Building a Sustainable Swimwear Brand Steph’s Journey with OceanZen

Meet Steph, the passionate founder of OceanZen, a swimwear brand that is dedicated to sustainability. The brand, based in Australia, is on a mission to protect the oceans by using innovative materials like recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets to craft beautiful, eco-friendly swimwear.

OceanZen is not just a brand—it’s a community. A global network of women who care about the ocean and want to make a positive impact. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun on the beach, the OceanZen girl is always connected to the sea.

Steph’s journey into the world of swimwear design wasn’t planned. With a degree in Environmental Science and a passion for marine conservation, she combined her love for the ocean with a desire to offer sustainable products to conscious consumers. Starting with just $5,000 in her final year of university, Steph launched OceanZen with a small batch of swimwear, which has since grown into a thriving business that ships worldwide.

From Traveler to Founder – How OceanZen Began

Steph’s story begins in 2009 when she set off on a solo journey with a one-way ticket overseas. Little did she know, that journey would take her to over 50 countries and eventually lead to the creation of OceanZen.

It was during her time working with wild stingrays on the Cayman Islands that Steph truly understood the devastating effects of human activity on marine life. She saw firsthand how plastic pollution was harming the oceans and its creatures. This experience sparked a desire to make a difference and led her to launch a sustainable swimwear brand.

OceanZen was born from a mix of personal passion and professional experience. For Steph, this wasn’t just a business—it was her purpose. She wanted to create something meaningful that aligned with her values. And so, with a leap of faith, she got started. Despite juggling full-time studies and two jobs, Steph pushed forward with her dream.

Designing with Purpose – Ethical Manufacturing and Unique Designs

One of the pillars of OceanZen is its commitment to ethical manufacturing. Having traveled extensively, Steph had witnessed the stark contrasts between the rich and the poor. She was determined to support artisans in developing countries, which led her to Bali. There, she found a local seamstress to produce her swimwear with a strong focus on ethical standards.

The design process for OceanZen is a labor of love. Steph carefully selects styles, colors, and prints that resonate with her vision. As someone without a fashion design background, she relies on a freelance designer to bring her concepts to life. But it wasn’t always easy. In the beginning, the sampling process was time-consuming and frustrating, with multiple rounds needed to get each style just right. Now, with a stronger team, the process has become more efficient, although it’s still not without its challenges.

Each OceanZen piece is designed in-house, making every collection unique. These aren’t mass-produced items you’d find in the mall—each piece is exclusive to OceanZen, offering customers something truly special.

Launching the Brand – Overcoming the Challenges

With only $5,000 in her pocket, Steph launched OceanZen using Big Cartel to create her website and Instagram to build an organic following. She started small, engaging with influencers and showcasing her love for the ocean through her brand’s visual identity.

However, as OceanZen grew, Steph faced a challenge. Big Cartel was no longer able to support the growing business, so she transitioned to WooCommerce—a platform that required more technical knowledge. While she eventually hopes to move to Shopify, time and budget constraints have delayed the switch.

The initial launch of OceanZen included a casual party at Steph’s home, where she personally modeled the swimwear in a makeshift catwalk show. The first few sales came in that night, but the road to growth wasn’t smooth. Without a clear marketing strategy and with no budget to spend, the brand struggled to gain traction.

It wasn’t until Steph understood the value of email marketing and built a solid newsletter list that she started to see results. With Instagram’s ever-changing algorithms, email marketing became an essential tool to connect with her customers directly.

OceanZen’s journey is a true example of the power of Direct-to-consumer eCommerce. Through a blend of sustainable production, creative marketing, and staying true to her mission, Steph has created a brand that not only promotes eco-friendly swimwear but also a lifestyle rooted in ocean conservation.

OceanZen – Growing a Sustainable Swimwear Brand with Purpose and Passion

Since launching OceanZen, the brand has continued to thrive by staying true to its mission of sustainability and ocean conservation. One of the key reasons for its success is the authentic story behind the brand. From media features to radio station interviews, OceanZen has garnered significant attention and press coverage. Notable appearances include features in Collective Hub, Daily Mail, and Huffington Post. These media moments have allowed OceanZen to gain valuable free advertising, providing natural exposure to a global audience.

But it’s not just about organic PR. Steph, the founder, has learned the importance of strategic marketing over the years. She now emphasizes the value of Facebook advertising and email marketing. Building a strong newsletter list has been crucial in staying connected with OceanZen’s customers, offering fresh content every few weeks. Steph’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple: grow your email list, engage with your community, and don’t underestimate the power of Facebook ads.

In addition to these efforts, Steph has launched an ebook designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of creating their own fashion label, from design to launch. The book provides invaluable insights into manufacturing, marketing, and running a successful business.

The Road Ahead – What’s Next for OceanZen?

As OceanZen continues to grow, Steph is looking towards the future. The brand has reached a point where it’s ready for the next big leap—investment. Building a self-funded business has been an incredible achievement, but to take OceanZen to the next level, external investment could help propel the brand even further.

Steph has also learned many valuable lessons during her entrepreneurial journey. One of her biggest takeaways is the importance of social media marketing. In the beginning, Steph was focused on organic marketing, believing it would be enough. However, she quickly realized that investing in paid advertising would have sped up the growth process and brought more visibility to OceanZen.

Additionally, Steph learned the importance of clear contracts in business partnerships. Having strong agreements in place is essential for avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring that all parties are on the same page. These lessons have been pivotal in shaping the future of the brand.

The Tools and Resources Behind OceanZen’s Success

To run her business, Steph relies on a variety of tools to streamline processes and stay organized. Although she’s eager to transition to Shopify, she currently uses WooCommerce to manage her store. For email marketing, she uses MailChimp to store customer information and create engaging newsletters. When it comes to creating eye-catching graphics, Canva is her go-to tool, offering professional results with minimal design experience.

Steph’s entrepreneurial journey is also shaped by the resources she consumes. Books like Peta Kelly’s “Earth is Hiring” and Lisa Messenger’s “Money and Mindfulness” have had a significant impact. Peta Kelly’s book is particularly resonant for entrepreneurs looking to change the world, while Lisa Messenger’s work helps Steph better manage her business finances. Podcasts by Tony Robbins and Melissa Ambrosini have also been influential, providing valuable insights on both business and spirituality.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Steph’s advice to anyone starting a business is simple: start now and follow your passion. “If you’re living your truth, you will push through the tough times,” she says. For Steph, ocean conservation is her purpose, and that passion has been the driving force behind OceanZen’s growth.

Starting a business may come with its challenges, but as long as you stay connected to your purpose, you will be able to overcome obstacles. Steph’s journey is proof that when your passion aligns with your business, success is within reach.