Meet Phia Strojny: Owner & Founder of SLO Scrunchies

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phia Strojny and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My parents would tell me as a child that there is no such thing as boredom. Instead of grappling with the complacency of mundane life, we would simply create something to do. As the years passed, the more imaginative my deflection from boredom became. When quarantine ceased regular life, I occupied my mind with different hobbies and creative pursuits. I learned calligraphy, whittled spoons, became a cryptographer, and started sewing. SLO Scrunchies would have never came into fruition if it was not for my aversion to boredom. The thought process behind starting SLO Scrunchies was keeping my mind occupied with new projects during a time when the world was shut down. I am humbled and overjoyed that it has developed into the business that it is today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
SLO Scrunchies is distinct from other hair accessory brands because we hand-dye all of our fabric to get a unique pattern each time making no two scrunchies the same. The SLO Scrunchies brand is symbolic of this one-of-a-kind mentality. We preach a lifestyle of carefree, coastal good vibes were everyone is free to be who they are. We believe that similar to fantasized coastal beaches, we are most adored for our exceptional traits that set us apart.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In the fall, you can find me on the weekends on the coastal town of Cambria. In October, the fog that usually cascades over the beach town, sinks back into the ocean, allowing for a slight chill with shimmering rays of light. The drive to Cambria is passed with pure desolation, nothing to stare at except the vines and rolling hills. The evergreen colored mountains surrounding every edge of the road, and an abundance of narrow dirt paths leading to the tucked away retreats. The road is void of industrialization, as if the metropolis down the road was washed away and replaced with different hues of green. Once arrived at the sleepy town, I venture to downtown to get a blue corn waffle from my favorite brunch spot for the road. The richness of the fruit and grainy texture tricks you into believing that the waffle is dripped in sugar and not a healthy breakfast option. Once back on the road, I will make my way to the ocean at Moonstone Beach to watch people ride the twisting waterfront. With my feet in the sand, waffle in my bag, and receding fog, I will be content there until the sun sets.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my older sister, Lauren. She is my rock, my inspiration, and my best friend. I would be lost without her.

Website: https://sloscrunchies.square.site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sloscrunchies/

Image Credits
Lauren Strojny