Carolina Beach inspires teen to create clothing company with focus on recycled materials

Holden Bierman has always had an entrepreneurial spirit.

His father, Jeff Bierman, recalled as a child, Holden was always building or making something.

“Normal kids would do lemonade stands,” Jeff said with a laugh. “Holden would do trinket stands.”

So, when Holden − now 15 years old − approached Jeff about starting a business, he wasn’t too surprised.

Jeff initially he thought it was something they could explore over time. However, when Holden told him of his plans for an e-commerce business clothing store and showed him the platform, the timeline shifted to the present.

“Holden already had the website developed,” Jeff explained. “He just needed my credit card for the fees.”

Seeing the amount of work Holden had already put into the business was a game-changer. Jeff talked with Holden’s mom, Stephanie Bierman, and they agreed to give Holden $500 to start his business.

“We said, ‘Let’s just see where this goes,’” Jeff recalled.

Coastal Cool launched in August 2020, offering beach-inspired T-shirts and hoodies. Holden said the inspiration for his designs came from the Wilmington area.

The Biermans own a condo at Carolina Beach, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, they, like many, decided to take advantage of the shutdown and live at the beach.

“This is our happy place, for sure,” Holden said.

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In addition to offering island-inspired prints, Holden also wanted the clothing to be sustainable. The beachwear is made from recycled plastic bottles. Since the launch, the company has branched out from its original offerings to incorporate swim and beachwear.

Jeff said other than the initial conversation, he’s had little involvement with the company. Holden has done most of it himself.

“I basically built this whole company from my laptop in my bedroom, and I’ve watched it grow over the past couple of years,” Holden said.

Holden designs the artwork for his clothing using a computer program, and the manufacturing is outsourced. For now, they don’t have inventory. All items are printed on demand. Holden has used his knowledge of technology and social media to promote his brand.

“I’m pretty proud to say where most brands are spending millions on advertising, we’ve spent zero,” Holden said.

In addition to his knowledge of social media, Holden believes that understanding what young people want has helped him attract customers in the younger market. His commitment to the environment has also helped bring followers to his brand. Currently the company’s Instagram account has more than 100,000 followers.

After spending the summer in Carolina Beach, the Biermans will return to their home in Holly Springs, where Holden will begin his sophomore year at Fuquay-Varina High School. Jeff said what he’s been able to accomplish is amazing. In addition to starting Coastal Cool, Holden is a member of the school’s varsity track team, has earned his second-degree black belt in karate, and achieved a 4.25 GPA while taking all honors classes.

Jeff said in addition to being successful, Holden is just “an amazing kid.”

“He’s well ahead of me when I was that age,” Jeff said.

Holden said he is committed to building his business even after he heads back to school. As for the future, he hasn’t considered selling it.

“This is my passion,” he said. “It’s almost like my child, and I will definitely keep it in my arms for as long as I possibly can. I have the vision, and I want to keep carrying that on.”

Holden said his main goal is to get his line of swim and beachwear in Wilmington-area stores.

And there’s one thing Jeff knows for sure: Holden can make it happen.

“He knows what he wants, and he’s going to get it,” Jeff said.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Coastal Cool clothing started by Holly Springs teen