My daughter Paris in Ocean SFI was sitting on a sailboat, in the middle of the Bay, just off of Alcatraz, waiting for our race to start when my daughter text messaged me that the FedEx package containing my first prototype had arrived. It was June of 2016. At 11:11 a.m., at the exact moment the gun went off to start the race, she sent me back a photo of her wearing the jacket.
June 2016, AlcatrazIn entrepreneurial circles there is much talk of interrupting certain industries, or changing the world. I simply want to make technical adventure clothing that aligns with my sustainable point of view of beautifully designed clothing made of natural fibers like; Merino wool, linen, silk, cotton, and cashmere blends.
I had arrived in LA with a bolt of orange Merino wool fabric and a poster sized drawing. Later, I created seams on my prototypes with dental floss and pins. I redesigned the jacket several times, and the sleeves alone several times, adding zippers and then a hidden waterproof pocket to the neckline. Nothing, had ever been more enjoyable and fun for me.
I brainstormed dozens of names until Ocean SF arrived from the ether. It held a certain je ne sais quoi and my friends Craig and Denise agreed. Craig is a retail professional so I trusted his judgement and the three of had a toast to the name. We were together in a Truckee with the kids. It was a night I will never forget.
From the very beginning the brand had its own personality, and everyone I talked to loved it immediately. Ocean SF had a magic since inception that made it easy to get people to join us and contribute their unique talents to our efforts.
Often, I tell people to find the thing they love the most in life and do that. If you do this, and you surround yourself with people who share your vision, you can achieve almost anything.
Water your seeds with hard work and determination and they will eventually bloom. And, you might just interrupt an industry, or save the world. Maybe both.
Love and blessings to all.
Sydney 