Get to know Blowfish Malibu Graphic Designer, Minjung Shin!
Welcome to the Blowfish Malibu Spotlight, a new feature on the Journal! We’ll be spending some time each month talking with different members of our team and giving readers a little bit of insight into what each person does in the office every day.
Tell us about your position at Blowfish Malibu.
I am the Graphic Designer here at Blowfish Malibu. I work with our Art Director in creating new content and brand assets for the marketing team.
When did you first become interested in graphic design?
My first job out of college was as a graphic designer in the Marketing Department of The Los Angeles Film School. Working in the entertainment industry, in the heart of Hollywood, was a very eye-opening experience that led to further interest in working with a marketing team and designing in-house.
I was freelancing for exclusive clients.
I was overly ecstatic to be scheduled for a virtual interview with Blowfish Malibu after applying during my trip to Hawaii. Luckily enough, we made a positive connection, and I was just counting down the days to joining the team.
My first photoshoot experience ever was with the Blowfish Malibu team. It was a very rewarding learning experience. I’m excited to be a part of this for each season!
Working in the fashion industry has put me in touch with the latest trends. I enjoy learning about the latest and greatest.
Every day is different from the next in terms of project. From email blasts to IG Stories to ads and trade show assets. It keeps things interesting!
I love this city so much that I’ve never moved out of it! I totally appreciate the variety that the city has to offer.
I love the wedge sneakers. They are comfy and provide extra height!
What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you?
Don’t be afraid to take risks with your designs.
JUST FOR FUN
Finding new and easy recipes for meal prepping and the great outdoors.
Growing up in Los Angeles has exposed me to ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as a city rich in the arts. I have to remind myself of how fortunate I am to have been raised in a city like this.
Australia or Japan
I think it’d be delightful to grab a bite to eat with Robin Williams or Anthony Bourdain. I’ll take either one!
After a session of self-care!
Don’t be scared, be prepared.
I’m left-handed.
FILL IN THE BLANK!
I learn the most from YouTube and hands-on training. I’m a visual learner.
I can’t live without Hank, my German Shepherd.
You can find me shopping at Amazon.com
My astrological sign is Libra!
I’m scared of Dismemberment. I watch too many true crime shows.
The last book I read was the Harry Potter series.
Most people would say I’m honest.
I’m currently listening to Hall and Oates.
My style mantra is casual all day.
I feel most comfortable in lounging around on a Sunday afternoon.
When I woke up today I felt happy but hungry, lol.
I feel the best when I’m adequately hydrated.
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Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.
Get to know Blowfish Malibu Marketing Assistant, Leah Sullivan!
Welcome to the Blowfish Malibu Spotlight, a new feature on the Journal! We’ll be spending some time each month talking with different members of our team and giving readers a little bit of insight into what each person does in the office every day.
Tell us about your position at Blowfish Malibu.
I am a Marketing Assistant here at Blowfish Malibu! Which means I assist social media & community building efforts and assist on a variety of projects in the Marketing Department.
When did you first become interested in marketing?
I don’t think I ever had an aha moment where I realized I loved marketing, but I have always loved visuals & story telling, and enjoyed the learning how to build a brand around telling a story when I was in college.
I started a swimwear company, Peachy Keen Swim, a few years back and still work on it now as my role at Blowfish Malibu is part time. Before working here I also spent a lot of my time freelancing and helping other brands build their TikTok marketing strategy, but I enjoy being able to work at an established company now and having continuity in my projects.
I really enjoy learning about the 4Earth collection and the sustainability efforts going into this line. Learning about the partnerships with Oceana and Bloom and being able to dive into the science behind the collection has been really cool! I took a lot of environmental science classes in college and I’m happy that I’m able to.
The ability to make make major changes globally and individually. I love the ability to express yourself and build confidence through creating your personal style, but know that the fashion industry can be very detrimental to the environment. I’m excited to learn more about the ins and outs of the industry and try to create change that will allow us to celebrate our style in a way that works in harmony with nature.
There’s a great culture! I’ve gotten to meet a lot of great people and go to fun events.
I loooove living here. The combination of nature and nightlife is a perfect balance for me. I love being able to go on a hike in the morning and a concert at night. You can really find so many interesting people and activities in this city.
The Redsen boots! So cute and minimalistic. I don’t think it will ever go out of style.
If you weren’t a marketer, what would you be?
I have a lot of interests but can never pick just one! Some type of artist would be cool.
JUST FOR FUN
Painting pottery!
I grew up in New Jersey and was very motivated to move out to California. I definitely feel at home here but the older I get the more I appreciate New Jersey, and I especially love the farm my family lives near. It’s really peaceful and laidback.
Bali!
When I’m having a meaningful conversation with a friend.
Be authentic or die trying!
I studied Mandarin in college, but I’m not very good. 我中文不太好!
FILL IN THE BLANK!
I learn the most from meditation.
I can’t live without my friends.
You can find me shopping at the anthropology candle section.
My astrological sign is Aries sun, cancer rising, cap moon!
I’m not scared of public speaking.
The last book I read was The Women who Run with the Wolves.
Most people would say I’m fun.
I’m currently listening to Mac Miller.
My style mantra is don’t follow trends, express yourself through your own style.
I feel most comfortable in comfy pants with a fun print.
When I woke up today I felt like hitting the snooze button lol.
I feel the freest when I’m in the ocean.
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Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.
We sat down with Susanna Carlow, Kids Casual and First Cost Casual Designer in our Design department.
Tell us about your role at Blowfish Malibu.
I design and oversee both the kids casual and the women’s casual first cost product line.
When did you first become interested in Design?
At age 15, I was the art and sports editor of my high school newspaper. My journalism teacher handed me an issue of Women’s Wear Daily (fashion trade magazine) as she thought I might find it interesting. I had never seen so many photos of haute couture fashion and fashion runway photos before. It completely inspired me to become a designer.
What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team?
In the past I’ve worked as a footwear designer for brands such as L.A. Gear and Guess. I’ve also taken on the role of senior line builder and design director for branded and private label companies. After a few short years designing home décor, I missed footwear and got back into it.
How did you get started with Blowfish Malibu?
A friend referred me to a recruiter who knew of an open position at Blowfish Malibu. She immediately got me an interview, and the rest is history.
What projects at the brand have you been working on that you’re excited about? Can you tell us about them?
When I came to Blowfish Malibu, about 90% of the line was just women’s shoes taken down to girl sizes. Using my own experience in kids shoes, I built a line that was very kid focused. From easy functional features to stylish fun colors and materials designed with toddlers and kids in mind. I’m proud to say that now, 10 percent of the line is from women’s and 90% are shoes exclusive to girls.
What do you like most about working in the fashion industry?
Getting to travel to the different parts of the world to shop for the latest trends in fashion is definitely a fantastic perk.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The beginning stage of conceptualizing the shoes from drawings or rendering my ideas in photoshop. A close second is the trend shopping!
The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city?
Los Angeles is so special because of the diversity in its people and food. There’s a casual and open vibe that allows you to explore other cultures.
Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes?
The Rya-K. It’s my favorite kids shoe I’ve designed.
What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you?
Always draw your ideas as soon as you can or take pictures when you’re inspired by places or objects. Be open to where your path may take you. I thought I was going to be an apparel designer, but once I started designing shoes, I never went back.
What was the last thing you were obsessed with?
Buying good wall art when I was redecorating my home. I would comb through hours every day on different websites. There’s a lot of bad art out there.
Where are you from and how has that shaped you?
I was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida. It’s a lovely little beach town that has friendly people and is very relaxed. Growing up there makes you more mindful of manners and being polite.
What’s your dream travel destination?
I’d love to see the Aurora Borealis and the Maldives.
If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
My dad, who passed few years ago. He was always very supportive of me and my career. He was proud that he got to wear the shoes I designed when I was a design director for a skateboard footwear company.
When do you feel best about yourself?
First thing in the morning I usually do a gratitude ritual and give thanks for everything that is meaningful to me.
What’s your personal motto?
Trust your gut- only you know what’s truly best for you.
I learn the most from: Observing other people and how they do things.
I can’t live without: My kids and really delicious food!
You can find me shopping at: The Reformation, Free People, Zara, Zadig & Voltaire and The Kooples.
My astrological sign is: Libra
I’m scared of: Missing my connecting flight when traveling internationally. Running through the terminals to catch your flight is stressful and airport hotels are the worst if you are stuck overnight.
The last book I read was: The Power of Now
Most people would say I’m: happy
I’m currently listening to: Dua Lipa
My style mantra is: Dress in what makes you feel good
I feel most comfortable: Relaxing on the beach
When I woke up today I felt: Gratitude for all the good things and people in my life.
Most people don’t know: I can do the Bart Simpson voice perfectly.
I feel the best when: I’ve finished a workout at the gym.
Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.
We sat down with Marcy, Sr. Product Designer in our Design department.
Tell us about your role at Blowfish Malibu.
I have been designing Blowfish Malibu footwear collections since 2013.
When did you first become interested in Design?
Directly outta college- I have been in the fashion and footwear industry since 2004.
What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team?
I mainly designed dress footwear before coming to Blowfish Malibu. I worked for various footwear companies in Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles.
I emailed them my portfolio directly. There actually was not a job posting at that time, but it worked out perfectly.
I have been working on vegan and 4Earth product since the beginning. Both of these collections excite me because they are more than just creative fashion projects- they represent a bigger purpose and goal.
What do you like most about working in the fashion industry?
Innovation. It’s creatively challenging and when I create something new, it’s beyond exciting.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Color and materials. I love taking little pieces of materials, putting them together to create unique color and material combinations.
The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city?
Palm trees and the silhouettes of palm trees when the sun goes down. I live in Berlin- we do not have palm trees in Berlin.
Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes?
Balla4Earth because it was the first style of its kind in the collection.
What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you?
Creative positions require the ability to receive criticism – which can be difficult because of the vulnerability that comes with loving the things you create. But the truth is, taking criticism is key. If you are open to receiving it and using it – it will make you a great designer.
What was the last thing you were obsessed with?
Serpentwithfeet. The song Four Ethers is magical.
Where are you from and how has that shaped you?
I am an American living in Europe. Being an expat can rock your reality. It has shaped who I am whilst making me appreciate my roots.
What’s your dream travel destination?
Right now, any travel is a dream 😛
When do you feel best about yourself?
When I have been eating well, sleeping well, and doing my workouts. But I also feel great dancing around my apartment in my socks – socks being key for floating across the hardwood floors.
What’s your personal motto?
You do you.
I can’t live without: Music
You can find me shopping at: Second-hand
My astrological sign is: Pisces
The last book I read was: Here Be Dragons
I’m currently listening to:Perfume Genius
My style mantra is: If it sparkles, it fits
I feel most comfortable: Lazying on my couch
When I woke up today I felt: But first coffee
Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.
We sat down with Ashley Solano, Activewear Designer in our Design department.
Tell us about your role at Blowfish Malibu.
I’m an Active designer and developer. In my role, I research trends and create patterns with the Blowfish Malibu DNA. Prints are a big part of who we are. We spend a lot of time creating our very own unique prints that you won’t find anywhere else.
When did you first become interested in Design?
I have always been a creative person and enjoyed sketching and painting. But I was a junior in High School when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in footwear design. I researched footwear design schools in the US and that brought me here to Los Angeles. I moved here when I was 19 to study at FIDM in DTLA.
What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team?
For the past five years, I was designing for a Surf inspired brand. In that position, I was lucky to travel all around the world for trend shopping and shoe development.
I have been familiar with the Blowfish Malibu company and team for a few years now. When I saw there was a position open, I was excited and applied. Chip reached out and here we are lol. I’m sure they all regret it now since I blast Justin Bieber’s album in the office all day every day.
We have really exciting new developments in the works but cannot share details at this time. However, I’m excited about working with kids and toddler sneakers and creating fun prints for them. I’m a child at heart and love Disney and fun things. Whenever we get a request for mermaid, unicorn, and fairy prints, I’m here for it!
What do you like most about working in the fashion industry?
I get bored easily so I love that it is constantly changing. I love everything from making trend books and finding the perfect font (which can take hours) to creating a cool-looking sneaker and seeing the sketch come to real life. It’s a great place to be fun and make mistakes and figure out what works the best.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is the environment. I love working with the team. We get along so well and get to do what we love. I love that I can come to work in my 90s T-shirt and black eyeliner and know that we will be listening to Justin Bieber all day.
The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city?
I love the food, more food, and food. The team and I have recently been obsessed with Susie cakes. But apart from that, I love the beaches and hikes. I’m a huge outdoor person and love to explore trails on the weekends. Especially ones that lead to some breathtaking waterfalls.
Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes?
I love a good chunky sneaker. The clay is my go-to height it is classic and edgy.
What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you?
A footwear design career is not your average career. There are not many of us. It’s a risky career to go into with a lot of competition. But if that is your passion, just like any other career you should follow your heart and dreams. It’s a great and exciting job. We get to travel around the world and get to be creative.
What was the last thing you were obsessed with?
Susie Cupcakes and I’m still obsessed *send help
Where are you from and how has that shaped you?
I’m from a small town in Texas. But I think it’s my family who has shaped me. I grew up with the most amazing parents and brother and sister. I think my parents would say I’m wild and free-spirited but my heart is pure. I think moving out here so young on my own and seeing my schooling and career through is on them. They taught me how to make good life choices.
What’s your dream travel destination?
Someplace I have always wanted to visit strangely is the Amazon River. I have this daydream that I’m fishing in the swamp, and I catch the weirdest creature-looking fish. I have no idea why but that excites me. Check me into a mental hospital now.
If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Easy, my grandfather who passed away 4 years ago. He was my favorite person who had the warmest heart. He was very exciting and always said yes to everything. He went bungee jumping with me when he was 65 because no one else wanted to go with me lol he was a real one.
When do you feel best about yourself?
I have the best people in my life. I feel my best when I’m around the people I love. Whether we are out getting drinks or laying out at the beach laughing, you can feel the warm energy when good people are around.
What’s your personal motto?
Something that I live by and tell others often is to live life for yourself. To do what makes you happy. I stress to my younger siblings to find who they are and to do what they love. I tell my younger sister often to forget about what others think as long as she is happy with herself.
What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?
I’m pretty much an open book, but I dislocated my shoulder playing kickball diving to first base when I was 18. I was trying to impress a boy and that clearly back fired.
I learn the most from: my experiences! Good and bad
I can’t live without: my family and friends.
You can find me shopping at: a good vintage shop, I love to find unique pieces.
My astrological sign is: a triple Cancer.
I’m scared of: Snakes, spiders, and the biggest one of them all the DARK!!!
The last book I read was: probably in high school because I was forced to read it. I prefer to watch stories than read them unfortunately.
Most people would say I’m: rather pleasant really (In an English accent)
I’m currently listening to: Peaches by Justin Bieber …. Go listen
My style mantra is: classic with a bit of edge.
I feel most comfortable: when I wear red Lipstick.
When I woke up today I felt: like flying
Most people don’t know: I’m really a fairy
I feel the best when: when I have a fishbowl margarita in my hand.
Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.
We sat down with Chantal Romaguera, administrative assistant in the operations department.
Tell us about your role at Blowfish Malibu.
I’m an administrative assistant for the operations department. I primarily work with production and making sure the product is ordered correctly, registered with vegan, labeled, and transported safely from China to the U.S.
When did you first become interested in Production?
I first became interest in production when I started attending L.A. fashion week. All the different and unique styles from the clothing down to the shoes caught my attention and made me interested in the production side of the industry.
What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team?
Human Resource for Senior Living Housing
What do you like most about working in the fashion industry?
I like how fashion can change how a person feels about themselves. It provides room for self-expression, creativity, and growth.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is being able to catch a glimpse of the new trends in designs before they hit the stores and then seeing people wear our shoes. It is a very proud moment for me. I feel grateful to be part of awesome team like Blowfish Malibu.
The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city?
I like the diversity that L.A. offers and its functionality – you can do almost anything in this city!
Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes?
I have two favorite shoes which are Raco booties and Mazaki sneaker.
What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you?
Keep going forwarding even in doubt. Don’t stop striving for more. Just try again. Be patience and kind with yourself.
What was the last thing you were obsessed with?
Tiny houses and how it can aid with the homing crisis. They can providing temporary housing and mental health solutions, which could help many.
Where are you from and how has that shaped you?
Los Angeles! Being from L.A. has shaped me by teaching me how to be independent and resourceful.
What’s your dream travel destination?
I would like to backpack around Europe.
If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
My power house trio women: Cher, Bette Midler, and Billie Holiday
When do you feel best about yourself?
After a nice hike or swim, then I’ll usually go straight to have breakfast and coffee 🙂
What’s your personal motto?
I have two:
What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?
I am learning to play the ukulele and banjolele.
I learn the most from: Trial and Error
I can’t live without: Music, Coffee, and Dessert
You can find me shopping at: Local business
My astrological sign is: Leo
The last book I read was: : The four agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Most people would say I’m: A self-advocate, resilient, hardworking, and caring
I’m currently listening to: You’re on (feat. Kyan) Madeon
My style mantra is: Street, tomboy, sporty, and bohemian
I feel most comfortable: Wearing huge sweater/ pull overs and listening to music
When I woke up today I felt: I felt peaceful, focus, and ready
Most people don’t know: I am very dorky and shy
I feel the best when: In nature and meditating or writing
Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.
Get to know Blowfish Malibu Art Director, Nikol Drapeau (Macias)!
Welcome to the Blowfish Malibu Spotlight, a new feature on the Journal! We’ll be spending some time each month talking with different members of our team and giving readers a little bit of insight into what each person does in the office every day.
Tell us about your position at Blowfish Malibu.
I am the Art Director here at Blowfish Malibu! Which means I’m the lead graphic designer, producer of our photoshoots, and oversee most artwork that goes out. My role recently went to part-time, as I just became a mommy!
When did you first become interested in graphic design?
My mom has always had a knack for creativity and we would always scrapbook or be doing something creative growing up. In my senior year of high school, I was on the yearbook committee and my school actually offered a graphic design class that I took and really found my passion!
So random, but after I graduated college with my bachelor’s degree in graphic design, I moved to the South Bay and got a job at a dental office. It started as a front desk position and then quickly moved to me developing their social media channels and updating all of their branding and marketing. I stayed there for three years and then decided that wasn’t for me. So I started freelancing for myself and at an agency and shortly after, found my home with Blowfish Malibu!
I’ve been here for five years now!
We’re launching a new line of shoes called 4EARTH that I’m very excited about! These shoes are made with recyclable upper material and we, as a company, are doing our part to move towards a more green, sustainable way of working. This even goes down to our environment at the office; getting rid of all paper plates, plastic silverware, no more k-cups, etc!
It’s an exciting initiative that I’m excited to be a part of and it makes me so happy that Blowfish Malibu is making an effort to make less waste.
Working at Blowfish Malibu was my first job in the fashion industry (not including retail!), but it’s really made me step up my fashion game and makes me want to dress for my personality and not just wake up and throw on whatever I can find that’s clean and run out the house.
I’ve never owned so many shoes in my life!
The creative outlet that I get to express when designing things like hang tags, email blasts, brochures for customers or store posters! We’ve worked hard over the past five years to create a cohesive look and feel for the brand and it’s exciting getting to implement that in my design. It’s also really cool to walk into a store and see my work being displayed!
I live in the Southbay, which is a little sub-city of LA that has a slower, beach-like feel. But I love that LA is only a 20-minute drive (with traffic, more like 45 mins) and that there is so much near us. You can go to the beach, take a hike up to a waterfall, and have a drink on a rooftop overlooking the city all in one day.
I gotta say my Granola-B sandals! Every year since they have come out I have had a Granola tan line on my feet! You can ask anyone in our office. It never fails! They are so comfy and come in so many color variations for every outfit. Plus living in SoCal means I can get away with wearing sandals almost year-round!
I have a ton of side projects/creative outlets that I do aside from my graphic designer life! I love the wedding industry and have coordinated a handful of weddings. My husband and I have even talked about buying a property where we host weddings, and I coordinate and design the look and feel. I have experience in event management and this really has helped me with weddings.
I also love photography and could see myself pursuing that more seriously.
In addition, I even love to buy old furniture and give it new life. My husband and I have also joked about starting a business doing this!
My 6-month-old daughter! Haha – still obsessed and forever will be!
I’m born and raised in California! I grew up in a town called Palmdale (some of you may know it from the popular song by Afroman). It’s a desert city with not a lot to do. I learned a lot growing up there and also knew I never wanted to live in a desert ever again. So as soon as I graduated high school I moved to San Diego, where I attended college and have been living by a beach ever since!
Oh, way TOO many places to be listed here! I’ve only been to Europe once and I went to Italy, so I’d love to return to visit more places like Paris, Greece, and Amsterdam. I’ve always wanted to go on a safari in Africa. Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand are on my top bucket list places to visit.
Basically, I want to travel the world someday! I always say I’m not a materialistic person and would rather spend my earnings on experiences and building memories.
Probably when my to-do list is complete. This just makes me feel accomplished and feels good to not be stressing over all that I have to do.
“Risk it all every day.” I even have it tattooed on me.
For me, this means that you never know when your last day will be and to live each and every day to its fullest. Don’t turn things down that scare you or challenge you!
This is a hard one for me to answer. I’m an open book, even with strangers I don’t tend to hold back!
I learn the most from my environment.
I can’t live without sweets.
You can find me shopping at Old Navy, BooHoo.com, Blowfish Malibu (hehe), Hobby Lobby.
My astrological sign is Scorpio.
I’m not scared of snakes! I used to have one for about 6 years until I moved in with my now-husband (who’s deathly afraid!).
The last book I read was The Client by John Grisham.
Most people would say I’m caring.
I’m currently listening to Lennon Stella.
My style mantra is comfy.
I feel most comfortable in jeans and a cute top with sandals.
When I woke up today I felt thankful for my amazing life.
I feel the freest when I’m in the comfort of my own house.
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Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.
