Get to know Blowfish Malibu’s Kids Footwear Designer, RJ Santiago!
Tell us about your position at Blowfish Malibu.
I am the new Kids Footwear designer at Blowfish Malibu. I was brought in to help build with sneaker design for Women’s, Kids and the 4Earth line.
When did you first become interested in footwear design?
I’ve been fascinated with sneakers since I was 9 years old. After I saw a pair of Jordan 11’s in store. It totally blew my mind!
Before joining the Blowfish Malibu team, I was an assistant designer for a luxury footwear brand that opened my career as a footwear designer. I met and worked with stylists and collaborated with different brands and celebrities.
Well… It started when Marcy (one of our lead designers) replied on my application through a job search site. I had a phone interview and did 2 presentations for the team. After waiting for a month, I got an offer to be part of the Fish Family and without hesitation I took it. I’m blessed and so happy to be here!
I’m excited for 4Earth and the kid’s sneaker line. For 4Earth to be a part of something with a purpose and lead to self-sustaining products is one of my life goals. For the kids’ line, I’m really excited and happy to reconnect with my inner childhood. It’s also a dream come true that I get to have this strong connection and bond with my kids through sneakers, to see the fun, creativity and imagination from their point of view is really something!
Fashion/Footwear is one of the fastest moving industries. I love the trends and the technology behind it. I just love that the evolution of this industry is constant and now its gearing towards to becoming more eco-friendly.
My favorite is to share my love for sneakers through my designs, I can reach out to millions of people. It blows my mind every time I think about it.
The diversity in style, weather, people, and food.
Paige is my favorite so far, aside from it being my first design that would be included in the 4Earth line, I just love the details on the embroidery and panels. FYI my answer will change every season/collection, so I suggest you to follow me, lol.
Aside from being an NBA player maybe Firefighter / Singer
JUST FOR FUN
LA DODGERS! GOOOO DODGERS!
I’m born and raised in the Philippines, growing up in a third world country molded my foundation. Having strong faith and a hard work ethic made a big difference. I have deeper appreciation of everything that I had.
Japan food tour with my family.
Tinker Hatfield
When I see people’s faces light up when they see my designs
Nothing is impossible with God – Matthew 19:26
I have my own karaoke mic and song list because I am a frustrated singer.
FILL IN THE BLANK!
I learn the most from EXPERIENCE
I can’t live without MY FAMILY
You can find me shopping at Amazon
My astrological sign is PISCES
I’m scared of goodbyes
The last book I read was …I’ll get back to you on this one lol
Most people would say I SMILE A LOT
I’m currently listening to Harry Styles – Harry’s house album
My style mantra is like if 90’s streetwear, Hipster and athleisure had a baby
I feel most comfortable in hoodies and SNEAKERS!
When I woke up today I felt grateful and blessed.
I feel the best when I leave from Sunday service.
Thank you RJ for answering our questions! We can’t wait to see all of your designs come to life.
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Get to know Blowfish Malibu’s Director of Information Technology, Maha Kolacek!
Tell us about your position at Blowfish Malibu.
I am Director of IT. I oversee all things IT, so anything system related. My goal is to implement changes/updates in processes and systems, where needed, to make everyone’s job a little easier!
When did you first become interested in tech?
Honestly, I fell into it by accident, but has been an adventurous lifelong career. Technology was “the thing” to do during my college years.
I have a lengthy IT background. Before Blowfish, I was at The Honest Company.
I originally replied to a post on LinkedIn and interviewed with Greg Kearns. Our conversation impressed me; I became curious about BF. Although that position was not the right fit, I am happy to say that Greg reached out a few months later to discuss the position I now hold!
I am currently working on the implementation of a 360 Photo Studio. This will greatly improve the quality of images of our products, as well as provide a 360-spin feature for our website/line sheets. In addition, this will eliminate the need to send images out to be retouched which will mean Marketing will have access to the images much sooner. And it will greatly reduce the need for human intervention, which means images will be more consistent.
I love fashion, but it’s hard to keep up. This can help me stay in touch with what’s trending!
The people! Blowfish has amazing people 😊 And, I love seeing our shoes at the stores and pointing them out.
The weather. The diversity. The endless things to do, and places to discover. And all the different food!
I’m still new, so I have yet to figure that out. But I can tell you that I’ve randomly picked up BF shoes on many occasions when shopping. They seem to catch my eye!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t feel like you should just know. Every industry, every company, has its own jargon, its own acronyms. And take notes! You will be glad you did.
JUST FOR FUN
My granddaughters…the 2 cutest babies ever!
Originally, I’m from Egypt! Moving to the MidWest as an 8-year-old was quite the adventure, snow was a fun feature! Till I grew up and came to my senses…lol! But honestly, I loved growing up there and raising my kids there. I moved to LA about 5 years ago. Ironically, we were supposed to move from Egypt to LA, but my dad stopped in Wisconsin to visit his brother and decided to stay in the Chicago area.
I’d love to travel the world!
My dad. And the cast of Friends 😉
When I get a lot done, check things off my to do list! When I have things organized so I don’t feel frazzled.
Be present and enjoy. It really does go by fast!
Most people are surprised that I’m a grandma!
FILL IN THE BLANK!
I learn the most from experiencing/actually doing/participating.
I can’t live without My family
You can find me shopping at Marshalls…I love finding deals!
My astrological sign is Aries.
I’m scared of hmmmm?
The last book I read was: A play “Time Stands Still”
Most people would say I’m: easy to talk to.
Most people don’t know: I’m from Egypt.
My style mantra is look good, but be comfortable 😉.
I feel most comfortable in in my stretchy pants and cute top.
When I woke up today I felt tired.
I feel the best when I don’t have to be anywhere or do anything, and can just spend time with my family.
Thank you Maha for answering our questions!
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It’s time for Dodger Baseball!
This month our Culture Club team organized a Blowfish Malibu Dodger Night for employees and their families. Everyone who came out go to enjoy the game plus a credit for food and / or merch. Although the Dodger’s lost, the outing was still super fun and it was the perfect ending to a busy week. We love getting to do fun activities through our Culture Club and we can’t wait for the next one!
Scroll through for some BTS of our night at Dodger Stadium
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