster mentorship, professional development and entrepreneurship to help young women in Leeds thrive. This year marks 10 years of its impact.