Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mckenna Haz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mckenna, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

We don’t buy plastic bottles—we wear them

ATHLEISURE
But make it sustainable
If you’re anything like us, looking good when you sweat isn’t enough—you want to do good, too. Whether you’re hitting the gym, hiking a mountain, or getting your daily dose of vitamin sea, we can help. Meet the athleisure wear that’s made from plastic bottles. Meet Seaav.

HERE’S THE PROBLEM
Over 52 million tonnes of polyester garments are produced every year. Because it’s made from non-renewable resources, virgin polyester is responsible for 40% of the fashion industry’s emissions.

THE SEAAV DIFFERENCE
We think virgin polyester is a beach.
We see a future for activewear without virgin polyester. A future that’s more responsible and sustainable. So, we make every Seaav garment with recycled polyester, which reduces emissions by 75%, water use by 90%, and energy use by 50%—and we’re always learning how we can do better.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

MEET THE FOUNDER Ocean lover and athlete
When you’re born and raised on an island, the ocean is your home. For our founder, Mckenna Haz, the ocean isn’t just her home—it’s been her mission since she was 12 years old when the Fukushima earthquake sent waves of waste from Japan to her local shorelines on the West Coast of Canada.

Years later, while majoring in Advertising & Integrated Communications and minoring in Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management, Mckenna married her mission to clean up the ocean with her athletic career as an NCAA rugby player to found Seaav from her dorm room.

Since then, Seaav has taken on a life of its own. As a proudly women-owned business, we’ve diverted over 300,000 plastic bottles from the ocean, we upcycle plastics into every garment, and we donate 1% of our profits to We The Reef. And for Mckenna? This is just the beginning.

How did you build your audience on social media?

At Seaav, we’ve strategically tailored our social media audience by aligning our brand ethos with the essence of a coastal lifestyle. Our focus on ‘activewear for coastal living’ resonates deeply with individuals who not only live by the ocean but also prioritize ocean conservation. One of our core missions is to make a tangible impact: with every Seaav purchase, we’re dedicated to removing one pound of ocean-bound waste. Moreover, we’re passionate about giving back, allocating 1% of our profits to support vital coral reef restoration efforts. Our brand doesn’t just represent quality activewear; it symbolizes a commitment to preserving our oceans and fostering a sustainable future.

My advice would be to build your social media following by selling a lifestyle, not just a product. Showcase your brand’s values, aspirations, and experiences through visually appealing content. Engage authentically with your audience, encourage user-generated content, and tell stories that highlight your brand’s unique values, like sustainability. Your brand isn’t just what you sell; it’s a lifestyle choice. By consistently showcasing this lifestyle on social media, you’ll attract and retain a community of engaged followers.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I attribute Seaav’s rapid market growth to our organic expansion, achieved through successful collaborations with well-known studio partners and instructors, coupled with commendable word-of-mouth promotion of our high-quality, sustainable activewear. The organic reposting and sharing of our products by customers play a pivotal role in building our brand online, exemplified by our recent sell-out success of our cut-out bra and cut-out boot cut styles within the first week of launch.

Customers not only appreciate that our products are crafted from recycled plastic bottles but also value our extended commitment to ocean conservation. Seaav actively nurtures a sense of community and purpose, providing a unique and special experience. To enhance this connection, we’ve recently introduced in-person events in New England, fostering a stronger bond within our community and offering individuals an opportunity to shop Seaav in real life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.seaav.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaavision/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seaavision/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seaav/

Image Credits
Ali Steele