"The not-so-cozy journey to becoming the Coziest"

Chapter 1: Holy or Unholy

As a graphic designer for five years now, I still find myself in awe of the rapid growth of our brand and the significant mark it’s made on the streetwear scene here in the Philippines. Watching this evolution has been nothing short of mesmerizing.

It all began with Richard's vision in 2017. Inspired by the vibrant Hip-hop culture and its community, he was drawn to the way this culture expresses itself—boldly, creatively, and as a collective. Richard wanted to translate that energy into a streetwear brand that made people feel both comfortable and confident.

I can still vividly recall the early days after school, hanging out in our shared office at Laiko Building in Intramuros. Back then, business wasn’t the focus—it was all about the vibe and the process. We spent our time doing what we loved: designing clothes, hand-cutting DIY stickers, sewing labels onto shirts, experimenting with prints, and shooting lookbooks. All this while munching on pizza and blasting ASAP Rocky’s "Praise the Lord" or J. Cole’s "No Role Modelz" through our Bluetooth speakers.

The passion and creativity were palpable the moment you stepped into the room, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by individuals driven by bold vision and fearless determination to chase their dreams. It was a humble yet electric beginning, and even then, I had a quiet belief that what we were building would grow into something bigger, thanks to the team's synergy and Richard’s unshakable vision.

Chapter 2: Stay Cozy

Then the pandemic hit, and it was devastating for everyone. For Coziest, like any other business, we had to fight to survive. Innovation became our lifeline. We found ways to keep things running even in quarantine—taking orders through Google Forms (shoutout to the OG fans who remember!), shooting lookbooks from home, and coming up with other creative solutions just to keep going.

I remember one time I asked Richard why he didn’t choose to pause operations during the pandemic. His answer stuck with me: “Because many households rely on this brand.” It wasn’t just us; it was the printers, the sewers, and everyone who depended on Coziest to make a living.

That moment shifted my perspective on our mantra, “Stay cozy.” Before, I saw it as simply being comfortable in our clothes. But now, I realize it’s a mindset—a way of life. It’s about striving for a cozy, fulfilling lifestyle not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.

Chapter 3: Coziest Among All

Fortunately, we made it through the pandemic. From that moment on, there was no looking back. We kept dreaming bigger and creating things we once thought were beyond our reach. Our passion and persistence became unstoppable, fueling every design, every project. Eventually, we hit milestones that once seemed like distant dreams—opening our first flagship store in San Andres Bukid, hosting our first fashion show to celebrate our 5th anniversary, and collaborating with iconic artists like Al James, Waiian, O Side Mafia, and many others. These were moments that felt surreal, like we had stepped into a dream.

But the journey wasn’t always cozy. Challenges met us at nearly every turn. Still, we clung to the belief that "it will all be worth it in the end." And it was. What started as a simple dream and vision has evolved into something far greater than we imagined. Witnessing this growth firsthand has been nothing short of inspiring—a reminder that anything is possible when you dare to dream.

This is our story through my eyes, but it’s far from over. In fact, this is just the beginning.

Author: Hanz Domingo