Slowtide - How Surf and Art Sparked a Global Brand

I had such a great time talking with Dario Phillips, Co-founder of Slowtide. What started as a simple idea—a better beach towel—has grown into a lifestyle brand that's as much about art and culture as it is about function.  Dario shared how Slowtide turned a category often overlooked into something exciting, combining creativity, collaboration, and sustainability in a way that truly resonates with today's consumer. What really stood out to me was the way Dario approaches brand building. Slowtide isn't just about selling towels; it's about creating products that people connect with and want to showcase in their everyday lives. From artist collaborations to pushing the boundaries of what a towel can be, this is a story about vision, persistence, and transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Here are a few key moments from the episode: * How a love for surf, art, and culture inspired the very first product idea.   * The journey from a side hustle to a full-fledged brand stocked in major retailers.   * Why artist and brand collaborations have become such a powerful part of their identity.   * The challenges of scaling while staying true to their creative roots and sustainable values.   * Insights into how Slowtide turned a utilitarian product into a lifestyle statement. Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and discover how Slowtide transformed a simple towel into a cultural canvas, building a brand that inspires creativity and community. For more on Slowtide, visit: https://slowtide.co/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.   Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.