Founder of the clothing brand OCEAN REBEL, Angela spoke with us on what started everything, the lessons she has learned, and more. As she brings to you simple and elegant pieces, there is much more to the brand than selling quality clothes. You see, every purchase helps supply a source of clean drinking water and/or sanitation system to those in need around the world. So, when you purchase a piece from Ocean Rebel, you can look good and feel good as you partake in giving back to our beautiful planet!
When did you realize you wanted to enter the world of fashion?
It started with watersports, I am obsessed with the ocean, boats, wakeboarding, and all other watersport-related activities. The fashion that stereotypically revolves around beach/ocean lovers is “boho” style ( ripped t-shirts, huge prints of fish or boats, lots of hemp, etc.). The boho style was not my preference; thus my search for clean-cut modern apparel inspired by the ocean began. My search failed, therefore I began to create my own designs. In addition, I had many jobs growing up, one of which exposed me to the world of fashion, this is where I developed a love for men’s fashion.
Do you remember the exact moment you decided to create Ocean rebel? If so, can you please describe to has that moment?
At a young age, I loved to go to work with my parents and began to love the idea of work. I noticed the amount of passion and drive my father has for his company and always admired it. Around 13 years old I realized if I am not doing something I have a passion for, Ill be working for someone else whos chasing their passion; that’s when I decided I need to do something that can secure a future career in what I love. An idea came to mind to combine my love for watersports and the ocean with the lack of clean modern clothing inspired by the sea – that’s when I decided to begin Ocean Rebel.
What is the true meaning behind the brand. What impact does it have other than bringing tasteful fashion to the table?
An Ocean Rebel truly means someone who finds any opportunity to go to the ocean. Someone who defies the rules of watersports ( ex: surf in an unknown location, boats in undiscovered waters). As the brand grew many individuals see the word “rebel” as someone who is chaotic and reckless, however, this is not at all what we stand for. We began a +Rebel branch of Ocean Rebel meaning positive rebel. A rebel who goes against mediocrity to help others in any way they can. We do not define a “rebel” as a person causing problems, our definition is of a person who breaks common rules, and thinks outside of the box to launch new ideas and help others in ways many people have not thought of.
We hope to impact the world by providing clean water and sanitation to those in need. Ocean Rebel is not only a fashion brand but a company that truly hopes to impact as many lives as possible by providing the essentials for life.
Share with us the creative process behind it. What inspired you? Was there someone (or different people) who helped you on this journey?
The creative process always begins with a strong inspiration that is interwoven with characteristics of the ocean. I believe everyone I meet helps me through this journey and continues to do so if they were harsh they made me stronger, and if they were kind-hearted they propelled me forward. I don’t believe it ever takes one person’s effort to travel through a journey, I believe every individual has an impact whether it sparks an idea or creates thick-skin. To be more specific, most definitely Jesus, my parents, immediate family, and a very special friend of mine whom I see as family helped incredibly much; they are a blessing for sure and my main support group.
What kind of obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
Many obstacles arose such as; Words of discouragement and failure, being a female in male fashion, being a female in the boating/watersports industry, stereotypical thoughts, and assumptions of the fashion industry, cultural and traditional expectations, belittling of my capabilities due to age and gender. To be honest, the obstacles never stop, they change shape and form but they are always there. To overcome many of these challenges my support group is constantly encouraging me to break the ceiling and stay focused. Above all, I stay focused on Christ, with him all things are possible.
Tell us more about what the brand means to you, personally.
It means freedom. The freedom to help others, meanwhile expressing and sharing my passion for the ocean, watersports, and fashion.
To future entrepreneurs, what advice would you give them?
If you are not obsessed about it, don’t do it; compensation is not always there in monetary form, but if you love what you’re doing, your compensation is in the freedom of thought, and the freedom of expressing yourself, then monetary compensation will naturally come and be a “bonus” to what you already love.
Share with us something a person has told you that stuck with you your whole life. Why does it have a strong meaning?
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:25 – Every business has Ups and Downs, sometimes the “up” parts can feel like you are on top of the world, meanwhile the “down” parts can feel overwhelming and suffocating. This verse is very strong as God promises and reassures that in any situation he will provide for your needs, even the birds are taken care of, for sure we will be too.
Ocean Rebel X Mena Massoud CapsuleGrowing up, what role did fashion play in your life?
I always prioritized functional fashion over style. I appreciated clothes that helped me throughout my day such as jackets with sleek pockets, shoes with optimal grip in the wet season, sweaters that truly keep you warm and not just look warm. However, growing up I was not a huge fan of fashion as a majority of functional clothing was not necessarily pleasing to the eye, for that reason I specifically make an effort to create functional trendy clothing.
In the last year, what are some things you learned about yourself?
– To have confidence that opportunity can exist from anywhere at any time from anyone.
– Learned that truly anything is possible.
– Every “loss” is actually a win, you just need to change your perception. Once you do, you’ll notice you’re always winning.
What comes next for Ocean Rebel?
Ocean Rebel has strong potential in fashion, and the watersports industry with new ideas constantly brewing. What’s next is best kept as a surprise 😉
@BELLOmag
Interviewee Angela F @oceanrebel
Interview by Alexandra Bonnet @alexbonnetwrites
