Secretive 'failed banker' pursues passion with local clothing brand

Wednesday 09 November 2022

Jersey is renowned for the success of its finance industry... But one local entrepreneur is not ashamed to admit that it took failing in the industry for him to succeed in pursuing his passion.

'Thefailedbanker' - a former financier who keeps his true identity closely guarded - has created an island-inspired clothing brand which aims to celebrate "a simplistic way of living".

"I think as you get older you realise that an amazing vista, a few waves, an exhilarating hike or having a laugh with family and friends is what life is all about, and they all cost nothing, and that is what thefailedbanker is all about," he said.

"It’s about giving more time to the things which you are passionate about, and creating a life which you love."

The business owner explained that he has "always been entrepreneurial, and found entrepreneurs' success stories fascinating". After growing up in Jersey, he left the island to study at university before embarking on a career in finance.

Pictured: "On the one hand I have failed on my quest in finance, but succeeded in pursuing a passion."

"In the beginning, this was a fantastic experience. I learnt a lot about business, the world and how it works, and also had some pretty cool life experiences during my time in Jersey and London. I worked with some incredible people, and met some very interesting clients along the way. I definitely have good memories from my time working in finance.

"However, I was never really passionate about what I was doing, and I think to be successful at anything you need to be passionate about the work you do.

"After a moment of madness, I decided to quit everything I was doing in London and decided to start over again seeing where the wind would take me."

The former finance worker returned to his home in Jersey during lockdown, which gave him time to enjoy the outdoors and think about what he wanted to do next.

He said: "I’ve always loved the beach, and adventure sports, and surfing has been a big part of my life at home. I decided to create a brand which brought all of these interests and passions together which gave me an exciting project to work on during lockdown."

'Thefailedbanker' brand grew from there, and now offers a range of different products including t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts, all in the brand's signature simplistic design.

Pictured: The brand's logo pays homage to a "generation that likes to work hard, but almost certainly would rather be catching a few waves or sipping a cold one in the sun."

Although the anonymous entrepreneur has enjoyed the "luxury of time" and being able to work from home on "glorious hot day", he admitted that there have been "many challenges".

He explained: "I think I have tried to change the brand name about 100 times... It’s really difficult believing in something you have created. I think family and friends are relieved I have now settled on a name as I am no longer banging on about potential brand names!"

The final chosen brand name of 'Thefailedbanker' is intended to be "witty, fun, and not to be taken too seriously".

Its creator admitted: "I guess the brand name has always been a bit tongue-in-cheek, as on the one hand I have failed on my quest in finance, but succeeded in pursuing a passion!"

Pictured: The brand's simplistic style celebrates "enjoying the smaller moments in life."

Some people may be surprised that the local entrepreneur wants to remain anonymous rather than promoting his business, but the business owner explained that he wants 'Thefailedbanker' to "have its own personality".

"The brand represents a lifestyle which follows your passions, simplifying day to day life, and not taking things too seriously whilst taking more time to enjoy the beauty which surrounds us," he added.

"I think everyone across all industries has had a bit of thefailedbanker in them at some point during their career so the idea is that everyone can identify as thefailedbanker when they wear our clothing. It’s about having fun essentially, and enjoying the smaller moments in life."

Although 'Thefailedbanker' is "grateful for the opportunities and experiences I had whilst working in finance", he admitted that he is now "thoroughly enjoying following an alternative route which is also presenting some amazing life experiences".

He added: "I’m super excited to grow the brand by reaching wider audiences, and creating quality garments which can be enjoyed by our brand followers!"