Meet Scarlett Cowie | Surf brand founder- Sunchaser Clothing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scarlett Cowie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scarlett, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have always had a huge passion for all things swimwear, the ocean and sustainability, so at the age of 13 I decided to put all these things together to start my own brand. I came with the idea of Sunchaser Clothing, in lockdown of 2020 like so many other I found myself with so much time on my hands. I began the brand initially just wholesaling clothing and jewellery pieces but I always knew there was something greater.

The idea of a swim line was created through a problem I had in my everyday life. I could never seem to find any swimsuits that were sustainably and ethically made as well as cute and that would actually hold up in the surf. I knew so many other girls felt the same way through conversations I had whilst surfing.

It was a light bulb moment where I decided I could find a solution to this problem through creating them myself. I realised there was a real lack in the market for sustainable swimwear that would support you in the surf, so I decided to put my love for the ocean and cute swimwear together and create my very own sustainable swim collection which would be created out of recycled plastics.

So, in August of 2021 at the age of just 14 I began to design my very own sustainable swimwear collection learning new things each and every day, going through the process of sampling and testing out our swim pieces so we were ensured they ticked all our boxes.

After months of blood sweat and tears March of 2022 came around and I launched my very first, hand drawn and designed collection Our Day Dreamer Collection which was a real pinch me moment.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sunchaser clothing was born for the sun chasers and ocean souls, a community of people who continue to inspire one another to be there true selves. I think my age definitely sets my brand apart from others and has influenced my experience of running a brand. Launching my brand at 13 has meant I have grown up along side my brand which is so cool. Our use of sustainable and ethical practises is another factor that separates from this rest, we have a huge passion for not impacting our planet our it’s people. We follow this through using fabrics made from recycled plastics, ethical and fair manufacturing and eco friendly packaging. As well as our supportive designs for surfing, separating us from other brands.

I think a huge challenge in running Sunchaser has been juggling going to school full time as well as running a brand, meaning I didn’t have much time to work on Sunchaser apart from the weekends. However last week I made the decision to leave school and pursuer Sunchaser full time which has been so surreal. I finally have so much time to work on new pieces and I’m so excited to share all the good things that are coming.

I’ve learnt so much in the past 3.5 years of running sunchaser, most importantly that consistency and persistence is key. I have big goals for sunchaser and I’m so excited to see what’s to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone was visiting the Gold Coast I would say visit the beautiful beaches and surf breaks. My favourites are in Coolangatta. As well as visiting some cafes and restaurants along the coast.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am now if my parents hadn’t always supported me and encouraged me to pursue my goals. My dad was the one who first inspired me to launch a brand. I made the decision to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams since my dad had always influenced me to do so, through running his own businesses. My parents and family have been amazing through this whole journey so far, even heading over to Bali to meet our beautiful ethical manufactures. Truly so grateful for them.

Website: sunchaserclothing.com

Instagram: sunchaserclothing

Facebook: sunchaserclothing