We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ivan Ospina. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ivan below.

Ivan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for my custom shinguard business was born on the sidelines of a youth soccer games. I was watching the other team mates play, and I noticed how many kids struggled with uncomfortable, ill-fitting shinguards that either slid around or didn’t reflect their personality at all. As someone who grew up playing the game myself, I remembered how frustrating that could be — not just physically, but also emotionally, when you wanted to feel proud and confident in your gear. That’s when it clicked: what if players could wear protective gear that not only fit well but also showcased their identity? I started sketching ideas that combined form, function, and flair — fully customizable shinguards designed for comfort and self-expression. I knew it was a worthwhile endeavor because nothing like it existed in the market at scale, and I saw genuine excitement from players, parents, and coaches when I shared the concept. It wasn’t just about solving a problem — it was about giving players a way to feel seen and inspired every time they stepped onto the field.

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.

My name is Ivan Ospina, and I’m the founder of Rhino Sports Gear, konwn as RSG a brand dedicated to creating custom, high-quality shinguards that merge performance with personal identity. My journey into this space started with a lifelong love for soccer — first as a player, and eventually as a designer driven to improve the athlete experience. Over time, I realized that while uniforms and cleats had evolved, shinguards remained largely overlooked — generic, uncomfortable, and impersonal. That gap inspired me to launch a brand that puts athletes at the center, offering them gear that not only protects but also reflects who they are.

At RSG, we specialize in custom-designed shinguards tailored to each individual — from youth players to professionals all over the World. Our products are lightweight, durable, and fully customizable with names, numbers, flags, artwork, or anything the player wants to represent. Beyond the aesthetic, we focus on fit and function, ensuring each pair is made for comfort and performance and unique love. We’re solving the problem of one-size-fits-all gear by giving players something built for them — gear that actually stays in place, doesn’t cause irritation, and gives them a psychological boost every time they put it on.

What sets us apart is our attention to both the technical and emotional needs of players. We’re not just making shinguards — we’re creating confidence, pride, and individuality on the pitch. I’m most proud of the reactions we get from our customers — young players lighting up when they see their designs, or pros messaging us to say they’ve never had gear that fit this well.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients and supporters to know, it’s that RSG is about more than just sports equipment. It’s about giving athletes a voice through their gear, and making sure they step onto the field feeling seen, supported by their friend and family thru the designs provided, and ready to perform at their best.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Keeping in touch with our clients and building long-term loyalty is a core part of our brand philosophy at RSG. We don’t see a purchase as the end of a transaction — it’s the beginning of a relationship. We stay connected with our customers through personalized follow-ups, social media engagement, and email updates that not only showcase new designs and product launches, but also spotlight our customers and their stories. Whether it’s a youth player’s first goal or a pro’s standout performance, we love celebrating those moments with them.

We also prioritize direct communication — we respond quickly to questions or concerns, and we involve our community in the creative process by encouraging them to share ideas, feedback, and photos of their gear in action. Our custom design process is highly interactive, and that creates a sense of ownership and pride in the final product.

To foster loyalty, we offer exclusive designs, early access to new product drops, and a referral program to reward those who spread the word about our brand. Most importantly, we listen. Our clients know we genuinely care about their experience, and that trust is what keeps them coming back. We’re proud to have many repeat customers and even entire teams outfitted in our custom gear — a testament to the connection we’ve built beyond just the product.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Funding my business started with a mix of personal sacrifice, strategic planning, and a lot of belief in the vision. I didn’t have access to big investors or large loans in the beginning, so I bootstrapped the business with my own savings — money I had set aside from part-time work, freelance design gigs. Every dollar I earned, I put back into prototyping, materials, and building a basic online presence.

To keep costs low, I learned to do as much as I could myself — from designing the website to creating early product mockups and marketing through social media. I also reached out to friends, family, and local teams who believed in the idea and were willing to pre-order or promote the first custom shinguards. That early support gave me both capital and confidence.

Eventually, as demand started to grow, I reinvested all the profits right back into the business — upgrading equipment, expanding customization options, and improving packaging and branding. It wasn’t always easy, but building it step by step gave me full control and a deep understanding of every part of the process. Looking back, I’m proud of how far it’s come from that initial hustle — and how starting small helped lay a solid, authentic foundation for the brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://myrhinosportsgear.com
• Instagram: @rhinosportsgear_official
• Facebook: rhinosportsgear_official