When most people think about the children of celebrities, they picture red carpets, social media fame, and glamorous careers in entertainment. But Matthew Garrison Chapman, the son of Grammy-winning singer Amy Grant and musician Gary Chapman, had something very different in mind.
Instead of chasing the spotlight, Matthew carved his own path in an unexpected industry—hemp and CBD. Today, he’s known not for making records, but for making waves as an entrepreneur in Tennessee’s fast-growing cannabis sector. His story is a refreshing reminder that not all celebrity kids live life under the flashing lights.
Let’s dive into Matthew’s journey—from growing up surrounded by Christian music legends to co-founding LabCanna, Tennessee’s pioneering hemp company.
Early Life: Growing Up in a Musical Dynasty
Matthew Garrison Chapman was born on September 25, 1987, in Nashville, Tennessee—a city where music is as much a part of life as food and water. With Amy Grant as his mom and Gary Chapman as his dad, his childhood was anything but ordinary.
Music wasn’t just background noise in his house—it was the family business. Matthew grew up watching his parents transform their passion into careers, giving him a front-row seat to the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship.
He even jokes about learning to walk on a tour bus, which perfectly sums up just how unconventional his childhood was. Instead of typical suburban routines, his life was filled with concerts, rehearsals, and creative energy.
But life wasn’t always glamorous. At just 12 years old, Matthew experienced his parents’ very public divorce after 17 years of marriage. Going through that at such a young age wasn’t easy, but it taught him resilience, adaptability, and—most importantly—the value of privacy.
A Blended Family with Its Challenges
Things became more complex in 2000 when Amy Grant remarried country superstar Vince Gill. Suddenly, Matthew and his sisters—Gloria Mills and Sarah Cannon—were part of a blended family.
If you’ve ever seen the wedding photos, you’ll notice the kids weren’t exactly thrilled at first. Amy herself has joked about her “grim-faced children” standing beside her in those pictures. But with time, things shifted.
The birth of Corrina Grant Gill in 2001 became a turning point. Vince Gill affectionately called her “the glue of this whole family,” and he was right. Corrina helped bridge the gap, giving Matthew and his siblings a new perspective on family unity.
Being the only son in the mix gave Matthew a unique role—one that required navigating complex relationships and staying true to himself. These early lessons in communication and adaptability would later serve him well as a businessman and leader.
Education and Personal Growth
Matthew doesn’t share much about his formal education, and honestly, he didn’t need to. His real schooling came from living in a family where passion and business blended seamlessly.
He once told The Tennessean that traditional jobs felt “like prison” compared to the entrepreneurial spirit he grew up around. Watching his parents build careers from scratch made him realize he didn’t want to follow a conventional path.
Instead, he developed a mindset of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. That’s exactly the kind of thinking that pushed him toward emerging industries like hemp and CBD.
LabCanna: A Bold Move into Hemp
In 2016, at just 29 years old, Matthew co-founded LabCanna, a company that would put him at the forefront of Tennessee’s hemp industry. This wasn’t a half-hearted side project—it was a groundbreaking move that required vision, grit, and plenty of risk-taking.
LabCanna quickly made history by securing Tennessee’s first hemp processing license. That wasn’t easy. It required navigating complicated regulations, proving technical expertise, and convincing officials that hemp processing was both safe and beneficial.
Matthew took on the dual role of president and chief technology officer, meaning he was deeply involved in everything from strategy to operations. His business partner? None other than his brother-in-law, Derek Besenius (married to Matthew’s sister Sarah), making LabCanna a true family affair.
The support didn’t stop there. Amy Grant even offered greenhouse space on her farm for the company’s first hemp crop, while Gary Chapman got involved as community outreach director. It wasn’t just a business—it became a family mission.
Staying True to Music
While Matthew built his business empire, he didn’t completely abandon his musical roots. He still writes Christian music, keeping that creative thread alive.
For him, music isn’t about chasing fame—it’s about staying connected to his heritage. The same creativity that fuels his songwriting also drives his business problem-solving. Both require imagination, persistence, and the ability to connect with people.
Choosing Privacy Over Publicity
Unlike many celebrity children, Matthew has deliberately avoided the spotlight. You won’t find him flaunting a lifestyle on Instagram or chasing media attention. His minimal social media presence is intentional—it’s his way of protecting his personal life while focusing on his work.
At 36, Matthew remains unmarried and keeps his romantic life entirely private. In a world where oversharing is the norm, his ability to draw boundaries is refreshing.
Also Read : Who Is Ilya Sapritsky? The Untold Story Behind the Headlines
Hobbies and Personal Interests
When Matthew isn’t managing LabCanna, you’ll likely find him outdoors. He loves camping, which gives him a chance to disconnect from work and reconnect with nature.
He also spends a lot of time in his workshop, repairing, designing, and building projects. Whether it’s fabricating or automating, he enjoys working with his hands—a hobby that reflects the same innovative spirit he brings to his company.
These interests aren’t just hobbies; they’re part of what keeps him grounded. Balancing outdoor adventures with hands-on creativity allows him to recharge and stay inspired.
Lessons from Matthew’s Journey
Matthew’s story is more than just a biography—it’s full of lessons for anyone trying to find their path in life:
-
Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. You don’t have to follow family footsteps to honor your roots.
-
Privacy is power. Not every part of your life needs to be shared with the world.
-
Take risks early. Jumping into the hemp industry when it was still new gave Matthew a huge advantage.
-
Family support matters. Even the strongest entrepreneurs benefit from encouragement and backing from loved ones.
Future Prospects and Legacy
The hemp and CBD industry is growing at lightning speed, and LabCanna is well-positioned to thrive as demand continues to rise. With his early start, Matthew holds a significant edge over newcomers in the market.
But his legacy goes beyond business. Matthew Garrison Chapman is proof that you can honor your family’s history while forging your own path. By blending creativity, entrepreneurship, and discretion, he’s created a life that’s authentic, balanced, and impactful.
His journey—from growing up on tour buses to running a hemp company—shows that success isn’t about fitting into expectations. It’s about carving your own lane and staying true to your values along the way.
Final Thoughts
Not every celebrity child dreams of fame, and Matthew Garrison Chapman is living proof of that. Instead of chasing spotlights, he built a business empire in Tennessee’s hemp industry—something that reflects his innovative spirit, resilience, and independence.
By embracing privacy, honoring his musical roots, and leading LabCanna to success, Matthew has redefined what it means to grow up in a famous family. His story is inspiring for anyone who wants to break free from expectations and create their own version of success.
