The Mermaid at Ocean’s End

Words & photos by Jady Ojiri

A new, locally influenced brand is making its way into every fashionista’s accessory collection through a chic assortment of handbags and backpacks. The high end fashion line goes by the name of “Oceans End,” and is owned and operated by the talented Danielle Gosiaco, more popularly known as tattoo artist Dani G.

 

 

Throughout her childhood, Dani already held a passion for art and expressing her creativity. With a laugh, she said, “I think I was born an artist. Growing up I was driven by art. I not only loved it, but I was good at it.”

With the sewing skills her mother graced upon her at a young age and her experiences from studying at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), Dani contemplated what she wanted to do next with her talents. The idea of whipping up a few handbags made its way into the mix, and with an extra push from Dani’s boyfriend and sister, “Oceans End” was born.

The brand was fueled by her love of fashion and Hawaii that she has carried with her throughout her entire life. Dani implements her style at the time being and the trends she observes on a day-to-day basis in order to come up with eye-catching designs. Her main focus when first creating the brand was to open up a high fashion line that was still affordable and convenient for the wearer.

She produces everything on her own – the sewing, the marketing, the designing, you name it –  and has pioneered her own business from the bottom up. Her biggest message was that “You are your own walking advertisement.”

With that mindset, Dani was able to reach people all across the globe and she’s amazed by how many people have taken such an interest in her brand so quickly.

 

Interestingly enough, “Oceans End” was not her first choice for the name of her brand – not even her second choice. But after a lot of searching, Dani pulled the brand’s name from a favorite quote of hers, which she showcases on the “Oceans End” Instagram page.

“It was very difficult. I knew I wanted something with only two words. It actually comes from the slogan, ‘It’s at every ocean’s end that connects us all,’” Dani said.

She went on to state, “When I think about Hawaii I think about how we always have to cross the oceans to get where we want to go. That’s pretty much where the name came from.”

Over time, Dani has been able to design a variety of wristlets, handbags and backpacks that all range in price from around twenty dollars to one-hundred and eighty dollars. Her recent summer 2016 collection showcased a lot of pink and floral prints that captured the pure, beachy vibes of Hawaii.

 

When she sat back to think about the success she has accumulated, Dani stated, “It was crazy! It still is crazy. It’s overwhelming at times, but it’s so gratifying.”

To anyone going into the design industry, she expressed that you should “always stay true to yourself. Never stop dreaming or creating. And don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a hard world and a harsh world. Sometimes it will get the best of you, but if you know who you are and what you want, you’re set. I sometimes struggle with it, but I always come back to the word ‘why.’ ‘Why are you doing this? Why are you here?’ Don’t change… Change for good. Be able to [change], but don’t change the reason why you started to design in the first place. Never give up. It’s so cliché, but it’s so true.”

Dani looks forward to her upcoming winter collection, which she says will have a darker feel than her pink infused summer 2016 collection. She hopes to expand her brand even more over the next few years by possibly adding clothes and bikinis to her line, and hiring a few helping hands to work with her.

 

“I’ve been finding balance in my life all the time. It’s definitely been a struggle, but it’s definitely been getting easier. In a few years, I want everything to come together. I believe a lot in my line and I want to be able to keep creating for everyone who loves what I do,” Dani explained.

Dani continues to dream big and put everything she has into creating quality works of art for her customers, and seeing as though her brand’s following has grown so quickly, it’s obviously doing the trick.

To purchase Dani’s show-stopping accessories, visit www.theoceansend.com or check out her Instagram at @oceansendco.