As we continue our Interview series, today’s spotlight is on Emily Oberg, founder of Sporty and Rich and Sporty and Rich Wellness Club. After reaching out to Oberg, we were thrilled to have her be a feature and talk more about herself, her brand, current favorites, and more. Born and raised in Calgary, Canada, Oberg pursued a business program in the fashion industry in Vancouver but then headed to New York where she was able to work for Complex Magazine. Since then, Emily had the idea to start Sporty and Rich as a moodboard account and print magazine at first, but it has now grown to sweatshirts, hoodies, t-shirts, yoga mats, anklets, tote bags, and lots of others.
Tomorrow Friday, October 2nd will be the release of the Sporty and Rich Summer Drop 3 which will be the final one for the summer season. After posting a sneak peek for the Fall drop, I cannot wait to see what Oberg will bring for her brand. Since following Emily on Instagram a little over two years ago, I have seen the way Sporty and Rich has developed and was counting down the days for the first release that was ever made. Something very unique about S&R is that they’re by pre-order only meaning there is zero waste and they don’t produce anything more than what is ordered.
If you would like to view the S&R Summer Drop 3, visit sportyandrich.com, and follow Emily Oberg as well as Sporty and Rich for more clothing, products, health tips, and more.
Source: @emilyoberg
- Can you tell us a little bit about yourself. (Where you’re from, your career, etc.)
- E: I’m from a city called Calgary in Canada and I grew up there until I was 18. I then left for a year long fashion business program in Vancouver, where I lived before moving to NYC for a job at Complex Magazine. I now own a sportswear brand called sporty & Rich and am based between LA and Paris. Out of all the cities I’ve been to, LA and Paris are definitely my favorites.
- Since our blog is called Glamour and Guide, what are your favorite go-to brands at the moment— whether it’s clothes, jewelry, shoes, etc.?
- E: I am not as much of a label person as I was in my early twenties. I am more lowkey, and like simple things, mostly vintage. I do like Toteme, old Celine, Arket and Uniqlo. I wear the same thing almost every day, because I’m in an office most of the time so I don’t make much of an effort to look good!
Source: @emilyoberg
- Being the founder of Sporty and Rich, and Sporty and Rich Wellness Club, where were you and how did you realize that you wanted this idea for your brand to become a reality?
- E: I was working at Complex when I started the brand, and It started as a mood board account and print magazine. I always loved the idea of print, something physical that isn’t just online. The wellness club started this past year, and it was inspired by my love of health and my own wellness journey. Being in LA, you are exposed to another level of a health industry and world. I really started taking my health seriously after moving there, and I read about all things wellness in my spare time, because it’s fascinating to me!
- Where and how do you find inspiration for yourself, S&R clothing, and products as well? How did COVID-19 affect the production and selling of Sporty and Rich?
- E: Almost everything we do is inspired by the past or an interpretation of something from the 70s, 80s or 90s. I’m not such a fan of our era and the 21st century. I am more inspired by things from a long time ago, they had more personality and more depth to them. I feel like since the 2000s, everything’s looked the same and we haven’t had any notable moments in style, personally speaking. I look at old magazines, old posters, old films, old subcultures and photographs. With Covid, we actually saw an increase in sales because everyone wanted loungewear all of a sudden. And I think we do loungewear in a simple, understated way.
- Aside from social media and posting content, what are some of your hobbies or something people may not know about you? Did you learn anything new over the quarantine?
- E: I wouldn’t say social media is a hobby because I don’t actually enjoy it at all. It’s become so negative, so hate-filled, and not fun anymore. If I didn’t have to have it for my brand, I wouldn’t have it at all. My hobbies include cooking, hiking, tennis, pilates, yoga, reading old magazines, I’m actually going to start taking Saxophone lessons soon, people don’t know about that one!
- How is sustainability incorporated into your brand? How does S&R stand out from other sustainability and lifestyle brands in this industry?
- E: We have multiple ongoing initiatives that are aimed at becoming more sustainable. 1% for the planet is one, planting trees for every order is another, producing 95% of our goods domestically is one, and switching over to 100% compostable packaging is also one. We really make an effort to continue to add to our initiatives, because it’s not something that can be fixed with 1, 2, or 3 things. It’s ongoing and working towards and a cleaner planet will be something we will have to do for generations to come.
- Since you have formerly worked with companies such as Complex and Kith, is there something you’d like to see more of in the fashion and street style industry? What was the most important thing you learned after working with these brands?
- E: I would like to see more support for female owned streetwear/fashion brands. I feel like people praise the men in this industry while only criticizing and judging the women. The odds are against us and I just have never felt the support of my peers in the way that I see the men getting it. The most important thing I learned is something about myself, and its that I could never be happy working for someone else and creating someone else’s dream. Some people are great at it, but it’s not for me.
Source: @sportyandrich
- How do you handle some of your most stressful days? What makes you feel most at peace?
- E: I try and meditate every day, though its hard when things are so busy. I try and take care of myself when I’m feeling stressed, getting a massage or going to steam/sauna. I have to take a step back sometimes and realize things aren’t so bad and they could always be worse.
Source: @emilyoberg
- Sporty and Rich’s tagline is “Good Health Starts Here.” What is some advice or tips for those who want to improve their health and focus more on giving their body the right needs?
- E: I would say getting adequate vitamin d and sun exposure is key to being healthy. Also, eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and if you eat meat- make sure it’s hormone, chemical free and grass fed. Drink tons of water, and make sure to sleep by 10 pm at night.
- Do you have any plans, new products or current ideas that you are working on for the expansion of Sporty and Rich?
- E: We are currently developing activewear and a few other product categories which I am excited for. It’s very expensive and time consuming to develop new product, so I’m lucky we’re in a place where we’re able to.
- What is your vision for yourself, your life, and your future?
- E: To be happy, to live near the beach where the only season is summer.
If you love Emily’s content and would like to see more, check out her Instagram down below: @emilyoberg
Visit the official Sporty and Rich website here and follow @sportyandrich on Instagram!
Thank you so much for reading!
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Ooo never heard of this brand before but it looks cool!
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Yes! Definitely check them out 🙂 Glad you enjoyed!
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