We had the good fortune of connecting with Eden Slezin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eden, how has your background shaped the person you are today?

I was born and raised in San Francisco, California. My family was very working class, with not a much extra income for anything too special. I grew up watching my parents work long hours in fairly unfulfilling careers. I knew growing up that this was not what I wanted. I knew from an early age, that I wanted to go to college (I was the 1st in my immediate family to graduate) and pursue a career that I was passionate about. I decided on Botany and got a degree from UC Davis in that. Towards the end of school, I had gotten into working out a lot, and realized that sitting in a lab was not my path. I decided to join the United States Marine Corps and challenge myself and discover a new path. This lasted for 6 year and many included some pretty wild adventures. Ultimately, when was I no longer enjoying myself (constant combat deployments and ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’), I decided it was time to get out. Upon leaving, I again asked myself what I was passionate about. I loved the outdoors and being in charge, so I decided to start a backpacking guiding business. I loved this, but in the winter I needed more income, so I took a part time job at Sports Basement, selling all the fun gear that I used in my adventures. I never expected this to be my career, but 17 years later, I have now opened 4 new stores, been a General Manager of as many, and now I am the Regional Director of our southern California expansion. Our newest store just opened in Fountain Valley, Orange County and is doing great. During my time at Sports Basement, I also went back to Graduate School and got my MFA in Fashion Design. I’ve showed at NYFW twice and even showed at an international design competition in Italy.

From watching my parents, I learned what not to do and what I needed to do to make me happy. Even if that meant many and multiple careers, I have always followed my heart and passions in all the professions that I have pursued. I often marvel that I have been able be successful and follow my passions. I know my parents are proud of that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel like I became an artist at a much later point in my life than most. I took close to 25 years off between undergraduate school and graduate school, but there was a creative void in my life that I knew needed filling. I remember being in graduate school with people half my age. They were distracted and unsure of themselves and not willing to put the work in. On the other hand, I now had a full life of experiences that I could draw upon for inspiration. I had years of discipline training and experience that fueled my hard work and success. It was definitely not easy, but I fully believed that if I just worked harder than anyone else, I could be awarded the ultimate reward of showing at NYFW. It was a very lofty goal, but I did just that! I used my working class, liberal background and military service to create my thesis denim, sustainable collection that receieved significant global acclaim. More recently, I even co-produced a few collections with Nicole Richie.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Backpacking in the Grand Canyon, where my other business operates, is one of my favorite places in the whole world. A four day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon wilderness is where I would take them. I usually take all my good friends there. It’s a great test.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents have always supported my 100%. I grew up really believing I could do anything I put my mind do. From scientist, to Marine, to fashion designer to leader, I never felt there was anything I could not do. They would tell me I could be President if I wanted and I really did believe them. That empowered me to pursue my passions and has been a massive part my work ethic and success. At times I thought I would join the FBI, become an Astronaut or even a Jet Pilot. I really never let anything stop me. That why, at 41, when I decided to be a Fashion Designer, I knew I could succeed if I really applied myself and I did! Thanks mom and dad!

Website: edenslezin.com

Instagram: @designereden

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