The Chappy Happy company is owned by Hilarie and Scott DeNoon of New York. The company began in 2013 inspired by two things: Chappaquiddick and Hilarie’s father.
Before we really get into what the company is, let’s rewind a few years to learn how it got its start. On January 24, 2013, Hilarie’s father passed suddenly and it rocked her world. “I was neither prepared, nor ready to live life without him” said Hilarie. With this sudden change, her mind was filled with the grief that her children would not be able to truly know their wonderful grandfather. The grief began to take over and the “once ambitious and motivated go-getter” of a woman became withdrawn. With the support of Scott, Hilarie began her venture to be happy once more. She began to reminisce of happy moments. While relishing these treasured memories, Hilarie found one that would forever change their course.
The memory led her to Martha’s Vineyard, where her parents lived, and to a quirky tag line of her father. “Every summer, my Dad would call to say he could not wait for their friends to come to Chappaquiddick(the small island on the eastern end of Martha’s Vineyard) to have a lobster dinner.” Since lobster was something they rarely treated themselves to, Hilarie’s father would exclaim, “I’ve waited all summer to get happy on Chappy!”
It was with this memory that Chappy Happy was born.
When trying to create a slogan for Chappy Happy, Hilarie spent days trying to create something short, clever and encouraging. She wondered how could she honor her father with this. After hours of brainstorming, the DeNoon’s daughter looked at Hilarie and said, “Chappy Happy. Let life smile. That’s it. Let life smile.” In that moment, Hilarie knew that her daughter’s idea was perfect. Chappy Happy…Let Life Smile.
Chappy Happy is “working to start a lifestyle brand focused on that special feeling you get when you see water, walk the beach, ski, climb a mountain, enjoy dinner with friends and family, belly laughs with your children” or whatever that moment is for all of you!
Currently, the store offers a variety of products including…
Bracelets
The Chloe Grace
Hats & Beanies
Chappy Happy Whale Tail Hat - Navy
Our Pom Hat
Shirts
Chappy Happy Camper T-Shirt
Kid's "Crabby" T-Shirt
Tote Bags
Chappy Happy School Tote
But, wait a minute! Chappy Happy does more than sell awesome apparel. They help spread happiness by giving portions of their proceeds to different organizations! This year, they will be teaming with Camp TLC (Together Living A Challenge), “a Camp TLC is a free camp experience that connects children who have experienced medical or life trauma by offering unique ways of coping through recreational and performing arts based activities, developing necessary skills and building self-esteem as a means to overcome challenges”
When asked about the next five years, the DeNoons would like to have 1-3 store fronts beginning on Martha’s Vineyard, where it all began and then hopefully have locations open along the cape and into the coastal areas. They would also like to expand their product line to necklaces (which is in the works), towels, water bottles, etc... While the small family business wants to grow, they also want to pay it forward on a grander scale by helping others any way that they can.
Just like their daughter said, the DeNoons goal is to encourage others and to “Let life smile!”
So, head over to Chappy Happy!
All images are property of Chappy Happy, LLC.
