Welcome to BAPU Life! For those of you wondering what exactly “BAPU Life” is (which might actually be all of you), take a load off and let me illuminate you.
Several years ago, not long after the picture above was taken, my son Gavin came home to the question, “How was your day?” He replied, “Bueno, as per usual!”
This was not a surprising answer. Gavin was well known for spreading positivity wherever he went, whether school, or work, or wherever. Even as a varsity lacrosse player, he played his best when he was having a good time laughing with his teammates. His positivity led to the creation of “board short Wednesdays” at his high school. Whether it was 82 degrees and sunny or 32 degrees and snowing, Gavin would don his 4” inseam boardshorts and celebrate Wednesdays with his crew.
Seem weird? Perhaps. But Gavin is my son, and that whole “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” saying rings particularly true here. Mountain biking, backpacking, skiing or snowboarding, surfing, spikeball, ultimate frisbee…pretty much anywhere there is fun to be had, I can be found. I was a PE and Leadership teacher for many years and I guarantee all of my students remember my positive energy. I mean, how fun would life be without positive energy?
Gavin’s response of “Bueno, as per usual” began a brainstorm that spawned several designs, along with thoughts on how we could turn not only the saying, but also the vibe behind the saying, into a company.
The designs would have to be fun, lively, and create positive feelings for those seeing and wearing them. For us, vibrant colors and the beach creates that vibe, so that is the direction we headed.
The company would have to embrace a positive living philosophy, supporting the delicate balance between pushing personal boundaries and loving yourself for who you are. Pushing outward from the business, we decided we would like to lend our time and a percentage of our profits to youth mental health programs. We believe that a better sense of self for youth transfers to increased resilience among youth and later, more gritty adults.
We believe in kindness, acceptance, and love for our fellow humans. We believe that each person has extraordinary talents that should be fostered. And, we believe that every person has the capacity to make this world better one shaka at a time.
Several years later, here we are, launching our store. We hope you will help us show the world how to live the most stoked, rad, and downright righteous way possible.
Don’t just live life, live a BAPU Life.
Cheers,
Chuck, AKA Padre