How Ocean SF Became a Leadership Incubator

In 2021, when I was struggling the most to get my company Ocean SF off the ground, my daughter Paris who was the Ocean SF summer intern project manager that summer suggested I make it a non-profit because it certainly was NOT profitable. I was personally funding Ocean SF and trying to sell clothes in the middle of a pandemic. She suggested turning Ocean SF into a leadership incubator because that’s the part of running Ocean SF that I love the most: turning people into great leaders.

Luckily, we are not a nonprofit and have grown more and more profitable over time, but working with my interns is one of my favorite things. I love getting to watch them pull the levers and drive new business. Yes, social media looks easy, but it’s not. It takes creativity, careful planning, skill, and hard work—Ditto for creating new products, running a website, inventory control, and managing countless pop-ups. Running a clothing company like Ocean SF can look glamorous, but it is anything but. It has been one of my greatest challenges. 

Since 2021, Ocean SF has become more than a lifestyle clothing brand — it’s a leadership incubator that fosters creativity, resilience, and purpose-driven action. With a foundation rooted in sustainability and community impact, Ocean SF inspires individuals to lead with intention in their professional and personal lives. By exemplifying values like innovation, environmental stewardship, and ethical business practices, the brand creates a unique ecosystem where emerging leaders can learn how to align their actions with a greater vision. Each product and initiative reflects a commitment to leadership that blends style, functionality, and responsibility, empowering customers to make meaningful choices in their own lives.

The Ocean SF leadership incubator focuses on cultivating essential skills like adaptability, collaboration, and vision. Through workshops, events, and mentorship opportunities, the brand connects individuals who share a passion for environmental awareness and positive change. Participants not only learn how to lead but also how to inspire others to embrace sustainable practices and forward-thinking solutions. By fostering a culture of growth and shared responsibility, Ocean SF positions itself as a platform where leaders can thrive while addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

At its core, Ocean SF is a movement that encourages individuals to lead by example. Whether through the garments they wear or the initiatives they support, the brand reminds its community that leadership starts with small, intentional actions. By creating opportunities for learning and collaboration, Ocean SF embodies the belief that leadership isn’t confined to boardrooms; it’s present in everyday choices and their impact on the world. In doing so, Ocean SF, besides producing high-quality, ethical clothing, nurtures a community of empowered leaders ready to drive change.

The Ocean SF journey proves that when we start on a course of action, especially one where we follow our hearts, we never know where we will end up. I feel blessed to have work that I love where I can provide real impact every day.

Thank you to all who have supported me along the way.

Love and blessings to all.

P.S. Shop Ocean SF 20% off sale using code: LOVE2025 and follow us on Instagram (click here).