Lifestyle

Top Fin Outfitters Sets Sail for Success

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Crystal Cleveland didn’t plan to be a single mom of 4 facing a lay-off, but then no one said it better than John Lennon: “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” And doesn’t it though! Not knowing what to do, Crystal turned to her passion for solace-a lifelong hobby of fishing.

Top Fin Outfitters Sets Sail for Success

Photo: Facebook/Top Fin Outfitters

In an interview with Wide Open Country, Crystal explained, “Fishing is what saved me from being depressed. It is the sound of the ocean and the wind in your face, the feel of the water when It touches your skin, and the fight you get when you are reeling in a big fish on your line.” Her passion is shark fishing and wade fishing for trout and redfish, but although she enjoyed it, she could never find the clothes to suit her passion. “Every woman wants to feel sexy while she is out on the water. Columbia and Magellan just didn’t do that for me, and there is such a small selection that everyone you know has the same thing,” Crystal explained. To meet that need, she determined to manufacture her own.

Top Fin Outfitters Sets Sail for Success

Photo: Top Fin Outfitters

Top Fin Outfitters, the name of Crystal Cleveland’s clothing line for female anglers, was born from the interest others took in a jacket she created and had worn fishing. When several people asked about it and even offered to purchase it, she posted the concept on Facebook and the response was a positive one. The following day her and her best friend filed for their business license and began efforts to get the fashionable fisherwoman’s clothing concepts produced.

Top Fin Outfitters Sets Sail for Success

Photo: Top Fin Outfitters

Marketed to shark fishers, Top Fin clothing is manufactured in Katy, Texas and is now available at several establishments throughout the state of Texas as well as online. Aside from being an avid businesswoman, Crystal still takes her kids fishing during their family time while juggling the care of her livestock, her company’s marketing and being a volunteer firefighter! Working with the Brookshire Volunteer Fire Department on call, she explains that “…It allows me to help the community in which we live.” Her motto seems to be “If people dream of it then why not do it?” which she says in her interview. “Maybe I’m just not scared and refuse to live with the what-ifs and regret. I’m pretty good at following my heart and just doing it.”