From Lab Coats to Lenses – How Ope Outdoors Turned Creativity and Community into a Movement in STL

April 22
31 mins

Episode Description

On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with the creator behind Ope Outdoors to talk about his journey to building a creative brand in St. Louis.

He shares how studying chemistry led to a career he didn’t love, and how picking up a camera changed everything. What started as a creative outlet turned into photography, video work, and eventually Ope Outdoors, a brand inspired by the Midwest and the outdoors.

We talk about building a business from scratch, finding a unique visual style, and learning through trial and error. He also opens up about pitching his brand to retailers, facing rejection, and staying consistent.

The conversation highlights how Ope Outdoors has grown beyond apparel into a community-focused brand, hosting cleanups and bringing people together across St. Louis.

From creative risk to real impact, this episode is full of insight for anyone building something of their own.

They discuss:

 - Transitioning from a chemistry career to creativity
 - Starting and growing Ope Outdoors
 - Photography, video, and creative style
 - Turning content into a business
 - Learning from rejection and taking risks
 - Building community through outdoor events

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

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