Like with any new venture it all started with an idea...

It's something that you wrestle with for a bit in your head. You ask yourself "Is this a good idea?" and "Can this actually work?" The next step is vocalizing it, speaking it to life. For me the first time started with my wife Lora, who from day one has supported me every step of the way. She is my rock and I couldn't have done this without her. My next conversation was with with my best friend and brother-in-law Ryan. When I told him I had the idea to start a clothing line tailored for athletes he looked me dead in the eye and said "You should do it." The thought got me both excited and scared shitless all at the same time. I mean- I had no background in fashion or business, so I came by the insecurities honestly. I didn't even know where to start.

After having more conversations with people about the idea I got connected with a man named Scott Brogan. I didn't know it at the time, but he would go on to be someone I would call my mentor and very good friend. I knew Scott had led a very successful career in the fashion industry and knew what it takes to start a brand, so I had to get in front of him to pitch my idea. From our first conversation Scott's help and guidance has proven itself to be invaluable. 

I spent the following 6 months coming up with the brand, finding a manufacturer and learning as much as I could cram into my brain about the fashion industry. I was in New York at an event looking for a manufacturer and after days and days of meetings and interviews I found the one that was perfect for what we were trying to accomplish here at O & S. I wont bore you with the details about setting up supply chains and creating tech packs but the next year of my life was dedicated to collaborating with the manufacturer on exactly what we wanted to accomplish. It was a long and brutal process but it was imperative that we got the product right. With our tag line being "Our Strength Is The Fit," the fit had to be exactly what we wanted. 

I cant even begin to explain the amount of gratitude and thankfulness that I have for the people in my life that have helped me create this brand. The team here at O & S is unbelievable and each individual person brings so much to the table. Starting this company has been an incredible journey and one that I will remember for the rest of my life. I'm here writing this on the day before we launch. The boxes are ready for shipment, the clothing is sitting on the shelves waiting to be purchased and our systems are in place waiting to be made live.  It's a day we have been dreaming about for almost 2 years now and its finally here. Let's do this!

- Ricardo