Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward Gasu.
Hi Edward, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
REEZEN SUNGLASSES
Born from a Dream. Built on Family. Driven by ALOFA.
We are REEZEN. We represent more than sunglasses. We represent a culture, a family, a lifestyle, and a dream that continues to grow.
Our story began in 2021 with a vision, a passion, and a belief that something special could be built by a small Samoan-owned business with big dreams. What started as an idea has grown into a presence throughout the Rocky Mountain region and beyond, connecting people through sports, culture, community, and a shared love for life.
We are proud Samoan small-business owners, proud Polynesians, and proud representatives of a sunglass brand we believe belongs in the conversation with names like Oakley, Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, and Quiksilver.
But for us, REEZEN has always been about something deeper than a name, a product, or a pair of sunglasses.
REEZEN is about where we come from, who we are, and the people we bring along on the journey.
From the Islands to the World
Our story takes us back to our roots in Samoa and the beautiful islands of the Pacific. It takes us to the 808 — Hawaii — where the ocean, the land, the people, and the culture remind us of home.
In Samoa, we say ALOFA, a word that carries the meaning of love, affection, and compassion. In Hawaii, they say ALOHA — a greeting that carries its own spirit of love, welcome, and connection.
And sometimes, all you need is a simple, “Howz it?”
Different islands. Different voices. Different ways of saying hello.
But one shared feeling: you are welcome here.
That is the spirit we carry with REEZEN.
Our Pacific is more than a place on a map. It is our identity. It is our history. It is our family. From Hawaii to Samoa, from American Samoa to Tonga, and across the ocean to New Zealand, we are connected by our people, our traditions, our resilience, and our love for one another.
We represent the 808, Hawaii; the 685, Samoa; the 684, American Samoa; and the 676, Tonga.
These are more than dialing codes to us. They are reminders of home, heritage, and the communities that helped shape who we are.
AIGA — Family Is Everything
In Samoan culture, AIGA means family.
And family is at the heart of everything we do.
We believe in showing up for one another, supporting our people, creating opportunities, and making room at the table for the next person who dreams of building something of their own.
That is why collaborating with other Polynesian-owned businesses and connecting with our Pacific communities means so much to us. We are not just trying to build a business. We are building relationships, creating connections, and helping showcase what happens when our people believe in one another.
Because when one of us grows, we want our whole village to have the opportunity to grow with us.
It takes a village to build a dream. And our village stretches across oceans.
The New Kid on the Island
Every great story starts somewhere.
Ours started in 2021, and we proudly embrace being the new kid on the island — the new kid on the sand, and the new kid in the water.
We know the names that have been around for decades. We know the brands people grew up wearing. We respect that history.
But we also know that every established brand once started with a dream of its own.
REEZEN is writing its story one customer, one event, one partnership, and one pair of sunglasses at a time.
We are growing throughout the Rocky Mountain region, with representation and connections extending to California, Hawaii, Utah, Florida, and Brazil.
From the islands to the mountains, from the coastline to the stadium, we are proud to bring REEZEN wherever our journey takes us.
We may be the new kid on the island, but we came to bring our own energy, our own identity, and our own ALOFA.
Where Sports, Culture, and Community Meet
Sports have always provided an incredible platform for people to come together. They bring passion, competition, discipline, determination, and a sense of belonging.
Through our REEZEN journey, we have connected with sporting communities across an exciting range of disciplines, including professional surfing, MMA and UFC, professional slap fighting, motocross and Supercross, Monster Truck events, and long-distance cycling.
Our connections also extend internationally to Brazil, where sports and active lifestyles such as Ironman competitions, running, and professional volleyball create opportunities to connect with new communities.
These are different sports, different environments, and different kinds of athletes. But they share something we understand deeply: resilience, dedication, confidence, and the willingness to keep moving forward.
That is what makes this journey so exciting.
We have had the opportunity to share our story with people who have seen REEZEN firsthand — through the sunglasses we sell, the events we attend, and the way we represent the brand in the sports industry.
Every conversation matters. Every connection counts. Every person who stops to hear our story becomes part of the journey.
And every time we put REEZEN in someone’s hands, we have another opportunity to share a little piece of our culture.
More Than Sunglasses. A Way of Life.
We love what REEZEN represents.
We love the lifestyle. We love the energy. We love the opportunity to work with other businesses, support our Polynesian people, and introduce more people to a brand that means something to us.
We believe sunglasses are more than something you wear to protect your eyes or complete your look. They can be a statement of individuality, confidence, and personal style.
For us, REEZEN is also a statement of pride.
Pride in being Samoan. Pride in being Polynesian. Pride in our families. Pride in our communities. And pride in being small-business owners willing to put in the work to turn a dream into something real.
We know the road is not always easy. Building a business takes patience, sacrifice, perseverance, and people who believe in what you are doing.
That is why we appreciate every customer, every supporter, every partner, and every person who has helped us take another step forward since 2021.
We are grateful for the opportunity to represent REEZEN, and we are excited about what the future holds.
ALOFA Runs Deep
Deep beneath the beautiful blue waters of the Pacific Ocean lie some of the most beautiful islands in the world.
People call it paradise.
We call it home.
Home is the sound of family laughing together. It is the warmth of an island welcome. It is the stories passed down from one generation to another. It is the food, the music, the ocean, the traditions, and the people who remind us that we never stand alone.
Home is knowing that no matter how far we travel, our roots travel with us.
That is what we carry into every REEZEN partnership, every sporting event, every business conversation, and every new opportunity.
We are not trying to leave our roots behind as we grow.
We are bringing our roots with us.
From the Pacific Islands to the Rocky Mountains, from California to Florida, from Hawaii to Brazil, our story continues to reach new people and new places.
And wherever REEZEN goes, we want people to feel that same spirit of welcome, connection, and family.
Love, Laughter, and a Little Chillaxing
Life is meant to be lived.
It is meant to be shared with family, enjoyed with friends, and filled with moments that make us stop, smile, and appreciate where we are.
Sometimes that means being at the beach with the ocean breeze on your face. Sometimes it means standing beside the track, watching athletes push their limits. Sometimes it means working an event, meeting someone new, sharing a laugh, or making a connection that turns into something bigger.
And sometimes it simply means putting on your favorite pair of REEZEN sunglasses, kicking back, and chillaxing.
That is the energy we want REEZEN to represent.
Love. Laughter. Culture. Community. Confidence. And the freedom to enjoy the journey.
Because success is not only measured by how far a business travels. It is also measured by the people it touches along the way.
Our Vision. Our People. Our Future.
REEZEN did not just appear overnight.
It began with a dream and a vision shared with Samoans and other Polynesian people who believed in the possibility of building something meaningful together.
Since 2021, we have continued to grow, connect, collaborate, and represent a brand that allows us to share our passion with the world.
We are proud to be part of the REEZEN story, and we are even prouder of the culture and community we bring with us.
We want the next generation of Polynesian entrepreneurs to see what is possible. We want our young people to know that they can build businesses, create opportunities, develop partnerships, and take their ideas beyond the islands and into the world.
You do not have to forget where you came from to discover where you can go.
You can carry your culture with you. You can honor your family. You can support your people. And you can build something that gives others a reason to believe in their own dreams.
That is the kind of future we want to be part of.
WE ARE REEZEN.
We are AIGA. We are family.
We are ALOFA. We are love.
We are Polynesian pride, island spirit, hard work, and big dreams.
We are the new kid on the island, on the sand, and in the water — and we are just getting started.
From our roots in the Pacific to our growing presence across the Rocky Mountain region and beyond, we will continue to show up, build relationships, support our people, and share the REEZEN story.
Because this has never been just about sunglasses.
It is about the people who wear them, the culture that inspires us, and the family that stands behind us.
Most people call it paradise. We call it home.
We run deep when it comes to AIGA.
We lead with ALOFA.
We believe it takes a village.
And wherever this journey takes us, we will always remember who we are and where we come from.
We are REEZEN.
Born from a dream. Built on family. Driven by ALOFA.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We are the newest sunglasses on the street, the freshest shades on the water, and the cleanest, sharpest look on the sand.
We are REEZEN.
We are fresh. We are new. And we are ready to make our mark.
We know there are some big names in the sunglass industry. Brands that have been around for years. Brands that people already know, trust, and recognize.
We respect that. We respect the journey it took for those companies to become who they are today.
But here’s the thing about being the new kid on the block: every big brand had a day when nobody knew its name.
Every successful business started somewhere. Every household name was once an unfamiliar name. And every great journey began with somebody willing to take a chance on a dream.
That’s our story.
We started REEZEN in 2021 with a vision, a passion, and a belief in what we could build. As Samoan small-business owners, we understand that you don’t always get handed an opportunity. Sometimes, you have to create one yourself.
Sometimes, you have to walk into a room where nobody knows you, introduce yourself, show people what you believe in, and give them a reason to remember your name.
You have to be willing to put yourself out there.
You have to be willing to take a chance.
And most importantly, you have to believe in yourself before the rest of the world knows what you’re capable of.
We aren’t afraid to stand alongside the established brands. We’re not afraid of the competition, and we’re not afraid of the opportunity to grow.
We aren’t here to pretend we’re already the biggest. We’re here to work hard, build our name, earn our place, and see just how far REEZEN can go.
From the streets to the stadiums, from the mountains to the ocean, from the sand to the shoreline, we’re bringing our own style, our own energy, and our own story.
And we’re bringing our Polynesian roots with us.
Because REEZEN is more than a fresh pair of sunglasses. It’s AIGA. It’s ALOFA. It’s family, community, confidence, and the courage to chase something bigger than yourself.
We know what it’s like to start small. We know what it’s like to build relationships one person at a time. And we know that the people who believe in you today can become part of the story you tell tomorrow.
So, to the dreamers, the entrepreneurs, the athletes, the creators, and anybody out there wondering whether they should take that first step, we have one question for you:
WHAT IF IT WORKS?
What if that idea you’ve been carrying around becomes something real?
What if the door you knock on opens?
What if the people who don’t know your name today become the people who recognize your brand tomorrow?
What if the risk you were afraid to take becomes the best decision you ever made?
What if you stop waiting for the perfect moment and decide to make this moment your own?
You’ll never know until you try.
So don’t be afraid to start fresh. Don’t be afraid to be different. Don’t be afraid to stand beside the big names and believe that you belong in the conversation.
You don’t have to be the biggest to have a big vision.
You don’t have to be the most recognized to make a real impression.
And you don’t have to wait for everybody else to believe in you before you believe in yourself.
Just go for it. Put in the work. Make it happen. Make it yours.
Because REEZEN is the new kid on the street, the fresh look on the beach, and the next chapter of a dream that started in 2021.
We’re just getting started.
REEZEN. FRESH ON THE STREET. SHARP ON THE SAND. READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT.
And remember, the next time you’re standing at the edge of a dream, wondering whether you should take that leap, ask yourself one simple question:
WHAT IF IT WORKS?
WE ARE REEZEN.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Reezen ROCKY Mountain?
We didn’t wait for people to know our name. We went out and gave them a reason to remember it.
When we brought REEZEN Sunglasses into the Rocky Mountain region in 2021, we knew we had a journey ahead of us. We were introducing a fresh sunglass brand to a market filled with established names, familiar faces, and companies that people had known for years.
But we believed in REEZEN. We believed in the product, the vision, and the opportunity to build something special.
So we started where every small business has to start — at the ground level.
We began by attending local marketing festivals, air shows, community events, neighborhood gigs, and small shows throughout the region. We made it a priority to attend as many Polynesian festivals as possible, proudly representing REEZEN and connecting with the people, families, and communities who shared our Pacific Island roots.
It wasn’t easy in the beginning.
People didn’t know the name REEZEN. They hadn’t heard our story. They didn’t know who we were, where we came from, or what made our sunglasses different.
But we didn’t let that stop us.
We kept showing up. We kept meeting people. We kept sharing our story. And we kept building.
Every festival was another opportunity. Every event was another chance to introduce someone to REEZEN. Every conversation was an opportunity to turn an unfamiliar name into a brand people could recognize, remember, and share with others.
We understood that building a business takes more than having a great product. It takes dedication, patience, consistency, and the willingness to put yourself out there, even when the crowds don’t know your name yet.
And that’s exactly what we did.
A Tent That Told Our Story
We wanted people to notice us. We wanted our presence to be different. And most importantly, we wanted our setup to represent who we are.
So we helped build out our REEZEN tents and created a look that was uniquely ours.
Our tents became more than a place to display sunglasses. They became a statement of identity, culture, and pride.
We incorporated Samoan tribal designs and proudly displayed the Samoan flag on one side and the American Samoa flag on the other.
When people walked past our tent, we wanted them to see something meaningful. We wanted them to see our heritage, our connection to the Pacific, and the pride we carry into everything we do.
We weren’t just setting up a booth to sell sunglasses.
We were bringing a piece of Samoa and American Samoa into the Rocky Mountain region.
Our tents became a way to start conversations, share our culture, introduce our brand, and connect with people from all walks of life.
Whether someone came over because they loved the sunglasses, recognized the flags, appreciated the tribal designs, or simply wanted to say hello, we welcomed them.
Because that’s who we are.
We are Samoan. We are Polynesian. We believe in AIGA — family — and we lead with ALOFA, love.
When you come to our tent, you’re not just another customer. You’re someone we have the opportunity to meet, connect with, and share our journey with.
One Festival at a Time. One Customer at a Time.
We know that building a recognizable brand doesn’t happen overnight.
You have to earn people’s attention. You have to introduce yourself. You have to create relationships and give people a reason to come back.
That’s why we continued to travel to festivals, community shows, air shows, local events, and Polynesian gatherings, determined to spread the word about REEZEN.
We took pride in representing a company that gave us the opportunity to build something of our own while staying connected to our culture and our people.
We wanted more people throughout Utah and the broader Rocky Mountain region to discover REEZEN. We wanted families, athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and customers from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to experience the brand.
And we wanted our Polynesian community to know that we were out there, representing our people and building something with a vision that extended far beyond one event or one location.
Some people might see a tent at a festival and think it’s just another vendor setup.
We see the hours of preparation, the conversations, the relationships, the long days, and the dream that keeps us moving forward.
We see another opportunity to grow.
Because every big name starts somewhere. And every journey begins with somebody willing to take that first step.
We Are REEZEN. And We’re Just Getting Started.
Since opening our presence in the Rocky Mountain region in 2021, our mission has remained simple: keep showing up, keep making connections, and keep sharing the REEZEN story with as many people as possible.
We know we’re competing in an industry with some well-established brands. We respect the journey those companies have taken, and we’re excited about the opportunity to grow alongside them.
We aren’t afraid to be the new kid.
We’re proud to be fresh. We’re proud to be different. And we’re proud to bring our own identity to the street, the sand, the beach, and the water.
Our goal is to keep introducing REEZEN to new communities, new customers, new sporting environments, and new business partners.
We want people to see our sunglasses, hear our story, recognize our name, and understand the passion behind the brand.
We’re going to keep building. Keep representing. Keep collaborating. And keep putting ourselves out there.
Because we believe in what we’re doing.
We believe in our people.
And we believe that a dream can grow into something remarkable when you are willing to work for it.
We started by building our name one event at a time. We’re continuing that journey one relationship at a time.
We may have started as the new kids in the Rocky Mountain region, but we’re determined to keep growing, keep learning, and keep opening doors for REEZEN.
We are solid. We are smooth. We are fresh. And we are REEZEN.
From our Samoan roots to the Rocky Mountains, from our Polynesian festivals to the wider world, we’re proud of where we’ve been and excited about where we’re going.
Our story is still being written.
Our vision is still growing.
And our mission is still the same:
Keep showing up. Keep sharing the love. Keep representing our people. Keep building REEZEN.
Because you never know how far a dream can go until you give it everything you’ve got.
REEZEN SUNGLASSES — BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP. ROOTED IN CULTURE. READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Whatever you do in life, whatever you dream about, whatever you decide to pursue, you have to have DESIRE.
You have to want it. You have to believe in it. And you have to be willing to pursue it with FULL PURPOSE — intentionally, consistently, and with a reason behind every step you take.
Because when you truly LOVE what you’re doing, it becomes easier to find the strength to keep going, even when the road gets difficult.
That’s something we’ve learned on our REEZEN journey.
Building a business isn’t always easy. There will be days when people stop by but don’t buy. There will be events when you work hard, set everything up, put your best foot forward, and walk away wondering whether it was worth it.
There will be moments when you question yourself, when progress feels slow, and when the dream seems further away than you imagined.
But those are the moments when your PURPOSE matters most.
You have to remember WHY you started.
You have to believe in WHAT you’re building.
And you have to keep moving toward WHERE you want to go.
1. PLAN THE WORK. THEN WORK THE PLAN.
One of the most important lessons in business and in life is simple:
First, plan the work. Then work the plan.
You can’t expect to reach a destination if you don’t know where you’re going.
You need a goal in mind. You need a vision for your future. And you need to break that vision down into steps you can work on every single day.
Write your goals down. Get them out of your head and onto paper. Make them real. Give yourself something you can look at, measure, and work toward.
Your plan doesn’t have to be perfect on day one.
As you learn, adjust it. Tweak it. Improve it. Ask questions. Seek feedback from people who have experience and people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Sometimes you’ll discover a better way to do something. Sometimes you’ll make a mistake. Sometimes you’ll have to take a different road than the one you originally planned.
That’s okay.
A good plan gives you direction. A willingness to adjust gives you room to grow.
The important thing is to keep your vision in front of you and make progress every day, even if that progress comes one small step at a time.
2. LOVE WHAT YOU DO. KNOW WHY YOU DO IT.
When you have a genuine love for what you’re building, that love becomes part of your motivation.
For us, REEZEN is more than selling sunglasses. It’s about building a business, representing our Samoan and Polynesian roots, connecting with our communities, and creating something we can be proud of.
That purpose gives the work meaning.
When we set up our tents at festivals, air shows, community events, and Polynesian gatherings, we know that not everybody who walks past us will make a purchase.
And that’s part of business.
Not everyone is ready to buy. Not everyone needs what you’re selling that day. Some people will stop and look. Others will ask questions. Some will walk away, remember your name, and come back another time.
You cannot control every customer’s decision.
But you can control how you show up, how you treat people, how you present your business, and how much effort you put into making a good impression.
When you love what you do and understand why you do it, you give yourself another reason to keep going.
3. KEEP YOUR ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE.
Gratitude is especially important when business gets tough.
It’s easy to feel grateful when sales are strong, customers are lining up, and everything seems to be going your way.
But what about the days when nobody buys?
What about the long hours, the expenses, the slow events, and the moments when you wonder whether anybody notices the work you’re putting in?
That’s when gratitude can help keep you grounded.
Be grateful for the opportunity to show up. Be grateful for the people who stop to talk. Be grateful for the lessons that help you improve. Be grateful for the customers who support you, the people who encourage you, and the chance to try again tomorrow.
Gratitude doesn’t mean pretending that everything is perfect. It means recognizing what you still have to work with, even when things aren’t going as planned.
Some days, the win might be a sale.
Other days, the win might be a new connection, valuable feedback, a lesson learned, or the courage to come back and try again.
An attitude of gratitude helps you appreciate the journey while you continue working toward the destination.
4. KEEP SHOWING UP UNTIL PEOPLE KNOW YOUR NAME.
When we started building REEZEN in the Rocky Mountain region in 2021, not everybody knew who we were.
We were introducing a new name in an industry with established brands and customers who already had their favorites.
We knew we had to get out there, represent the brand, meet people, and earn their trust.
So we kept showing up.
We went to festivals, air shows, local events, and Polynesian gatherings. We built out our REEZEN tents. We made them unique, displaying our Samoan tribal designs, the Samoan flag, and the American Samoa flag.
We wanted people to notice us. We wanted them to ask questions. We wanted them to hear our story and understand what REEZEN meant to us.
We knew that recognition would take time.
Because when people see you consistently, when they see you taking pride in your work, and when they see you treating customers with respect, they have more opportunities to recognize your commitment and learn to trust your business.
You may not make a sale today. But the impression you leave today may open a door tomorrow.
You never know who is watching, who is remembering your name, or who might tell somebody else about your business.
Keep showing up. Keep doing the work. Keep giving people a reason to remember you.
5. BE PATIENT ENOUGH TO GROW. BE BOLD ENOUGH TO TRY.
You don’t have to be the biggest business in the room to belong there.
You don’t have to have the most recognized name to have a vision worth pursuing.
And you don’t have to wait until you feel completely ready before you take the next step.
Every business has a beginning. Every entrepreneur has lessons to learn. Every dream requires somebody to take a chance.
Be willing to ask for feedback. Be willing to improve. Be willing to learn from people who know more than you do.
Don’t let pride prevent you from learning, and don’t let fear prevent you from trying.
Respect the people who came before you, but don’t be afraid to build something of your own.
And when things don’t work out the way you hoped, take a breath, look at the plan, make the adjustments you need, and keep moving.
Remember: the goal isn’t to get everything right the first time.
The goal is to keep getting better.
6. KEEP ON KEEPING ON.
There is a difference between having a dream and committing yourself to pursuing it.
A dream gives you something to imagine.
A goal gives you something to work toward.
A plan gives you direction.
And consistent action gives you the opportunity to turn that dream into something real.
There will be good days and difficult days. There will be progress you can see and progress you won’t recognize until you look back.
There will be people who believe in you from the beginning and people who won’t understand your vision until they see what you’ve built.
Don’t measure your entire future by one slow day, one disappointing event, or one person who says no.
Learn from the experience. Make the necessary adjustments. Stay grateful. Keep your purpose in front of you.
And remember the reason you started.
You don’t have to win every day. You just have to keep learning, keep working, and keep moving forward.
That’s the REEZEN mindset.
We started in 2021 as the new kids in the Rocky Mountain region. We went out, introduced ourselves, represented our roots, and kept sharing our story.
We knew we couldn’t expect everybody to know our name overnight.
So we kept putting in the work.
And we’re still working toward the vision.
Because this journey isn’t just about how far we’ve come. It’s about how much more we believe is possible.
OUR MESSAGE TO EVERY DREAMER
Whatever you choose to pursue in life, do it with desire.
Do it with intention.
Do it with purpose.
Write down your goals. Build your plan. Work on it every day. Ask for feedback. Be willing to change direction when you need to. Celebrate your progress, and maintain an attitude of gratitude through the difficult seasons.
Don’t be discouraged when everyone doesn’t buy.
Don’t be afraid when everyone doesn’t know your name.
And don’t give up on a worthwhile dream simply because it takes longer than you expected.
Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep building relationships. Keep believing in the possibilities ahead.
Because sometimes, the people who walk past you today will be the people who seek you out tomorrow.
Sometimes, the smallest step forward is the beginning of your biggest breakthrough.
And sometimes, all it takes is the courage to ask yourself:
WHAT IF IT WORKS?
So plan the work. Work the plan. Lead with purpose. Live with gratitude.
And whatever you do, wherever you go, whatever dream you’re chasing —
KEEP ON KEEPING ON.
WE ARE REEZEN.
Built from the ground up. Driven by purpose. Rooted in ALOFA.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.Reezensceneco.com
- Instagram: @Reezensceneco
- Facebook: Reezenseneco Hawaii
