Sunchaser Style: How a Teen Founder Turned Her Love of the Ocean into a Brand
Britt JamesAnybody who’s in the surf scene has probably come across the dreamy designs of Sunchaser Clothing - bold yet feminine pieces that feel like sunshine and saltwater stitched into fabric. The prints are hand-drawn, the fabrics are thick and luxe, and there’s a clear sustainability focus running through everything. But it’s not just the look that turns heads - these designs stand out in a sea of sameness.
Then we found out the founder, Scarlett, is just 17. Seventeen! That absolutely stopped me in my tracks!!
While most of us were still figuring out who we were and what we wanted to do at that age, Scarlett was already out there building something of her own - a brand born from her deep love of the ocean, creativity, and conscious living.
That’s when I realised Sunchaser isn’t just another surf label. It’s a movement. A bold, beautiful example of what happens when passion and purpose collide - proof that age has nothing to do with drive, talent, or vision.
We sat down with Scarlett to chat about all things business, confidence, surfing, creativity, and what it takes to truly launch something from the heart (even before you’ve graduated high school)!!!
Q: How did the idea for Sunchaser first come to life - what made you want to start so young?
Sunchaser started as an idea during the first COVID lockdown in 2020, when I was just 12. With no school and so much time on my hands, I started thinking about what I could create. I was really getting into surfing, and I’ve always loved the ocean and cared about sustainability so I knew I wanted to do something that combined those things.
My dad has always encouraged me and my siblings to follow our passions and work for ourselves. He has run his own businesses since I was young, so I took that mindset and ran with it. I launched Sunchaser in October 2020 with beach-inspired clothing and jewellery.
Then in mid-2021, I noticed a gap in the market for swimwear that was actually made for surfing, functional but still cute! That led to me launching my first swimwear collection at the start of 2022. I’d never really found my thing before, but Sunchaser quickly became something I could focus on and grow with. From designing prints to jumping on socials, I’ve truly found my passion in running Sunchaser.
Q: Was there someone in your corner cheering you on, or did you just back yourself from the beginning?
I would without a doubt not be where I am without my parents’ support. My family has always been there for me especially when I made the decision to leave school at the start of Year 11. They backed me every step of the way. My dad still helps me most weekends at the markets, and my mum tells everyone she meets about Sunchaser. I’m honestly so lucky to have them in my corner.
Q: What’s been the hardest part of building a brand at this age?
I’d say comparison and constantly questioning what I’m doing has been the hardest part of running Sunchaser so young. Going against the grain and choosing a different path from most people my age hasn’t always been easy but honestly, it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.
Q: What lights you up the most - the part of Sunchaser that brings you the biggest joy?.
Seeing people wear the pieces I’ve designed lights me up so much, especially when I see them out surfing. There’s something so special about knowing that something I created is part of people’s adventures. That’s when I really feel the hard work paying off.
Q: Where does your confidence come from? And what would you say to another young woman with a big idea but no clue where to start?
I think my confidence comes from just believing in myself and knowing that anything is possible and not being scared to fail. Once I stopped worrying about what other people thought of me, everything started to fall into place.
To any young woman, I’d say just believe in yourself and go for it. Don’t worry about having it all figured out; you’ll figure it out along the way. If you’re really passionate about something, it’s bound to fall into place.
Q: And what’s been your favourite moment so far - the one that made you go, “I can’t believe this is real”?.
A few years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to meet my beautiful manufacturers in person and I was able to take my family with me. It really showed me just how much potential Sunchaser has and reminded me why I started in the first place. It was truly the stepping stone that made me decide to go all in with Sunchaser.
