We have a vibrant and diverse group of startups in our community, each with its own unique journey and entrepreneurial story. The Startup Spotlight series aims to introduce you to their ventures. This week, we feature OceanForm, the company poised to redefine the uniform business in the yachting industry.
How did you come up with the idea for the business?
The idea for Oceanform was born from our firsthand experiences in the yachting industry. While working onboard, we noticed a significant gap in the market for high-quality, functional, and modern uniforms. Our frustrations with the outdated and often uncomfortable uniforms led us to document crew comments, preferences, and complaints about uniforms while being on board.
We envisioned a brand that would not only meet the practical needs of yacht crew but also reflects the elegance and exacting standards of the luxury yachting world.
Why does the industry need the solution you’re providing?
The yachting industry prides itself on delivering the highest standards of hospitality and luxury. However, the uniforms available typically failed to meet these standards. They lacked durability, comfort, and modern design, which are essential for the demanding environment of yachting. Oceanform aims to fill this gap by offering uniforms that are not only stylish and high-performing but also sustainable, aligning with the industry’s growing emphasis on environmental responsibility.
The whole vision of Oceanform is to be more than just a uniform brand. We aim to simplify the entire uniform ordering process, offering bespoke customisation, standardisation of sizing, exceptional customer support, and assisting vessels in achieving sustainability goals through our products and Oceanform initiative charity program.
What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
Starting Oceanform has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. One of the most enjoyable aspects has been the ability to pursue our passion full-time and work on something we truly believe in. The transition from the yachting world to running our own business has allowed us to leverage our creativity and business acumen, turning a shared vision into reality. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing our products being used and appreciated by others in the industry is immensely gratifying.
What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning of your journey?
One of the biggest challenges we faced was the financial adjustment from yachting to running a startup. The initial loss of steady income and the need to invest significantly in our business were apparent.
Making high-quality uniforms is not an easy task. As former crew members, we were driven to introduce a brand that truly satisfies our fellow crew members. From the beginning, we have had one rule: not to compromise on anything. Our greatest challenge and lesson learned has been mastering the art of patience.
We aimed for perfection right from the start, recognising that achieving excellence takes time. In building our company, both of us have immersed ourselves in every facet of its operations, gaining expertise through hands-on experiences and continuous learning.
Our commitment to perfectionism means we are intricately involved in every aspect of our value chain, a trait we firmly view as advantageous in our industry.
What’s the plan for the future of the business? Where do you see the company in 3-5 years?
Our vision for the future of Oceanform is to become the preferred choice for modern, luxury hospitality uniforms globally. Over the next 3-5 years, we aim to expand our product line, enhance our sustainability efforts, and strengthen our brand presence in the market. We want to continue making a positive impact on the industry by setting new standards for quality and sustainability in yacht uniforms, ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed the expectations of modern seafarers .
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