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Kick off your shoes, throw your feet on the desk, close your eyes, and escape for a bit while having a listen to the latest TropiCast show. This episode features live tracks from Pirate Dreams, Eric Stone, Bob Marley, and more.

When I first launched Snoloha, my goal was to share a lifestyle that I enjoy. And since my background is retail, a clothing line was the “easiest” way to introduce the lifestyle and the brand. So as the customer base began to grow, I was simply ecstatic and appreciative of the support.

As I’ve received emails from Snoloha family members, what I’ve realized is that everyone has their own unique connection to the brand. It’s different from mine, and that of next person. I hear over and over again, that when people wear their Snoloha gear, they get asked “What is Snoloha?”. And the explanations all vary. This is so exciting and fulfilling to know that people connect to this brand…and to know that the connections all differ. The interpretation of the Snoloha brand is very diverse. But the common thread seems to be that it makes people “feel good”…what more can I ask for?

Thanks.

There’s been plenty of inquiries and interest, so we’re devoting the time to develop an initial selection of Snoloha Baby, Snoloha Toddler, and Snoloha Kids. There will be a handful of designs, and a bunch of fun colors to choose from.

So for those of you out there that have been asking…this means you’ll have to buy something.

Stay tuned…

This one’s for Jimmy D…Thanks~

Jimmy Buffett, “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On”

I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man
Floating down Canal
It doesn’t use numbers or moving hands
It always just says now
Now you may be thinking that I was had
But this watch is never wrong
And if I have trouble the warranty said
Breathe in breathe out move on

According to my watch the time is now
The past is dead and gone
Don’t try to shake it just nod your head
Breathe in breathe out move on
Don’t try to explain it just bow your head
Breathe in breathe out move on

I’ve been battling with this feeling that seems to enjoy visiting every once in a while, and tormenting me. It’s a feeling of worry and of wondering…of how far along the Snoloha brand is. I put an enormous amount of pressure on myself to grow this brand and to touch people across the country and the globe with it’s lifestyle and message. And I lose track of how much time has really elapsed. This website launched near the end of 2006, and the the brand launched at retail 1 year ago in February of 2007. It really has only been about 15 months since the Snoloha brand was introduced. It’s an infant still. And yes, learning more about the world around it every single day.

A real fan-base of customers and supporters has been established. And this is what will allow the brand to grow organically. Those of you reading this very blog post are the reason the brand continues to grow.

So when I have these moments of “worry & wonder”, I go back to all the wonderful emails that I’ve received from people across the county to remind myself of where the brand is…in it’s infancy, growing everyday, with an increasing number of supporters and customers helping it to the next stage.

When I heard that the Gratitude Steel Drum Band was playing downtown (Traverse City, Michigan), during the Winter WonderFest, well, we dropped our snowshoe plans and opted for some soothing pan music in the middle of a cold northern Michigan winter. Yes, it’s difficult for me not to find a little Snoloha in everything these days…but this is just a “slam dunk” Snoloha moment – Steel Drums & Winter, what a great combo.

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a “behind the scenes” look at what’s happening with Snoloha.

In addition to the Solstice Sailing launch with Capt Dave, and attending the MRA show, there is a ton of things that I’m trying to juggle. One of the most exciting is the opportunity of Snoloha in Spain! Yes, Spain. Southern Spain, along the coast of the Mediterranean, to be exact. I’ve been working with a new Snoloha fan and business owner (located in Granada), about introducing the brand. Check out the photo of the area below. From beautiful beaches to world famous ski resorts (I sound like a travel brochure), it really is a perfect area for the Snoloha brand.

It’s been (and will continue to be) a learning process when it comes to doing business internationally…just like everything else with building a growing a new brand.

I’ll keep you posted on the progress. It would be a bummer if I had to travel to Spain and hang out on a Mediterranean beach for business purposes…

Yep, it’s that time of year again. Schlepping Snoloha gear to the Lansing Center for the MRA show. This is the same show that I attended last year when Snoloha was “fresh out of the box”. At the time I had 1 retailer and big plans. I’m sure others at the show thought I was nuts for launching a new brand. And I’m quite certain they still think that one year later. It’s been a roller-coaster of a year. New accounts, new experiences, lots of learning, a bunch of new fans and customers, as well as plenty of nay-sayers.

But I don’t hear or pay attention to the nay-sayers as much as I did a year ago, and it’s probably due to receiving emails like this one that I got yesterday:

It was a great day when I stumbled onto your web site and I now am proudly wearing my cap and have your sticker displayed on my CRV.
I love it when people ask me what it means. I now know that others share my passion for the extremes of sport and lifestyle.
As a avid sailor / racer Tartan 38, diver and climber / snowboarder, my love of the water and mountains can be displayed with one simple word – SNOLOHA – You ROCK !!!!

Here’s a pic of my temporary home for a couple days…until I head over to the Grand Rapids Boat Show to hang with Capt. Dave and Solstice Sailing. Capt. Dave’s booth will be a bit more of a “Snoloha” feel, since he has the Snoloha Tiki Bar!

…and yes, that would be Jimmy Buffett, Live at Wrigley Field playing on the good ole PowerBook.

Thanks, Newton, for sending this great shot while sporting your Snoloha hoodie…which is currently on sale by the way!

Remember, if you have a photo with your Snoloha gear, of that Snoloha Moment, or of that Snoloha Place…visit the Snapshots & Scenery gallery, create your own album, upload some pics, and have a chance to win Snoloha gear.

Snoloha and TropiCast continue their efforts of promoting the Trop Rock music genre and lifestyle.

As both brands grow and evolve, and with big plans and opportunities in 2008, Snoloha is now the proud “Presenting Sponsor” of TropiCast episodes moving forward.

If you’d like to get involved, visit TropiCastRadio.com, and contact JimmyPirate.

Trop Rock:
“Trop-Rock is a sub genre of music that deals with Tropical Fixation. It can also be classified in multiple genres. Rock, Country, Jazz, Reggae, Cajun, Pop. If it has a tropical feel and tells stories about far off islands, tiki bars, boat drinks or anything else that involves hanging on a beach with your toes in the sand, you could call it Trop-Rock.”