Justin Houpe shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Justin, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The very first thing I do each morning—before my feet even touch the floor—is pray. My father taught me to thank God for the new day and for simply waking up, and that habit has stayed with me ever since. After that, I go over my daily confessions and affirmations, setting my mind and heart in the right place. Once that’s done, I move into my morning routine, then wake my kids for school. We go through the same process together: we pray, thank God for the day, and recite our affirmations and confessions. It’s our little ritual, and it sets the tone for all of us. After dropping them off, I dive straight into my work with Naava Swim, ready to create and build with purpose.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an U.S. Army combat veteran who served nine years in the military, including tours in Iraq. I started Naava Swim as a way to cope with my PTSD from combat, never imagining it would grow into what it is today. Most people don’t know that Naava Swim truly helped save my life. At one of my lowest points, battling severe depression and anxiety, it became my creative outlet—helping me relieve stress, find joy, and rediscover my purpose.
That purpose is to help people recognize just how beautiful and extraordinary they are. Through Naava Swim, I’ve found a reason to keep going, to keep living. Every collection I create is designed with the intent to inspire, uplift, and empower others—just as this journey has done for me.
Naava Swim is a sustainable clothing brand with our roots in swimwear, but our collections also include loungewear, activewear, everyday basics, and streetwear. What we’re most proud of—especially in our swim line—is our luxury sustainable fabric that feels like a second skin. This fabric is made up of recycled ocean waste, and plastic bottles. We are committed to doing our part to preserving the health of the world we live in.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moments that shaped my entire outlook on life were the births of my children. Parenthood didn’t just change me—it transformed me. It gave me a deeper sense of responsibility, a clearer vision for my future, and the determination to chase it relentlessly. Every day, no matter how challenging, I find strength in knowing they’re watching me. On the days when I feel I can’t push any further, just thinking of them gives me the energy to keep going. They are my greatest joy, my constant motivation, and the reason life feels so full and meaningful. Without them, the world would feel far less colorful.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering early on taught me so much. I didn’t come into fashion through design school or industry connections—I came in with nothing but $400, a dream, and an unshakable faith that somehow, I’d make it work. At the time, I was earning just $600 every two weeks at my job as a janitor. Spending nearly all I had to start this business was terrifying—one of the boldest and most uncertain leaps I’ve ever taken.
I had just finished serving nine years in the military and was having a hard time transitioning from military to civilian life, and then suddenly I was stepping into an entirely different battlefield—one where I had no training, no allies, and no idea what the next move would be. I reached out to models, designers, anyone I thought could offer guidance… and heard nothing back. Not a single reply. It was clear: if I wanted this dream, I would have to build it alone.
Those early days were a test of grit. There were no shortcuts, no safety nets—just me, learning by trial and error, falling and getting back up, praying to God for the strength not to quit. Starting a business from scratch is lonelier than anyone warns you. You face countless moments where you must decide—quit, or keep going. And every time, I chose to keep going.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
That’s a funny question, because most people assume the public version of me is the “real” me—but it’s actually the opposite. In public, I’m outgoing, outspoken, and extroverted. That’s a persona I step into so I can function in my role, wear many hats, and give my energy and love to so many people who depend on me. But in my private life, I’m the complete opposite—quiet, reserved, and very much a loner. I value solitude and keep to myself, and that’s where I recharge so I can show up fully when the world needs me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I lived my life dedicated to helping the less fortunate. That I worked to create opportunities for people who were often overlooked or chosen last. That I did my best to encourage, support, and uplift everyone I came in contact with, and that I tried to be a living example of God’s love in this world. There are so many people who go through life without ever truly feeling loved—and I want my legacy to be this: a man who loved everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.NaavaSwim.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/naavaswim
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/naavaswim
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/naavaswim
Image Credits
Bp Dre Photography
