They design good quality clothes that are different and unite nations. They take sustainability for granted and collaborating with other actors is part of their vision. They are currently working on the Team Humana Jeans collection, where all sales are donated to No Man is Illegal. Meet the team behind the clothing brand Team Scandi, one of eXpression Umeå's incubator companies.
- Team Scandi was founded in autumn 2016 and is currently run by myself, Oliver Sarin and Erik Pousette. We wanted to create something that is perceived as a whole and does not exclude anyone. A unified expression of Scandinavia, says Tobias Sedlacek.
- But for that matter, we are not just for Scandinavian customers, we cater to the whole world," Tobias continues.
- And it feels good that we have customers in Russia too, especially when you start looking back at historical conflicts between Scandinavia and Russia. It feels good to highlight a good relationship between them," says Oliver Sarin.
Following your gut
They say that it has been and still is important to stick to their values and to follow their gut feeling, which has led them to turn down some collaborations, which has not always been easy.
- We want the company to grow, but in the right way," says Tobias.
Sustainability - an important pillar
Team Scandi always strives to choose the most environmentally friendly option in their production. For example, they have teamed up with vintage shop Humana Second Hand to develop the Team Humana Jeans concept, where all sales are donated to the organisation No Man is Illegal (https://www.ingenillegal.org). The jeans were released as an extension of the latest Visit Scandinavia collection, which they are working on in full swing. Another release from that collection is coming this December.
- We are also moving our production from the US to Portugal, making our clothes more sustainable and giving us better control over quality. The goal is to have our production as close as possible," says Oliver.
About this year's Christmas gift - recycled clothes
- Right on time. We ourselves often wear a mix of second hand and new, says Tobias.
- Recycled clothes have also inspired us, seeing the concept behind Humana Second hand for example and how they are very conscious about what they bring into the stores," says Oliver.
Partnerships that define us
- It has felt important to do this cooperation with Humana Second Hand, just to show where we stand and what we do. It has helped to define us. We also feel honoured that they chose to work with us as their first ever partners," says Tobias.
He continues:
- We like to promote other companies that we believe in. For example, we sent all the samples left over from last summer to a designer from Stockholm who makes couture. She has used them and re-sewn them into her own garments. Among other things, she has used our sample socks to make a top. This is also something we will show in the future.
Now you are sitting with us at eXpression
- Yes and we are super happy. Just getting a business coach once a week is worth its weight in gold for us now that the company is growing. It's nice to have someone to talk to and ask for advice," says Tobias.
Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
- Let it take time and be patient. Stick to your values, your vision and follow your gut, say both Oliver and Tobias.
Contact
If you want to get in touch with Team Scandi, you can email Tobias Sedlacektobias@team-scandi.eu
In Umeå, Team Scandi will sell their clothes in a pop up shop in the MVG gallery together with Umá and a skateshop from 1 December - 15 December.
Web shop: https://www.studiogalleri.eu
