Squamish is well on its way to being known as a prime place to run a rec tech company.
In the midst of excellent recreation opportunities and relatively cheaper real estate prices, the district is attracting new small and medium-sized businesses.
This means new people coming to town to add to Squamish’s growing population of young adults.
Strongbody Apparel, a men’s activewear company, is the newest rec tech venture in town.
“We heard good things about Squamish, and we’re really outdoorsy people,” said co-owner Quinc]cy Samycia, who is working out of his home studio downtown until he finds a permanent location.
He said his brand is perfectly suited to Squamish, “fusing luxury performance apparel with sleek and versatile West Coast style.”
The clothes, which are manufactured in Vancouver, use nanotechnology from the ocean to fight odor.
The secret ingredient, Chitosan, is derived from crab and shrimp shells and is an antibacterial, bio-friendly technology.
The start-up is joining other rec tech companies such as cycling apparel company 7Mesh Inc., KNWN snowboard manufacturer, mountain bike equipment manufacturer OneUp Components and Blurr, a climbing apparel company. They aim to create innovative products that fill a gap in what active people need.
Strongbody’s newest creation, the Gastown Jacket, is aimed to fit the lifestyle of men in Squamish and Vancouver.
“We’ve designed a jacket that is perfect for city wear – whether going to the office or out on the town, and performance wise, it will take you to the top of the mountain,” said co-founder Meghan Conyers.
The business partners, who are both 29 years old and originally from the Sunshine Coast, were high-school sweethearts and are getting married next year.
In addition to designing in their home studio, they enjoy working in Squamish’s independent coffee shops on Cleveland Avenue and in the Squamish Adventure Centre.
The duo began researching in 2012 and launched two years later with a Kickstarter campaign that hit its goal within 24 hours and a bit of help from an investment from a family friend. A second campaign has been launched specifically for the Gastown Jacket, which features strategic body-mapped panels that play double duty to ensure optimal performance and a flattering silhouette.
“We’ve spent a lot of time designing this. It is also ultra-lightweight, breathable, waterproof and windproof,” said Samycia.
