The first thought that comes to mind is where I can think back to skateboarding around my hometown Lompoc, CA or just making my way to the local skatepark to meet up with my friends. Knocking on a homies door and seeing if they were home and simply had nothing planned for the day. If you think back that is how we all connected back in the day before the internet. I can speak for myself I've always been one to want to connect with others. For me I believe it had to do with not feeling I had a connection at home growing up.
Then I remember the day my Dad came home from work with a box I had never seen before and it was a computer tower and monitor his co-worker had given him. That was the day I remember changing a lot for the household. After 4pm everyday like clock work you'd hear the dial up dial-tone connection firing up and the monitor screen lit up with the AOL logos across the screen. These are the moments I remember and fast forward from there it was AIM, MySpace, FaceBook, and IG etc. At that point it's kind of like pick your poison or your connection. We can't sit here and say we don't all somehow someway seek a connection from others. I'd be a hypocrite if I sat here and said I'm not guilty of not being stuck on my phone instead of paying attention of what's in front of me.
I myself have lost friends and relationships due to social media. Without notice the internet and the acceptance of others had ruined connections I had made with people in real life. Once you get to thinking of how the internet may or may not affected your life in some form. I put this project together to make people think about the connection you have right in front of you - best part is that you don't have to log in to what is in front of you. The imagery of this drop is the running man is still chasing a connection. That "connection" brings all of us here reading this post. RVRND, is our connection to each other and I am beyond thankful for all the new and old memories we have created over the decade together. I hope in turn this motivates you to put the phone down and go make a real connection with your world today... drop coming soon...
]]>I've been sitting on this design for nearly 2 years since the last days in the shop in 2019. The design sat on an USB drive until recently. The Hi Score reads the date we placed our first order for 12 t-shirts 06.11.2011. The rest since then is history and a lot of memories we all created together in a 10 year journey we've been on together. I had something happen recently in my life that I never fathomed ever happening or didn't ever want happening. Which ultimately led to me placing this order. This one is for you G... 10 years down and I'm about to go harder than ever for you.
This design means the world to me simply because of my day to day routine I would end it playing video games with you. I felt it was judge free or being in a free space is when I would play games and vent with you. Not only is this significant in the matter of the game of clothing industry I've been playing with all the games that come with owning a brand in the past 10 years.
It just hits deeper knowing I have to press start without you.
THIS ONE IS FOR YOU G .... TO 10 MORE YEARS
&
BOBBY FORVER.
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Bare with me as this is probably the first thing I've typed up since high school...
Writing the title for this blog post doesn't actually feel real, except it is. When I first opened the store back in August 2016 I would've never guessed we'd still be going 3 years down the road. I say this not because I didn't believe in the venture, but just the financing behind the actual store. I started the store with only $5,000 and no business experience. Not only that, but we are based in a small town (Lompoc, CA) with a population around 43,000+ people if that. When you sit down and do the math of people who are actually interested in the streetwear/skate scene it's not many. I will say that a small amount of people I've met through the shop share those same interests as me which lead the shop to seeing 3 years of life. It's been quite interesting seeing this little store in a small town build a small sub-culture within our community.
The end of our 1st Anniversary Event Aug. 11th 2017
"Photos" Event Oct. 13th 2017
The end of our "Cold Summer" Drop June 7th 2019
This year was a little different then the earlier years. I say that with positivity behind it. This is the year I decided to transition the shop to soley only selling RVRND products. In previous years RVRND had out sold all our other vendors. Not the fact that the other brands weren't selling. I see it as people within our little community we built together feel attached to the brand just as much as I do. One thing about RVRND's supporters is they have been there since day one. You guys are like family to me. It has been surreal with the amount of love and support you guys have shown the brand/myself. From asking for signed T-shirts or skateboards to always being here for the shop/brand events. It's just been an overall blessing.
Go Skate Day 2019
The shop has seen the worst of days multiple times over the years. Somehow we always managed to come out on top. You know the sang, " God wouldn't give you anything you couldn't handle", well at times I would feel like that was just complete bullsh*t. One thing that was very important over the course of time was never giving up. I couldn't and still won't just throw in the towel. We also don't need to.
I will be 100% transparent with you guys on this blog post. I have started to contemplate that maybe this little town might not be the best place for a brand to prosper. I just couldn't imagine not having the store front in Lompoc. I've shared this with a couple of you guys when you ask whats next. You've all had the same or similar answers, "that be weird" or "nah the town needs something like this". I will say the store isn't going anywhere yet.
My son and I on our grand opening Aug. 26th 2016
I am beyond grateful for all your continued support over the years 3 years to be exact, but...
Whats next?
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We were just as shocked as you guys with this news. I was actually at the print shop when my landlord called to tell me we had 30 Days to be out. This all happened so fast. The feeling of someone just pulling the rug from underneath your feet is never fun. Although the noise complaints were an ongoing thing I guess I just never realized how serious the matter was.
The shop is all I've known for the past 3 years, so it's a bitter sweet situation. RVRND will still be available online. Back to square one, but even though the shop will be gone I know the support is and always will be there. We will also be holding pop-up shops periodically throughout the seasons.
It's crazy to think about all the memories we made here at this location. You all have shown the shop so much love it's crazy. The shop has been just as much yours as it has been mine.
I decided to turn the negative into a positive. That's where the "lousy neighbors" shirts come into play. They will be releasing this Friday 09.20.19 at 6pm-9pm. The official last event ever at this location. If you are not local or not going to be in the area the shirts are available online for purchase and will be shipped out Monday 09.23.19
Click the link below to shop.
https://www.rvrnd.co/collections/frontpage/products/lousy-t-shirt
As always I appreciate all of your guys' continued support!
The end to the beginning....
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