Correction: An initial version of this story stated the brand was started between both Tomas Irigoyen and his brother, but Irigoyen started the brand by himself. It has been corrected.
Former local punk band member transitioned from playing the guitar to sole proprietor of the Stay Anchored LB clothing brand; he now has a stamp as the only clothing store in the LBX Hangar.
“I never intended to start a clothing brand. My brother and I were 50-50 partners and my brother was no longer interested in pursuing it due to the location and not enough foot traffic,” Tomas “Fish” Irigoyen said.
Stay Anchored is an urban clothing line that was created and designed in 2014 from a simple sketch. Their products include everything from hat pins, beanies, snapback/bucket hats, shirts to duffle bags pricing from $20 to at most $75.
Fish was determined to make this work even if he had no prior experience.
“I did not want to give up on the idea, I did not go to school for this so I had to focus and really put myself out there,” Fish said.
Fish used to play in punk bands and understood the importance of building a brand.
“I know how important it is for musicians to sell merchandise, I just applied that mentality to Stay Anchored,” Fish said.
During the pandemic, like many others, Fish had to figure out a way to keep Stay Anchored afloat.
His approach to continue to put his brand out there was all based on the social media campaigns he handled. That and the fact that he hand delivered his product to his customers gave him a boost in recognition throughout Long Beach.
“I never went to school for business. It was more learning from my mistakes as I went along,” Fish said.
After the pandemic, Stay Anchored has found a permanent home at the LBX Hangar. It is the only clothing store that is actually inside the Hangar itself.
“I would definitely rock this brand. Great styles that represent our city,” local patron Steven Davis who was shopping at the Hangar stated.
Fish offered advice to those interested in starting a small business.
“You have to have thick skin in any business, but I would definitely say if you have a dream, chase it. Do not get comfortable. Network and remember to always learn from your mistakes,” Fish said.
