NEW SPRING 2024 COLLECTION AVAILABLE NOW
NEW SPRING 2024 COLLECTION 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!!!
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by Erika Togashi March 11, 2024 3 min read
by Erika Togashi March 04, 2024 4 min read 1 Comment
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Fits very snug, do not have to worry about falling out.
This is my signature top for surfing and I have bought this style in multiple beautiful colours. The smooth lines and cut fit perfect on my athletic build and smaller chest. This top absolutely stays on in the surf and also looks great with my fave pair of high waisted jean shorts. Paired with the Lucky Bottom, it's perfection!
The lucky bottom is a style I have been wearing since the beginning of SEPTEMBER. Erika truly understands what a true surf bikini needs to look and fit like. This bottom is extremely flattering on all body types and absolutely stays on in the surf. I have recommended this bottom to many surfer friends who also all love the style. They are simply elegant and beautiful.
Absolutely in love with the Hustle Leggings. They are flattering and designed with a luxurious silky fabric that doesn't jeopardize performance. I have used these leggings for intense dry land training as well as in the water surfing for the ultimate sun protection. As with all the SEPTEMBER products the quality of the leggings is top stitch, wash very well and after much abuse look like the day I first put them on. Highly recommend for all athletic activities and water sports.
I don't typically wear one pieces but from the moment I put this one on I was in love. The low scoop in the back is so pretty I often even wear it as a onesie with a pair of jean shorts outside of the water. I've been wearing it in the surf too- if you like cheekier suits this one is for you!
I've been using this suit in all types of waves and it does not budge! The perfect coverage and the back cutout is soooo cute! I get compliments every time I have it on.
This has been my go-to suit for almost four years of surfing, swimming, and beach hangs. I've put it through a lot and it has held up way better than any swimsuit I've ever owned!!
This top is so supportive and yet it feels like butter when you wear it - so soft! Fits true to size.
Holds up in the biggest swell!
Super comfortable, flattering and well made. Beautiful color!
Lola Fig is my absolute favorite suit at the moment. I’ve taken it everywhere with me in the past year - surfing, free diving, jumping into rock pools. No matter what I’m doing it always stays on. This timelessness of the suit means I can still wear in the years to come and the color fig really suits my skin tone both when I’m super tanned or when I’m pale and out of the sun for a while. Also being 5”2 the higher cut makes my legs seem longer and makes me look taller which is a great plus for me ;)
I love my Sumatra surf suit! It is so flattering, and I never, ever need to adjust it in the water. I feel protected from the sun alll the way up to my neck and I can roll the sleeves up or down depending on how I'm feeling. It's just the right cut in the back. I forget I have it on and feel super confident and balanced on my board - the two layers of fabric don't slide around when I'm turning to catch a wave, as I've experienced with some other surf suits. So grateful to have found this - it is my daily companion in the water, so well made and looks great. Thank you, September!!
I luv e in Costa Rica and this suit is perfect for my sunrise surf sessions…and any of my surf sessions. I love it. It stays in place and it’s super comfortable. It fits really well.
I found that I wanted another sports bra option (in addition to the Isa) for my exercise and love the Training Sports Bra! It works for my runs without the extra cell phone pocket so it doesn't feel as "thick" which is nice and it's perfect for spinning, yoga, and weight lifting! It's easy to get on, supports me for all my exercise...including running and I'm so glad to have another September sports bra.
Like the Isa, it is so comfortable on my body and doesn't irritate my skin (I have eczema). The material is so soft and the sports bra is really well made. Can't wait to get another in a different color.
I have always run in shorts but wanted a pair of shorts that I could exercise in and not have my legs rub and these are it!! I want to order more! They stay comfortably on my waist, have 2 side pockets that I put my phone in and didn't notice as well as a gu. Neither felt like they were adding weight or bouncing around. The material is soft and snug which felt great. They didn't sag and I felt so free running with them on. I also found that I was just putting them on to wear around the house and again, they didn't rise up around the leg nor fall down around the waist. They are really well made with a lot of attention to detail.
If you want something not just for running but also wearing around the house or to yoga that feels like your second skin...these are them!! Love them!
Judy Suchy
March 09, 2021
Great article Erica! Wishing you much luck on the road ahead❤