HOW IT STARTED

**The Birth of S.L. Revival Co.: A Legacy Inspired by Uncle Bobby B.**

In the heart of the American South, our journey began with a story as rugged and authentic as the land itself. It’s a story rooted in love for history, freedom, and a remarkable man—my great uncle, Bobby B.—whose life and spirit continue to inspire everything we do at S.L. Revival Co.

Uncle Bobby was more than just a family member; he was a symbol of adventure, resilience, and the untamed spirit of the outdoors. Born during the Roosevelt era, Bobby B. grew up as a true outdoorsman—an avid surfer back in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and a well-known local figure for his fearless nature and deep connection with the land and sea. His daily life was woven with stories of waves ridden, trails conquered, and the kind of independence that only those who truly embrace freedom can understand.

The spark for our brand ignited by my fond memories of uncle Bobby's old farm truck—a dusty, weathered relic that had clearly seen decades of adventures. Sitting atop the dashboard was often a weathered hat, seemingly aged by the sun and time. The hat was so much of Uncle Bobby—how he looked, how he carried himself, and the stories he’d tell after a long day outdoors - that hat helped make the man... one cool guy. 

One day, while surfing with friends, I spotted a fellow surfer wearing a vintage trucker hat decorated with a flag from a neighboring state. Its faded appearance, the sun-bleached colors, the worn-in feel—all of it was an instant nostalgia trigger. It reminded me of Uncle Bobby’s hat, sitting on that dashboard, weathered but full of life. But there was nothing like that for our own North Carolina.

As someone who owned a small surf retail store, I had an idea. I gathered my team and we set out to design that perfect vintage-inspired hat. We created our own interpretation of the North Carolina state flag—reducing the colors for a more aged, vintage look. To give it that sun-worn feel, we partnered with a manufacturer using a sodium-based enzyme wash—what we now proudly call Salt-Washed™. We also replaced white thread with khaki, adding to that timeless, worn-in vibe. Out of this effort, the original North Carolina vintage-style state flag hat was born—marking the start of S.L. Revival Co.

But the story doesn’t end there. The name “S.L. Revival” is rooted in Latin—*Sectamini*, meaning “to pursue,” and *Libertas*, meaning “freedom.” It’s a title that embodies our core values: chasing after history, preserving our heritage, and celebrating the freedom that defines the American spirit. At our core, we are passionate about vexillology—the study of flags—and we’re dedicated to maintaining the true meanings behind each flag’s design. While many today repurpose flags for different causes, we honor the original intent, respecting the stories they carry.

Our mission extends beyond apparel. We launched the #walktheworld challenge, inspiring people to share their adventures and cultural journeys. We believe that exploring the world fosters understanding, empathy, and unity across differences.

Uncle Bobby’s spirit of adventure, freedom, and resilience continues to guide us. S.L. Revival Co. isn’t just about making garments; it’s about carrying forward a legacy—a tribute to fearless exploration, historical storytelling, and the unbreakable American pursuit of liberty. We hope Uncle Bobby would be proud to see his story, his passion, and his love for freedom live on in every piece we create.

Join us on this journey. Wear your heritage. Pursue your freedom. And help us craft a legacy inspired by the bold, adventurous spirit of Uncle Bobby B.