Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Chaney-thomas

Hi Sydney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I started sailing in 2015, and San Francisco Bay can be very cool even in summer, so when I would get wet while sailing, I would be terribly cold. I did some research and could only find polyester sailing apparel. I wanted wool to keep me warm even if I got wet. When I couldn’t find a product that suited my needs, I decided to make my own and hired a pattern maker, and bought a sample of wool from Global Merino. The only color I could buy was orange! Since orange is the official safety color of the US Navy, I chose it. The sample was a deep, beautiful orange, more like the color Hermes uses in their packaging. It also pairs well with navy blue. My pattern maker had formerly been at Gucci and was working freelance in L.A. She did a beautiful job, and everyone wanted one as soon as I wore it. That was the beginning.

From there, I milled my own fabric, which is tightly woven on the outside and soft with loft for warmth on the inside. The wool is from New Zealand, and its very long fibers make it very luxurious, like cashmere. Global Merino makes the most beautiful fabrics, and this one washes incredibly well.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The beginning was challenging because my husband died suddenly shortly after the prototype was delivered. Now, I had two daughters to raise by myself. My husband did believe in the brand and thought it was a great idea. I had many practical concerns and had to work several jobs to stay afloat. I taught classes at UC Berkley, worked as a caterer, organized closets, and so on. But I never gave up. During the Covid-19 lockdown, I put my college daughters to work. We started making 100% cotton sweatshirts and the brand grew when other brands were closing their doors. I had seven interns one summer who really kept me inspired because of their belief in our mission of sustainable apparel. My intern, Zoe Rossiter, joined the brand in 2023 and will be working with me again this summer.

Without my daughters and my interns to cheer me on, I don’t know if I would be here today, but regardless, we have always had a never-give-up philosophy that I hope will inspire other entrepreneurs to never give up on their dreams.

We’ve been impressed with Ocean SF, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Ocean SF is a San Francisco-based sailing apparel company. Our mission is to make sustainable clothing from natural or recycled materials and promote wearing your values by buying things made with care for the environment that are also made to last.

What matters most to you?

We need to think about the future for our children and grandchildren. Therefore, shopping with environmental concerns top of mind is a major priority. Ocean SF solves part of this problem, but it’s my most heart felt belief that we can make the changes that will contribute to healing our planet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oceansf.co
• Instagram: oceansf.co
• Facebook: Ocean SF