FOUNDERS: ED + BRIAN
CAPTAIN + FIRST MATE
I grew up on the beach and surfed my entire childhood. I learned how to snowboard and followed the snow year round. I moved to the Big Island of Hawaii to recharge and live a relaxed lifestyle to pursue my favorite childhood experience of surfing. I was amazed by all the beautiful people and the environment surrounding me. I surfed remote places with no buildings in sight and only flora and fauna along with mountains creating a magnificent landscape. The water is blue, the fish are big, the flowers are vibrant and the people make me want to stay here forever.
Brian grew up on the beach and sailed his entire life. He snowboards during the sailing off-season. Brian graduated with a degree in graphic design and has worked in many cities across the USA. He is the captain of his 30 foot Catalina sailboat appropriately named Organik.
Fast forward to summer 2007, my cousin Brian and I went on a family vacation to Cape Cod, MA. On a long drive, I mentioned to Brian that I had a vision with the name Organik and wanted to create biodegradable surf wax, but he rejected the idea. I ran another idea about stylish clothes with original art instead of a bunch of logos while focusing on organic and sustainable materials. Since Brian is a formally trained graphic designer, he was on board and created our logo.
We had a blast spending time with our families, but couldn’t wait to get to work on our new company. We test marketed the first series of designs at a local surf shop in Kona and developed an instant following. We exhibited our first collection at POOL Tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV and gained tremendous interest. We lucked out with Fred Segal and Whole Foods as our earlier accounts.
It has been an action-packed few years with designing, exhibiting at tradeshows near and abroad, traveling and meeting great people. We are very thankful and appreciate all the the support our passion. We’ve made a lot of life long friends along the way. You have a special place in our hearts.
Mahalo,
ed
