Step behind the scenes of our virtual Halloween art class for kids!

To celebrate Halloween, we invited our sneaker designer Jannie Denney, to lead a virtual art class for kids. Our young invitees were able to design their own Blowfish Malibu Kids sneakers!

Before the event, everyone was sent a pair of sneakers, fabric markers, as well as loads of candy and Halloween goodies. Costumes were encouraged, of course! This was such a fun way to celebrate Halloween safely, while also letting the little ones be creative.

Check out the class here and feel free to color on your own sneakers at home!

Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.

Get to know one of our Customer Service Reps at Blowfish Malibu, Aaron Ware.

Thanks for taking the time to meet with us, Aaron! We’re excited to learn more about your role at Blowfish Malibu, what inspires you, and what excites you about the future with the brand.

Read on to learn more about Aaron:

Tell us about your role at Blowfish Malibu.

I work in Sales and Customer Service. I work alongside sales rep Henry Colominas, who is responsible for the southeast region of the United States. I am responsible for placing orders and making sure orders are shipped in a timely manner.  In addition to working with Henry, I take phone calls from customers. Customers will call in regards to placing an order and asking for line sheets with product information.  Consumers will call in regards to stores in their area that carry our brand, and they often ask me what styles do I recommend.  The most interesting part of working in Sales/Customer Service is seeing the different trends and styles for each region. Customers that live in the northern region of the US typically call for boots, whereas consumers in the southern region are all about sneakers and sandals.

What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team?

I previously worked at K-Swiss, in the same role.

How did you get started with Blowfish Malibu?

I got started with Blowfish Malibu by a recommendation from my good friend Allie Woerner, who is a member of the Marketing team.  She thought I would be a perfect fit for the Blowfish family.

What do you like most about working in the fashion industry?

What I like most about working in the fashion industry is seeing the different trends in each region of the country.  Also, women are very unique and versatile when it comes to putting an outfit together.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Working the Atlanta Market Show in Atlanta, GA. I really enjoy this show because it allows me to meet our customers in person, and put a name-to-face. The show also puts in perspective how successful we have been as a brand for the past 4-5 years.  Our booth at the show is consistently filled with people trying to place orders, and new customers wanting Blowfish product in their boutiques.

The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city?

My two favorite things about LA are the beautiful weather and the different types of restaurants.  How can you hate living in a city where the average temperature is 72 degrees? The great weather allows us to enjoy outdoor activities with friends and family. I’m biased, but I believe that LA is the food capital of America. If you wanted, you could eat at a different type of restaurant for 365 days.

Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes?

The Play sneaker in Red Buffalo Check. It’s a sneaker that you can wear year-round.

What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you?

My advice would be to make sure you are passionate about your career.  At the end of the day, your happiness should be the most important.

JUST FOR FUN

What was the last thing you were obsessed with?

Collecting tennis shoes. In particular, Air Jordan’s.

Where are you from and how has that shaped you?

I’m born and raised in LA. It has shaped me by being around different types of cultures, ethnicities, and meeting new people.

What’s your dream travel destination?

Istanbul, Turkey, Izmir, Turkey, and Milan, Italy.

If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Vin Scully & Chick Hearn.

When do you feel best about yourself?

When I am able to help others in any capacity.

What’s your personal motto?

Transparency is key!

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?

Two fun facts: I was the first baby born in Gardena, CA in the 1990s (birthday is on January 1, 1990 😊).

FILL IN THE BLANK!

I learn the most from: Reading books and newspaper articles. I’m a sucker for learning new information on a daily basis.
I can’t live without: My television. I can watch sports & Netflix ALL DAY!
You can find me shopping at: any of the secondhand, vintage streetwear stores in the Melrose/Fairfax area of LA.
My astrological sign is: Capricorn.
I’m scared of: Strangely enough, I am not afraid of anything.
The last book I read was: Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary, by Ernie Johnson.
Most people would say I’m: Laid-back, easy-going, social, fun to be around.
I’m currently listening to: Drake, Kendrick Lamar & Jay-Z are always my go-to’s.
My style mantra is: A vintage sports or music t-shirt from the 80’s/90’s, jeans & a pair of Jordan’s or Vans.
I feel most comfortable: relaxing on the beach and exercising.
When I woke up today I felt: happy to be alive, because tomorrow is not promised.
Most people don’t know: I attended George Washington University and played basketball there from 2008-2012.
I feel the best when: I’m hanging out with family and friends.

Thank you, Aaron! We’ll catch up with you soon.

We’re excited to FINALLY share some Behind the Scenes from our FW2020 photoshoot!

Last month, we got together with our go-to wardrobe stylist, awesome make-up artist, and videographer to create fun footage for the Fall! This photoshoot took place over two days: one day in Palm Springs and another day in Los Angeles. Somehow, we were able to survive a mid-July outdoor photoshoot in Palm Springs without overheating. Although our photographer’s laptop needed a few ice packs throughout the day to stay cool.

While our photographer was shooting looks, a separate team was working on creating some fun stop motion videos, which will be used on our social media pages during the campaign. (So keep your eyes out!)

Scroll through for some fun FW2020 BTS:

So, what did you think? Did you see any surprise sneak peeks of new shoe shapes, prints and details? Keep an eye out!

Follow us on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.

Get to know the Kids’ National Sales Rep at Blowfish Malibu, Jacqueline Losseff.

Thanks for taking the time to meet with us, Jacqueline! We’re excited to learn more about your role at Blowfish Malibu, what inspires you, and what excites you about the future with the brand. Read on to learn more about Jacqueline:

Tell us about your role at Blowfish Malibu.

I am the Kid’s National Sales Rep – which means I sell Kid’s shoes coast to coast! I’m always traveling whether it be attending tradeshows in different cities or visiting corporate offices meeting with buyers.

When did you first become interested in Sales?

I’ve always worked in sales on a retail level and have always been passionate about fashion so taking on this position came very naturally to me. Although I am new to the Kid’s industry, Blowfish Malibu Kids’ shoes are so cute – I knew I would have so much fun selling them.

What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team?

I worked as a Sales Manager for a chain of women’s fashion boutiques. I traveled between stores overseeing each of their day to day operations, sales training, and was responsible for hiring employees.

How did you get started with Blowfish Malibu?

I got the job through LinkedIn. I was immediately interested once I read the job posting because I was familiar with the brand. Plus, I would be traveling a lot. Once Scott, the Director of Sales for the Kid’s Division, called me with the same New Jersey area code as me, I knew it was a good sign. I’ve now been with Blowfish Malibu for almost 3 years!

What creative projects at the brand have you been working on that you’re excited about? Can you tell us about them?

@BlowfishMalibuKids on Instagram! Allie in the Marketing Department runs our Social Media and has started the Kid’s page within the last few months. Currently, we’re teaming up with some of my top independent retailers who have a presence on social media and encouraging our followers on the Kids’ account to shop through them directly. This is especially important during a time like this where buying/selling has become mostly virtual.

PS: If you’re reading this, go give us a follow 🙂

What do you like most about working in the fashion industry?

I love being able to see firsthand what each department does, and what goes into making a product and building a brand. As a result, I have more appreciation for the products I buy.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Traveling around the country has to be my favorite. I’ve visited places I otherwise wouldn’t, so I always make the most of it. Last year I went to Bozeman, Montana for a meeting, which had the most stunning mountain views. I stayed in the small downtown area and ate local grass-fed bison – it was a great experience!

The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city?

The weather! I love the sunshine 🙂

Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes?

The Play sneaker, I have about 10 pairs. They go with everything in my closet.

What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you?

Believe in the product you’re selling! Having confidence will make it easier for you to do your job.

JUST FOR FUN

What was the last thing you were obsessed with?

Queer Eye! I’ve been binging episodes all throughout lockdown, but I still have to finish the last season.

Where are you from and how has that shaped you?

I’m from Point Pleasant, NJ which is a small beach town at the Jersey Shore. I never lose sight of who I am being from a small community, so even when I’m in big cities I seek out small businesses and local eateries to support. It gives me a sense of home.

What’s your dream travel destination?

Fiji

If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Stevie Wonder!

When do you feel best about yourself?

In the morning after a hot yoga class and a nice big cup of coffee.

What’s your personal motto?

It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?

I’m really into genealogy and working on my family tree… and my friend’s family trees haha!

Get to know Marketing Communications Manager at Blowfish Malibu, Allie Woerner.

Thanks for taking the time to meet with us, Allie! We’re excited to learn more about your role at Blowfish Malibu, what inspires you, and what excites you about the future with the brand.

Read on to learn more about Allie:

Tell us about your role at Blowfish Malibu.

I am the Marketing Communications Manager for Blowfish Malibu. My job basically centers around all things social media and community on a global level. From managing all of our social media platforms and handling all outside communication with influencers and content creators to working with our PR companies and planning and hosting in-person events. My job revolves around building relationships and being a face for the brand. I’m also able to put my English degree to use on the daily, as I’m responsible for writing all of the brand copy.

When did you first become interested in Marketing?

I feel like I was always destined to wind up in marketing, in some way or another! I was an avid blogger throughout college, and after attending a conference put on by Teen Vogue in New York (like 10 years ago now, sheesh), I realized I could actually apply what I was doing for my personal blog for a fashion brand. After that, it’s all I ever wanted to do. I took a handful of marketing classes in college. But ultimately, the more I worked in fashion after I graduated, the more I realized that working with a marketing team was the right path for me. And now we’re here!

What did you do previously before joining the Blowfish Malibu team?

I’ve been all over the place! I always knew that I wanted to work in fashion since I’ve been obsessed with all things-style since high school. I’m one of those people who has been lucky enough to be able to try out a myriad of positions. After graduating from college, I was the visual manager of a high-end retail store before landing a job as a receptionist with the eyewear brand, Oliver Peoples. I quickly moved up there, ultimately working in sales/operations for the fashion sunglass division. Forever 21 Corporate then recruited me to work in the buying department, which I did for a few months before realizing that wasn’t for me.

After that, I landed at K-Swiss, where I worked my way from a Customer Service rep to managing all of the larger retailer E-Comm sales accounts. Then I was promoted to a digital marketing assistant, and ultimately, I wound up helping to run the website for two of the in-house brands there as an E-Commerce Marketing Manager.

Whew! It’s been a long road!

How did you get started with Blowfish Malibu?

I wish I could give you some Cinderella story of how I came to be working here, but honestly, I applied for the position on a whim on LinkedIn two years ago! A few weeks later, I got an email from Karen (the VP of Marketing) and we set up a phone interview. I was brought in for an in-person interview – and I landed the position! We weren’t really sure how the position would evolve since I was initially just hired to manage our social media channels. But my oh my, has it evolved into quite the position – one I’m very proud to hold.

What creative projects at the brand have you been working on that you’re excited about? Can you tell us about them?

We had SO many fun projects lined up before everything got shut down due to Covid-19. As a result, a lot of those were unfortunately postponed to a later date. One major thing I really enjoy about my job is the events, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I love putting them together. I’m really excited about getting back on the road (when it’s safe!) to host our Road Trip series. (Shopping events at different independent boutiques across the country.) I’m also looking forward to traveling internationally to produce events to promote our brand in Europe.

What do you like most about working in the fashion industry?

Everything? Is that an appropriate answer?

But for reals, I love how expressive it is, and how I explore my creativity on a daily basis. I love the fact that a lot of it is “anything goes” and that we’re okay to try new things on the regular. I love that I work with a lot of people who appreciate the same things that I appreciate (like designers, shoes, bags, etc.), and who are always down to talk fashion. Also, I am a HUGE shoe person, so it’s literally a dream to be able to come into work and get to talk about shoes every day. The fashion industry has been my entire professional life for the past 8 years, so it’s safe to say that it’s a world I really like working in.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

In general, I’m a very social person. I’m an avid talker and a communicator, so to be able to do those things on a daily basis is something that I do not take for granted. I love being able to make new connections with girls all over the world, who are fans of the brand, and who I actually now consider to be friends.

The Blowfish Malibu offices are in LA. What’s your favorite thing about the city?

LA is such a hodgepodge of activity, that it’s impossible to find yourself with NOTHING to do. From the beaches to the shopping, to the restaurants to the different neighborhoods you can explore – you can always find something to fill your time. As someone from the area, it blows my mind of how many things I still haven’t crossed off my list. I have friends scattered all over the city so exploring things on their side of town can always be an adventure. Plus I can always turn to them for recommendations.

Which is your favorite pair of Blowfish Malibu shoes?

I’m a sucker for the sneakers. They’re all so comfortable and classic and literally go with everything in your closet.

What advice would you have for someone who’s trying to pursue the same career as you?

Do everything. All of it. If you get offered a job, and it’s not necessarily where you see yourself, take it. Because you never know who you’ll meet or which positions could open up while you’re there. I have learned this incredible post-college education on fashion and business after accepting various positions and soaking up knowledge as best I could. Help wherever you can, stay late to finish a project and just do what it takes to make your department successful. People always notice hard-workers and believe me when I say that, usually, hard work pays off.

Also, just be a nice human. Being nice and friendly to the people you work with goes a long way in accomplishing your career goals. Trust me.

JUST FOR FUN

What was the last thing you were obsessed with?

Quarantine skincare! I went on a bit of an Amazon spree and researched a bunch of skincare dupes to more expensive products. So far, so good!

Where are you from and how has that shaped you?

I’m from a small, suburban town called Moorpark, just North of Los Angeles. My Dad works in news/media, so growing up, we were always going into the city to do fun things that had to do with his job. I think living so close to a major city, but still growing up in a small town, allowed me to chase my dreams but still stay relatively grounded and appreciate the beauty behind slowing down.

What’s your dream travel destination?

My Grandmother is Colombian, so I’ve always wanted to visit and make a South America trip out of it (I’d love to see Brazil and Peru while I’m there!). I’d also love to go to Croatia, Russia, more parts of Africa… the list is endless.

If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Nelson Mandela. I’ve been so fascinated with him since I was 14, and even visited South Africa with school back in 2012.

When do you feel best about yourself?

When I have a great tan in the summer.

What’s your personal motto?

C’est la vie. That’s life. I have to consistently remind myself that there’s no point in stressing over things that are out of my control.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?

I can read an entire book in one night if I want to. Reading and retaining information is my superpower, I think. Retaining information comes in especially handy with work. I have to remember so many things about the girls we work with! Let’s just say I have A LOT of people’s shoe sizes memorized haha.

FILL IN THE BLANK!

I learn the most from: Books & articles. I’m always, always reading something.
I can’t live without: Travel! It’s the only thing you can buy that actually makes you richer.
You can find me shopping at: Madewell & Nordstrom.
My astrological sign is: Libra.
I’m scared of: I get freaked out when I start to think too much about how big the ocean or the universe is. How small we actually are, in relation to things like that. I can find myself falling into a hole, and then I find myself up till 4am Googling things.
The last book I read was: All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood
Most people would say I’m: Outgoing. Easy to get along with. Organized. Indecisive (the libra in me).
I’m currently listening to: The new Lady Gaga “Rain on Me” song has been on serious repeat lately. Can’t wait for the album!
My style mantra is: You can never go wrong with a great pair of denim, a white tee, and some cute shoes.
I feel most comfortable: When I’m in a beachside town, spending the day shopping, grabbing lunch or coffee with friends and just enjoying nice weather. Nothing beats that.
When I woke up today I felt: Like it was another day in Groundhog Day. I’m currently camped out at my parents’ house during Quarantine. Being in my childhood home all the time feels like the same day, every day. I’m re-living an 8th-grade summer. At least there’s work to keep me occupied!
Most people don’t know: I used to do beauty pageants when I was younger! I was Miss Santa Barbara County and Miss Moorpark back in the day and even competed at Miss California.
I feel the freest when: I’m at the pool or the beach with a good book, just lounging in the sunshine.

Thank you, Allie! We’ll catch up with you soon.

The Blowfish Malibu team gets their swing on at Top Golf Las Vegas. 

The Platform Show in Las Vegas is a massive tradeshow for retailers from all over the country. Our days are spent at our booth showing the new collections to customers. But our evenings are for socializing as a team. On this trip, we decided to open up the evening to treat some of our favorite accounts to a fun night at one of the best spots in the desert: Top Golf Las Vegas. In short, Top Golf is a high-tech sport and entertainment center. The complex features reservable (and climate-controlled) bays and a top-notch food and drink menu. Their technology can track your golf ball and give you an accurate score and distance. Let’s just say TGLV is not your typical golfing range.

Thanks to everyone for coming out and practicing your swing!

Scroll through for some fun images of a great night!

Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on the Journal.

Drapers Footwear nominated Blowfish Malibu for International Footwear Business of the Year for 2019!

Last month, a few of the Blowfish Malibu team headed to London for the 2019 Drapers Footwear Awards. The Drapers Footwear Awards honor brands, retailers, and shoe designers for their work and commitment within the footwear industry. We were beyond thrilled to learn that Blowfish Malibu was a nominee for the International Footwear Business of the Year!

Drapers Footwear is a fashion business publication founded in 1887. They have worked tirelessly over 130 years to represent the fashion business industry in the UK and beyond. Though we didn’t win the award this year, we were honored to be nominated among so many amazing brands. You can check out the full nomination list here.

The Drapers team hosted a beautiful black-tie gala at the grand Grosvenor House in London. We had a fabulous time celebrating everyone’s successes, as well as networking with leaders in the footwear industry. Not to mention the fact we had lots of fun at the photobooth!

Here’s some of our UK sales team taking over the photo booth and props!

We also had our influencer agency based in London attend with our guest for the evening Robyn Poppy.

Be sure to follow our EU Instagram to stay in the loop on everything fun happening with the brand across the globe in Europe!

Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on The Journal.

Step behind the scenes of our Fall/Winter photoshoot.

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year again: campaign photoshoot time! We spent multiple days this past week collecting all of our top styles for Fall/Winter 2019 and shooting them in a new location for the brand: Downtown LA. We’re so excited about this new direction! The new collection of shoes is edgier and more fashion-forward than it’s ever been before, and we knew we needed a location to really embody that.

Enter the city skyline of Downtown LA. The LA girl is just as much a city girl as she is a beach girl, and we loved being able to capture this new side of Southern California. We worked with a variety of gorgeous models inclusive of all shapes and sizes (as well as some super cute kiddos) to help represent this new collection. Photoshoots are always incredibly difficult, both physically and mentally, but we’re always so happy with the end result. Shoutout to Matrimony Media and the other members of the team for really capturing the new direction!

We can’t wait to share the finished photos with you all once Fall rolls around! Scroll through the photos below for some BTS sneak peeks, and keep an eye out for upcoming products that we are SO excited for.

Check out our Instagram for more in-depth BTS content!

So, are you just as excited for Fall as we are?

Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on The Journal.

Celebrating all of the beautiful mamas out there. 

Mothers all across the world deserve endless appreciation for the tireless work they do. They love, support, teach, empower, and care for their children, day in and day out. So what better way to celebrate Mother’s Day, than to shower some of our favorite local mamas with love. (And flowers! And sweets!)

For our Mommy & Me party, we recently gathered at an adorable backyard wonderland to love on all of the incredible Blowfish Malibu mothers. We teamed up with our friend Mikayla Shocks and her family to host a fabulous afternoon brunch party. The soiree was complete with a DIY flower crown bar from Walden Floral LA and a full (and delicious!) brunch menu from Dish Catering. And for extra fun, there was complimentary face painting and henna tattoos.

This party was the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day, as well as introduce our Blowfish Malibu Kids line to women in the LA area!

We were so thrilled to send every little gal in attendance home with a brand new pair of shoes from Blowfish Malibu Kids. In addition, the mamas received an adorable (and super handy) Blowfish Malibu denim tote to help make their busy lives a little easier.

We loved spoiling the mamas and kids in LA, and we can’t wait for the next event!

Be sure to shop the absolutely adorable Blowfish Malibu Kids collection HERE.

Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop on our events as they happen! Check out more stories on The Journal.

Our new Vegan collection is here and you better believe we celebrated!

Last month, we gathered with some of our favorite L.A. friends to celebrate an exciting launch. We are very proud to announce our brand new Vegan Capsule Collection! This new collection of shoes feature some fan-favorite Blowfish Malibu styles. And the best part? They have all been registered as “vegan” with The Vegan Society.

These products are 100% cruelty-free and do not contain any animal products, whatsoever.

What we’re most proud of as a brand is that we did not have to sacrifice style in order to make these important changes. Our designers were able to source quality vegan materials in order to keep the standard of the shoe up to par with what our customers have come to love and expect.

We gathered at an adorable location on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, where we were able to give out goodie bags valued at over $200, offer delicious drinks from Vita Coco, and yummy vegan eats from cult-favorite, Butcher’s Daughter. Guests enjoyed live musical entertainment, as well as indulge in touch-ups from the vegan makeup brand, Cover FX.

Overall, we’re incredibly excited about this new collection and are ecstatic to be able to share some great shots from the event below. Stay tuned for more vegan news from Blowfish Malibu!

Follow Blowfish Malibu on Instagram and check out more stories on The Journal.