He has fallen a thousand times, and a thousand times he got up, because starting from Sardinia and arriving in London, creating your own company with your own brand "is not exactly a walk in the park". Having to deal with bureaucracy, with rules, regulations, lifestyles different from their own, is a great difficulty for many. For Gabriele Atzei it was a challenge centered on a single goal: to create something of his own and that represented him 100 percent.
This is how “Combactive” was born, the brand that came out of his ideas and the professionalism acquired through numerous experiences that have also brought him to India and Miami. With a multi-ethnic team, he designs and manufactures clothing and accessories for action sports.
Growing up in Guspini, after the Academy of Arts and New Technologies in Rome, he lived for a while on the island, which at some point, however, came close to him and decided to follow the international path. “Since I was a kid I had this somewhat explorer spirit, I didn't want to stay in my comfort zone, and even in my family it was never a mystery; for this reason, when I was very young, I began to look beyond the sea in search of a future made up of new perspectives ".
How did it start?
“In 2018, when I arrived in London, I started working for a well-known sportswear brand as a sail assistant. This allowed me to open my mind a little because every day I am in contact with colleagues and customers who come from various parts of the world, and to understand step by step how a shop works. In fact, after six months I decided to give birth to 'Combactive', registering the company legally, and now I will change jobs in order to have more time to dedicate to my company ".
Why this name?
“Because of its meaning: you must have a fighting spirit in life. And then I wanted it to remain in Italian, without translating it into English. Because it is true that he is in London, but his heart is all Italian ”.
And the logo?
"A C with the tips on the left that take up the bite of a shark, I designed and built it, symbolizes aggression, combativeness".
What does it sell?
“High quality action sports sweatshirts, t-shirts, caps, swimwear, jackets and accessories. But the customers - as a target from 16 to 35 years approximately - are not only sportsmen, just as those who buy Nike for example do not necessarily do so because they practice certain disciplines ".
Do I only trade online or do you have shops?
“For now via the web and we also have a stand in a market in the Liverpool Street Station area”.
What about advertising?
“We use, like many others, the path of influencers. There are famous sportsmen to whom we send clothing and they wear it in the photos or videos they post on social profiles ".
Do you also have employees?
“We are a multi-ethnic team: there are illustrators, those who deal with manufacturing, photographers, everyone has their own specific skills. Some products are designed by me, others by my collaborators ".
What were the biggest difficulties?
“For an Italian, getting here and setting up your own company may seem difficult. And it is. The British have on their side the fact of playing at home, but those who come from outside have to deal with a thousand and one problems. I have wasted so much of that time and that money… except that money comes and goes, no one gives you back time. Now, despite having another job in which I have one day off a week, in reality in those hours I dedicate myself to 'Combactive', in short, without ever resting. But that's okay, that's right when you really believe in what you do ".
Have you dealt with Brexit?
“It didn't affect me much, maybe it hit other sectors more, little or nothing has changed for me”.
And with Covid?
“That had a particular impact, because it pushed online commerce more, the stores were closed and the fear was very strong. On the other hand, however, sporting events were suspended, as well as concerts and events, all situations that allow me to promote my products instead. Now we have recovered a bit, and slowly we start again ”.
What would you say to kids who want to pursue their dreams today?
“To leave, to go abroad, to study, to learn English which is the most used language in the business sector, to confront other cultures. And try to create something of your own, you will fall and get up. Then, one day, maybe you will return to Italy to put what you have learned into practice. But at home ".
Do you have any other dreams?
"In the meantime we are about to open a new store and I hope soon a store in London too, probably also expanding our catalog".
And maybe go back to Sardinia?
“I miss my land, of course, I feel nostalgia because I haven't lived there for so many years, and there are things that always remain inside you. One day I would like to open a shop there too, we'll see ".
Is there a secret to "arrive"?
"For me yes: try to have a mentor".
Did she have it?
"No, indeed. Unfortunately I had to learn on my own, but when you try them all you know every aspect of your business. I didn't get any advice from anyone, I came alone to London with two pennies in my pocket and that famous suitcase of dreams that now, at 38, has changed a little but is always full ".