Looking back nothing could have prepared me for these past few months. Driving through fires to drop my daughter off at college, watching the debates and gearing up for the upcoming election, and teaching a leadership class at UC Berkeley. It’s been interesting to listen to my daughter talking to her professors on Zoom and then logging on and teaching my own course. My students, however, are working adults doing a Masters program in business, or a certification in Leadership. They are a very diverse and very, very interesting group. Most of them work in technology coming from Apple, Slack, Autodesk, Adobe, Dell and so on. Others are leading teams in nonprofits. One of my students logs in from Isreal. Global sensitivity is the main theme of many of our conversations. The three hours I spend with my class each week has been the most meaningful time for me since Covid-19 lock-down began. It is intellectually stimulating and uses my most important talents in leadership.
Recently, I was asked to speak about my own brand, Ocean SF at Oregon State University where the School of Business has an apparel, merchandising, and design concentration within their undergraduate program. I will be speaking to the honors class on Design Thinking – Driving Innovation. Needless to say, I can’t wait as this is such an incredible full circle moment for me.
We are bringing back some of the winners from last year including the very thick and warm 100% Merino Wool hoodie. If you are social distancing outdoors this winter this is the perfect purchase. Originally made for sailing this is an anywhere garment. My fabric is custom milled making it perfect for outdoor sports like sailing, hiking, skiing or cycling because it wicks moisture and continues to keep you warm even if it gets wet. It is also anti-bacterial meaning it will not smell even if you sweat. What’s not to love?
These 100% Merino jackets and hoodies are great for spending time at the fire pit or doing the back yard social distancing required to stay healthy through the upcoming flu season.
I’ve just finished my women’s prototypes for the velour track and wide leg jogger pants. They are incredibly comfortable and stylish. There are three styles in pants and shorts for both men and women. I also finished my two new Bamboo tops. They are so comfortable and light weight an excellent layering piece to be worn under the wool. These long sleeve options have a wonderful soft smooth finish and are slightly stretchy. This is a wonderful innovative fabric that you will love. I used bamboo because it is the most environmentally sustainable fabric in the world right now. Bamboo grows quickly while putting oxygen in our atmosphere and it is also easy on water during production unlike some fabrics that use a great deal of water to produce. These new styles will be available in early January or sooner. And, they are ridiculously comfortable. Please feel free to leave me a comment or send me a message to learn more.
Don’t forget to vote.
Love and blessings to all.
Sydney 