Let’s call the Van’s Warped Tour a friendship making, music glorifying, and in this case, idea generating music festival. Friends Steven Kopacz and Randy Baublis created the idea of Smooth Sailing on the 2011 Warped Tour and a year later their idea and designs came to life. Split between two opposite sides of the nation, Tallahassee, FL and Los Angeles, CA, this pair have taken their lifestyle and turned it into trendy and fun merchandise that represent it. Check out their story and some of their favorite designs below.
What is the story behind Smooth Sailing?
Smooth Sailing started as an idea we both had on Warped Tour ’11. We have both been such great friends for such a long time and have always wanted to start up a company together. Ideas are always being bounced back and forth. We both have a strong background in design and media, which leads us to come up with our own designs or critique others that are out there. After deciding to just start up a clothing company of our own, we went with the name Smooth Sailing. This name basically sums up how we live our lives and the message we want people to take away from it. A very literal representation of a lifestyle many lose sight of.
What do you plan to accomplish with your brand?
Our only goal as of right now is to inspire others to go out and make your dreams a reality. We both come from a town where a lot of people like to talk about their dreams in life but never actually go through with them. The two of us still chase our dreams everyday and aren’t slowing down any time soon. This is how Smooth Sailing was born.
What are your three personal favorite designs and why?
Gold Union – because of the vintage/army feel I get from it
Seaside Daydreamer and Sunset Bliss – because the photo in the design is one that Randy took out in California.
Why people should check out your brand?
We aren’t trying to target any certain demographic with our group. We want anyone to be able to wear Smooth Sailing and feel good about what they’re representing. We are a very positive brand with a strong message. We only ask that you help share our ideas and inspire more people to get up and make their life happen the way they truly want.
You heard it here first! Check out Smooth Sailing on their social networks and pick up a little something for yourself for summer on their website!
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