[5] Chappell became the vice president of Tom's of Maine, starting the business jointly with her husband after they developed a saccharine-free, natural toothpaste for their children.
Her teacher, professional book artist and USM faculty member Rebecca Goodale, was chosen to be the program coordinator.
The clothing is made from American-raised Rambouillet sheep wool, silk thread, and vegetable dyes, and spinning, weaving, and knitting is done in East coast states to keep the sourcing local and sustainable.
It is presented to "outstanding women who have achieved high distinction in their careers and public service or whose leadership in civic, cultural or social causes has been exceptional".
[9] Chappell's artwork has been acquired and exhibited by a number of institutions, including the New York Public Library, the Portland Museum of Art,[10] and the New Britain Museum of American Art, where her piece "Explosion of Amphibian Deformities" was selected by Director Douglas Hyland for inclusion in the "Director’s Favorites: 1999–2015" showing.