A Day in the Life of Oscar: A Surprising Call to Adventure

Imagine this: you're a technical designer, meticulously refining garment measurements and details, when your phone rings with a proposition to reshape Coolibar's accessory line. That’s precisely what happened to Oscar, now Coolibar’s Category Manager of Accessories. When he was asked if he’d take on a brand-new challenge, it only took him a moment to say "yes." Since then, Oscar has become a key figure in Coolibar’s accessory development, bridging the gap between technical design, marketing, and customer needs. With his background in garment creation, Oscar’s journey is an inspiring one, marked by creativity, dedication, and a commitment to enhancing sun safety for Coolibar customers.

From Technical Design to Creating Must-Have Accessories

As Oscar explains it, his work began with meticulous technical design, documenting every garment's specs, creating “tech packs,” and ensuring quality standards were met. His knowledge allowed Coolibar to maintain consistency across seasons and factories.

“Now, we’re not just creating the products; we’re also collaborating with marketing and e-commerce to make sure each product’s features are highlighted in a way that makes sense for our customers.” This expanded scope ensures that Coolibar products not only function perfectly but also meet customer expectations in terms of usability and accessibility.

Crafting Solutions: The Hat Holder and Beach Tent

Oscar’s favorite part of the job? Designing with purpose. Two standout projects—the hat holder magnet clip and Coolibar’s first beach tent—illustrate his commitment to creating solutions that resonate with the needs of real users.

“With the hat holder, I didn’t just want a product that looked good,” he recalls. “I wanted to make sure it truly solved a problem our customers face—keeping their hats safe on the go.” It’s a solution for sun-conscious travelers and outdoors lovers alike, and Oscar proudly notes that his version is distinct from anything else on the market.

The beach tent, on the other hand, was a unique venture. Designed as an instant popup shelter, it reflects Coolibar’s mission to protect people wherever they are, particularly for those with high sun-sensitivity or skin cancer. “If you have skin cancer, you can still go to the beach with this tent and spend time outdoors safely,” Oscar shares. “We built it lightweight and easy to set up, so families could bring it along without hassle.” This product allows users to embrace the outdoors while minimizing sun exposure, which Oscar sees as an essential extension of Coolibar’s purpose.

Passionate About Protection: Personal Motivations and Takeaways

Oscar’s work at Coolibar has deepened his appreciation for sun protection. Before Coolibar, he was only mildly aware of sun safety. Now, it’s a key part of his life and something he actively promotes to his friends and family. “I tell my friends, ‘Protect yourself. Use this.’ It’s about making sure people don’t take their health for granted,” he says. His dedication to spreading Coolibar’s mission goes beyond his role; it’s personal.

For anyone looking to get started with sun-safe accessories, Oscar recommends essentials like:

• Sodalis Travel Umbrella: A compact, travel-friendly umbrella designed for maximum UV protection.
• Sanibel Everyday Beach Shawl: Versatile for outdoor activities and travel, offering elegant sun protection.
• Larix Shoulder Wrap Sleeves: A favorite accessory, perfect for lightweight arm and shoulder coverage.
• Ouray UV Fingerless Sun Gloves: Ideal for driving and everyday use, these gloves combine protection and practicality.
• Maxshield Multi-Sport Fingerless Gloves: Designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking versatile protection.

Behind-the-Scenes Challenges and Triumphs

Working on unique products like the beach tent and hat holder presented Oscar with a steep learning curve. Unlike apparel, each accessory often requires a new vendor and specific expertise, leading to challenges in production logistics and cost management. For example, when he initially sourced the tent, shipping costs were unexpectedly high due to its bulky packaging. “We’re used to shipping compact garments, so adjusting to larger, heavier items like the tent was new,” he explains. Such challenges made him adapt quickly, balancing a product-focused mindset with logistics and cost considerations.

Super Users: The Inspiration Behind Coolibar Accessories

Oscar’s work is fueled by what he calls “super users”—people who spend hours each day outdoors, from surfers to landscapers. Their unique needs inspire Oscar’s designs. “I met a kite-surfing instructor who couldn’t find certain protective gear, and his feedback was crucial,” he mentions. Listening to these users has helped Oscar innovate by adding small but essential features that set Coolibar products apart in the market.

Reflections on Coolibar’s Mission

For Oscar, every product he designs, from gloves that protect drivers’ hands to umbrellas and shawls, is more than just an item—it’s a statement of care for each customer’s well-being. “Seeing the positive feedback and knowing our products help people stay protected and still enjoy the outdoors—it’s deeply fulfilling,” he reflects. His favorite success story so far is the Larix Shoulder Wrap Sleeves, which sold out in two months and received glowing reviews. “It felt great knowing customers valued it as much as we did.”

A Final Thought: Health is a Gift, Don’t Take It for Granted

Oscar’s closing advice to customers? Value your health. “We take being healthy for granted until we lose it. Appreciate what you have, stay protected, and keep living life to the fullest,” he says. For anyone interested in starting their sun-safety journey, he recommends gloves for driving, umbrellas, and versatile shawls that can protect you both indoors and out.

Oscar’s work is a testament to Coolibar’s mission to bring stylish, effective sun protection to the lives of people everywhere. Through his designs, he’s empowering individuals to enjoy the outdoors safely, and his journey reminds us of the creativity, care, and dedication behind every Coolibar product.