Meet Angela Farid | Founder & Resourceful Rebel

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

Hi Angela, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
My family is from the middle-east; We are from Egypt with some Armenian roots. My immediate family immigrated from their homes overseas to start a better, safer life in North America. Our upbringing is considered quite conservative to the western world along with being Coptic Orthodox which was very uncommon in Florida at the time. Our parents wished for us to have the “American Dream”, a graduate degree, most likely a lawyer, doctor, or engineer, and to live a stable life in the sunshine state. However, my parents also taught us out-of-the-box thinking, ideas, and concepts, and pushed us to try new things even if it was not the traditional way. That unique combination of tradition and yet uncommon teachings allowed me to venture my ideas out and begin to build Ocean Rebel at the young age of 14. Understanding the risks my family took to come to America to provide opportunities only some can dream of really motivated me to grab on to Ocean Rebel and knock it out of the water. I truly believe that due to my upbringing, which once gave me the “underdog” status is what is now motivating me beyond hardships, competition, and negativity. By grasping on to my roots, and where we originally came from and understanding that the American Dream is possible so long as you work hard, appreciate it, and constantly remember that there is no “right” way to achieving sucesses – success has many paths, different durations, different journeys, and different meanings for each individual – the key is to never lose yourself and to always work hard.

What should our readers know about your business?
Ocean Rebel is the first-ever Luxury Coastalwear brand. We are the original founders of the perfect marriage between coastal living and comfort fashion. We believe that clothing should not only be functional, but also comfortable, and impact the world positively. Therefore, we donate a portion of sales to non-profits that build a permanent source of clean drinking water and sanitation for those in need.

Nothing is easy – In fact, this industry is extremely challenging and ever so changing- which never allows you to be comfortable and demands from you to always stay on your toes and sleep with your eyes open. Faith and a good tight circle of positive, motivated people can help you climb mountains you could only dream of.

Ocean Rebel is not a fast-fashion brand. We produce in America and work with as many American companies as we can by using the resources that are available throughout the United States. This brings many challenges as some domestic clothing factories are not as advanced nor cost-effective as the overseas factories. However, it is all worthwhile, as we eliminate waste, speed up productivity, provide customers with an extremely high quality of clothing, and strengthen the economy that we live in.

I would love for the young women around the world to always remember that they can do anything they are passionate about, and they can succeed without losing their beliefs or values. Hold on to your faith, and hold on to who you are, it will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honeymoon Island is a great local spot that is not as crowded as Clearwater Beach, this would be one of the first locations to go as they have a great jet ski launching spot that is my go-to. The next would be Sunset Beach in tarpon springs – even more local than honeymoon island but it is always equipped with an awesome jetski launching ramp that takes you straight out to the open ocean. After a 5 min jetski ride out, you hit the islands that make you feel you are in the Bahamas.

Publix is a must as a local Floridian – I like to give people the freedom of choice, grab a sub, or some groceries and assemble everything in the back of the car overlooking a cotton candy sunset is the way to go.

St.Pete/Tampa is the hot spot for nightlife, but ideally, a good day on the water means no time to catch the nightlife which is even better. 🙂

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?
I believe everyone I meet has impacted my decisions, ideas, and concepts.

However, I would say Jesus is number one, for his unlimited blessings. My parents for the constant motivation and encouragement. My A-1 friend whos always up to my crazy adventures, and willing to listen to my ideas any time of the day.

Website: www.oceanrebel.com

Instagram: @oceanrebel

Facebook: @oceanrebel