Growing up near the sea has a magic of its own. It is as if it enters your blood, and no matter what part of the city you move to, you’ll never forget the sound of the calming waves with the sun shining bright on the mysterious depths of the water. There is no denying that one creates an unexplainable love towards the great blue sea, especially if they’ve grown up on water. And Salt Water Soul is one such brand that has been creating waves because of its incredible apparel and accessories line that reflects the love for the sea.
It was back in 2006 that co-founder Billy Ray Wagner along with his partner Tom Vaughn created the brand Salt Water Soul in order to reflect their passion for the saltwater that has made a home in their hearts and souls. “I grew up on the water. It means everything to me,” shares an avid fisherman and surfer, Billy Ray. “We are a lifestyle brand focusing on people’s love for the ocean. We offer great quality clothing and designs at a very competitive price,” he adds.
Billy Ray approached Tom, who used to manufacture local T-shirts, about launching a clothing line that would represent his love for the sea – a sentiment that he knew many people all over the world shared. Because of the name’s inherited meaning, which is what has contributed to its long-term success, Tom immediately knew that his idea was unique and hence, agreed to join hands with Billy.
The main inspiration behind creating this company was the duo’s shared love of T-shirts and the beach. Billy Ray, who was born and brought up in Galveston, Texas, spent his childhood engaging in a variety of water-related activities. He loves the sea more than anything. However, before his clothing line became a massive hit, Billy spent a long period in the fence industry. The clothing and accessories brand is intriguing because Salt Water Soul wasn’t established with the intention of making money. Instead, the concept behind it was to cater to hardcore saltwater lovers passionate about all kinds of activities that go on in the water.
Apart from that, Billy Ray takes pride in the fact that Salt Water Soul is not a run-of-the-mill kind of apparel brand. According to Billy Ray, each piece is designed to appeal to the soul of saltwater lovers and that sets it apart from the rest. In short, it is a meaningful brand, and Billy Ray’s ambition towards his incredible clothing and accessories brand has always been high, even though he had no idea how to sell shirts. All he knew back then was that he had a name with a profound meaning that would penetrate everyone’s soul.
Billy Ray always had a creative streak, which is quite evident in his innovative designs. The chance to share his love of the sea with the world was something he believed he was meant to do. He learned the tricks of the trade on his own in the beginning, but after spending some time in the industry and attending trade exhibitions, Billy quickly figured out what was needed to make Salt Water Soul stand out in this cutthroat industry.
Salt Water Soul is a brand that can help nature lovers feel the waves and shining sun no matter where they are. “Everyone tries to catch our wave. When you hit the saltwater and get all giddy or smell the salt air, that is how we want our clients to feel 24/7,” explains Billy Ray. “If you have a strong passion for the ocean or skinny water like us, then Salt Water Soul is for you! Both Tom and I don’t believe in fluffing up our brand or purchasing likes on social media that customers can’t see. However, all we want to say is thank you to everyone who spread the word about Salt Water Soul and stuck by us despite the difficulties we faced behind the scenes!” he elaborates.
To evoke a feeling of the ocean, Salt Water Soul designs are influenced by all things that scream seascape, wildlife, and deep blue waters. Since the day they developed the initial logo, they have “built Salt Water Soul one customer at a time”. In fact, they have kept the brand homegrown and to the core. From the start, Billy wanted, as its name suggests, Salt Water Soul to be more than just a clothing line for sea lovers. He wanted something that allowed everyone to know that you’re a die-hard saltwater lover. And Billy Ray Wagner, with the help of Tom Vaughn, has undoubtedly managed to achieve just that!
