Daily Inspiration: Meet Holden Bierman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holden Bierman.

Hi Holden, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started when I was 12 years old, just a middle schooler with a passion for fashion and a big vision. I launched Coastal Cool as a small online brand selling basic T-shirts and hoodies, but I quickly realized I wanted to create something bigger—something with meaning.

As I grew, so did the brand. Coastal Cool became more than just clothing; it became a movement. We focus on high-quality, performance-driven fabrics that are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for any adventure. Our swimwear, for example, is made from recycled plastic bottles, transforming waste into stylish, comfortable designs that fit effortlessly into a laid-back, beach-inspired lifestyle.

Beyond fashion, Coastal Cool is built on impact. Through our One Pound Promise, every purchase helps remove one pound of plastic from the ocean. This mission has driven everything we do—from sustainable manufacturing to global ocean cleanups and community-driven initiatives.

Now at 17, I’m still running Coastal Cool full-time, balancing high school, college applications, and new opportunities to grow the brand. What started as a simple idea has turned into something much greater—a brand that not only delivers quality, style, and performance but also creates real change for our oceans and future generations. And this is just the beginning.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not! The journey has been anything but smooth, but that’s what makes it worth it.

Starting Coastal Cool at 12 years old, I was competing against established brands with way more resources, experience, and connections. I had to learn everything from scratch—branding, production, marketing, logistics, and customer engagement—while balancing school. There were moments when manufacturers didn’t deliver on time, designs didn’t turn out as expected, or sales weren’t where they needed to be.

One of the biggest challenges was proving myself. Being young in business can be tough—people don’t always take you seriously. I had to work twice as hard to show that I wasn’t just a kid with a hobby, but someone building a real brand with real impact.

Another struggle was transitioning Coastal Cool from just a clothing brand into something with a mission. Shifting to sustainable, high-performance fabrics and launching our One Pound Promise took a lot of research, trial and error, and working with the right partners to make it happen. But staying true to that vision made all the difference.

Even now, challenges never stop. Running a business while finishing high school, applying to colleges, and planning for the future is a constant balancing act. But every obstacle has pushed me to learn, adapt, and grow, and that’s what keeps me moving forward.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the Founder and CEO of Coastal Cool, a brand that blends style, performance, and impact into every piece we create. We specialize in high-quality, lightweight, and breathable fabrics—especially our swimwear made from recycled plastic bottles. But Coastal Cool is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a movement built around purpose and action.

One thing that sets us apart is our One Pound Promise—for every purchase, we remove one pound of plastic from the ocean. This mission has driven everything we do, from sustainable production to global ocean cleanups and working with top influencers who align with our vision.

I’m most proud of how far Coastal Cool has come—from selling basic T-shirts as a middle schooler to now leading a brand that makes a real difference. We’ve grown into a globally recognized company, collaborated with top creators, and been featured in Forbes, WRAL, and Yahoo News.

What truly sets Coastal Cool apart is that we don’t just sell clothing—we sell a lifestyle. Our brand represents freedom, adventure, and impact. Whether it’s hitting the beach, exploring new places, or just embracing a laid-back mindset, Coastal Cool is for those who want to look good, feel good, and do good for the planet. And this is just the beginning.

How do you define success?
For me, success is the balance of three things—doing what you love, making a profit, and making an impact.

I’ve always believed that if you’re passionate about what you do, work doesn’t feel like work. I started Coastal Cool because I love the process—designing, marketing, building a brand, and connecting with people. That passion has kept me going even through the toughest challenges.

But passion alone isn’t enough—you have to make it sustainable. Profit matters because it allows you to grow, reinvest, and continue doing what you love at a higher level. For me, success isn’t just about making money—it’s about building something that lasts.

And most importantly, success comes from making an impact. Through Coastal Cool’s One Pound Promise, we’re cleaning up the ocean, shifting to more sustainable fabrics, and inspiring others to take action. Knowing that my work is making a real difference—that’s what keeps me motivated.

If I can wake up every day excited about what I do, grow a thriving business, and leave a positive mark on the world, then I’ve succeeded.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.coastalcool.co
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/coastalcool_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/coastalcoolusa
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coastalcool/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC45AYJPW3R9xI1Xye7TTv_g