SUMMER 2023 - The Summer of Adventure - Available Now!
SUMMER 2023 - The Summer of Adventure - Available Now!
by Erika Togashi March 07, 2021 4 min read 3 Comments
To celebrate International Women's Day, we sat down with Erika Togashi, founder and creative director of SEPTEMBER. We discussed her story - the inspiration for building her brand, the women who have inspired her, and her biggest win as a female business owner.
TL: How and when did you start surfing?
ERIKA: I started surfing right after college when I moved to Santa Barbara, CA and worked for Patagonia. The Patagonia culture encouraged everyone to go for a quick paddle at lunch, however, I was a complete novice and had no idea what I was doing so I usually ended up floundering around at C Street or Miramar. A few years later, I spent a good amount of time in Sayulita, Mexico and was able to start progressing in my surf abilities. However, by then I was living in San Francisco and quickly realized that I am a fair weather surfer who does not like wetsuits. Whenever I made progress in my surf abilities in Mexico, I lost it because I never surfed in SF. Before I moved to Bali, I probably had not touched a surfboard in five years.
I have always wanted to be able to surf, so when I left J. Crew and New York City, my goal was to become a better surfer. So, I picked up and went on a six-week surf trip to Sri Lanka and Bali with the sole purpose of improving my surf skills. Long story short, I would say my surfing really began when I moved to Bali seven years ago.
Indonesia 2017
TL: Can you tell me about any women who have impacted or influenced your career?
ERIKA: This is a tough question because so many women have influenced me throughout my life and career. My mother has been a huge influence in my life. She has always followed her heart and gut even if that meant going against the societal norms of her generation. That perseverance has definitely been passed on to me.
Two women who have really impacted my career are Maria Huang and Violetta Villacorta (Vio). They were two senior designers at Patagonia who took me under their wing, supporting and mentoring me during the formative years of my career. When most people in the industry were telling me that I needed to have a design degree if I wanted to pursue being a designer, Maria and Vio believed in me and gave me the confidence to pursue my goal as a designer despite not having formal a formal design degree.
Costa Rica 2020
TL: How has it been starting a company as a woman? Have there been any unexpected surprises?
ERIKA: To be completely honest, I never gave my gender much thought when I started SEPTEMBER. Knock on wood, I have not faced any major road blocks or hurdles that I felt were a result of being a woman. That said, there have been times when I felt like I needed to speak a little louder or be a little more firm in order to get my point across in a room filled with men...
I feel very fortunate to have the relationships I have developed with numerous women since SEPTEMBER launched. I am a designer by trade and do not have a business or marketing degree, so there have been times when I felt overwhelmed and almost frozen when faced with big business decisions. During these times, I have been lucky to have many female mentors to support and guide me. I am thankful for those who have been incredibly generous with their time and experiences and look forward to doing the same with the next generation of female business owners.
Indonesia 2019
TL: Advice for the younger generation of women who want to want to start a company?
ERIKA:My two pieces of advise are:
1) Have a clear vision and stick to it.
2) Don't be afraid to ask questions. People are always eager to share their experiences and there is no shame or embarrassment in asking for help.
TL: Biggest win as a woman?
ERIKA: My proudest moment since SEPTEMBER launched was when SEPTEMBER won Title Nine's Mover's & Makers Pitchfest in 2020. Title Nine has created a half-mentorship, half-competition to support and bring female entrepreneurs together. They want to encourage women to lead, risk and own their position in a male-dominated industry so I am incredibly honored that SEPTEMBER was chosen as one of the winners amongst a very talented group of women entrepreneurs.
Being recognized for creating a company that is focused on ethical labor practices and sustainable materials in a world where it is easy to compromise on those areas validated my vision and goal. Being part of a cohort of women who are helping to shape the future is unbelievable and is an opportunity that will be ongoing.
TF: How do the SEPTEMBER customers inspire you?
ERIKA:The genuineness of each and every customer I have had the opportunity to meet with, talk to, and email with, has been an inspiration. Each customer has been eager to share their individual experience's and reasons for supporting SEPTEMBER and I leave each interaction feeling even more committed to our mission. I am honored to have women from all walks of life and age ranges (16 to 65+) support what I'm building and continue to strive to create a brand and product that appeals to everyone.
March 08, 2021
I am bursting with pride and in awe of your grit,determination,steadfast pursuit of your vision and dream and success.
Barbara Furlong
March 07, 2021
You are one amazing, impressive, and inspirational woman!!!! Thank you for sharing your path. I wish you huge success with this great SEPTEMBER the Line swimsuit brand and in life!!!
Comments will be approved before showing up.
by Erika Togashi May 18, 2023 3 min read
by Erika Togashi May 17, 2023 4 min read 1 Comment
You can add a content block like this to your blog article sidebar, and use it for more details about blog authors, for example.
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …
love the fit, size should be a bit bigger, but otherwise just great
Love love love this suit. It fits like a glove, stays on when in the water, shows just enough but not too much. .I really love the quality and thoughtfulness that goes into September's suits.
I love the color combo. It fits like a glove and looks so cute.
I have not taken this down to warm waters but will in a few weeks. can't wait to give it a try down in Baja in June.
Im pretty much in love with every suit I order from September.!!
I LOVE the color and design of this swim top and bottom. It fits snug but perfect because I know it'll stay on even if I'm tumbling around in the water. I can't wait to test it out on bigger surf days!
The softest leggings I've ever owned, and they fit like a glove! The waist hits at the perfect place and stays in place when training and similarly the fabric falls perfectly at the ankles - not bunching or riding up like so many of my other running leggings. Based on the reviews posted before me, the Isa Sports bra will definitely be my next purchase, along with another pair of these killer tights
This is my all time favorite surf suit. I bought it at least 4 years back and it is still as new and I surf A LOT in it. Thank you
So happy with my one piece in evening storm recently purchased! The quality and attention to details is particularly special. The print makes me feel like I’m wearing a one of a kind piece. Going back for a two piece!
Love september swim tops, great coverage & they always stay in place for surfing and water activities!
I like this design it’s definitely suitable for surfing! Cool and stylish
More support by a tighter fit or pads inside would be great
beautiful coloring and design, also comfy! Perfectly combines style with practicality. Maybe get a size bigger than your usual, the size small was a little too small for me although that is my normal size.
I love this pattern and the contrasting bright straps. I always get compliments when I wear it and it makes me feel stylish when I’m wearing it. It fits both a bit snug and flattering. With fabric so well made and soft, it doesn’t sag or look baggy on my body after many wears.
It has a higher cut on the butt than I’m used to which isn’t usually my style but I’m told it’s flattering and it doesn’t bother me when I’m wearing it.
Need a pair of leggings that you never want to take off? Here they are! I love them for walking, yoga, running, and just wearing around the house. The fabric is so silky soft and the ankles fit without any extra fabric or bunching. The length is great without any bunching at the bottom. I can’t stop wearing them and love them when I pair it with my Isa sports bra.
Excited to get a second pair!
I am an avid exerciser (running, spinning, and yoga) and am brand loyal but loved my swimsuit so gave this sports bra a try and LOVE it. It feels like butter on my skin. No rubbing, I never feel the straps, and it offers great support (b cup). I love the cell phone pocket; I don’t feel it and now I don’t have an extra thing to carry it on my runs!
I can’t say enough how much I love the fabric and feel only skin. As someone with sensitive skin to find an exercise product that does everything exercise oriented and doesn’t irritate my skin is amazing!
A little on the snug side, but still super cute. Love the high waisted and cheecky fit!
Judy Suchy
March 09, 2021
Great article Erica! Wishing you much luck on the road ahead❤