We were inspired to start The Arrivals when…
KV: We happened to go to the 2013 Sweetlife Festival when Jeff was visiting the U.S. on a weekend trip from Amsterdam (he was working at UNStudio at the time ). We had always believed that the creative individual lacked authentic brands that aligned with their enthusiasm and ethos. While at the festival we decided that we wanted to create something unique in the apparel category that blended the merits of an architectural design approach with an online, direct-to-consumer retail model. About six months later, The Arrivals was born. We continue to be inspired by the creative community to develop elevated, high quality outerwear and offer it at an honest price.

The inspiration behind the name..
JJ: Our team is represented by a cross section of the creative community, consisting of architects, engineers and designers. Technically speaking, an arrival simply means the emergence or appearance of a new development, phenomenon or product. This resonated with our team (largely being industry outsiders) and was aligned with our mission to redraft outerwear by creating beautifully crafted garments that The Arrivals community loves with a value proposition not previously seen in the outerwear category.

How we met…
JJ: We were connected in 2007 by our respective girlfriends at the time (who were friends), when I moved from San Diego to NYC to pursue an MA in Architecture at the Pratt Institute. We found common ground over music, design and technology and have been friends ever since.

Most exciting part about owning your own business…
KV: Each day poses a new set of challenges and opportunities. We’ve heard it compared to having a child and we’d agree that it’s a challenge and responsibility that lives and breathes. Hopefully if we raise it well, it’ll be around long enough to impress us all with what it can achieve, who it can inspire and what it will teach the people who know it.

And the most challenging…
JJ: Like anything you love, it can be all-consuming at times.

And how we overcome the above…
KV: Celebrate the wins and try to enjoy all the portions in between.

When starting a company, you must…
KV: Surround yourself with people who are smarter, more hungry, more resourceful and more talented than you.

And never be afraid of…
JJ & KV: Trusting your gut.

To be a good leader…
JJ: Communicate constantly and distribute your vision constantly. Involve individuals in your thoughts, questions, hypotheses and concerns… it will keep them interested, aligned and excited for the road ahead.

Best business advice we’ve received…
KV: Don’t worry about always making great decisions, just focus on making every decision great — from Naveen, our sage Head of Operations.

What’s next…
JJ: We wake up every day inspired by up-and-coming creatives willing to forgo the status quo to do what they love. Through collaborations, experiences and contributions we’re looking forward to giving back to this incredible community!