How It Started
In 2013, Alex MacLean, a senior Business student at Acadia University was asked to start a temporary business for an Entrepreneurship class project. With an $800 loan from his dad and a passion to rep his coast, Alex produced his first 30 East Coast Lifestyle hoodies and sold them to his closest friends. Using the proceeds from the first batch, ECL began distribution from the trunk of Alex’s car and on his mom's front lawn for several months until the birth of the popular anchor logo.
Dedicated Support
Within weeks, ECL became a staple on social media with thousands of photos of East Coasters showcasing their pride from all around the world. The hype continued to escalate by the day as pictures of celebrities representing their coast made their way to social media. From hockey superstar Sidney Crosby to Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah and singing sensation Ed Sheeran, East Coast Lifestyle solidified its place as the staple brand of the East Coast.
Awards & Recognition
It is safe to say that East Coast Lifestyle had taken the jump from a school project to a full time job. Catching the eye of not only celebrities and proud East Coasters alike, Alex MacLean was also catching people's attention from all over the world. Winning awards such as Canada's Global Student Entrepreneur Of The Year, Top 30 Under 30, & EY
Emerging Entrepreneur gained him global recognition and the opportunity to meet President Obama in the White House as he represented Canada in entrepreneurship.
• 2016 Start Up Canada High Growth Award • 2016 Downtown Halifax "Rookie Of The Year" • 2016 AMA's Marketer On The Rise • 2015 The Kit Top Under 25 To Watch • 2015 EY Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year • 2015 Marketing Magazine - Top 30 Under 30 • 2015 Cupid's Cup Finalist • 2015 Halifax New Business Of The Year • 2015 Global Student Entrepreneur - 1st Runner Up • 2014 Student Entrepreneur National Winner
Emerging Entrepreneur gained him global recognition and the opportunity to meet President Obama in the White House as he represented Canada in entrepreneurship.
• 2016 Start Up Canada High Growth Award • 2016 Downtown Halifax "Rookie Of The Year" • 2016 AMA's Marketer On The Rise • 2015 The Kit Top Under 25 To Watch • 2015 EY Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year • 2015 Marketing Magazine - Top 30 Under 30 • 2015 Cupid's Cup Finalist • 2015 Halifax New Business Of The Year • 2015 Global Student Entrepreneur - 1st Runner Up • 2014 Student Entrepreneur National Winner
Giveback
Charity initiatives have always been a strong component of East Coast Lifestyle. From clothing the homeless in 2013 to donating over $500,000 to local organizations, the team at East Coast Lifestyle has always supported the community as much as the community has supported them.
Red Cross donation, spca collaborations, wounded warriors, iwk, etc - list alllllll of them **
Experience the lifestyle
Talk about where to purchase ECL + our own store locations etc.
New Endeavours
Alex's true entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he breaks out of the clothing industry and into the food & beverage market. In fall of 2020, East Coast Lifestyle proudly launched East Coast Rum Soda, the first ever a low calorie, low sugar soda option on the market. And if that wasn't enough, they also released a Thick Cut Sea Salt Chip in partnership with Covered Bridge. What's next?
Proud
Specializing in clothing for all ages, East Coast Lifestyle gives everyone an opportunity to wear their heart on their sleeve with fresh designs and high quality clothing.
East Coast Lifestyle allows you to bring a piece of home with you wherever you go – helping you connect with your coast from around the world.
East Coast Lifestyle allows you to bring a piece of home with you wherever you go – helping you connect with your coast from around the world.
East Coast Lifestyle allows you to bring a piece of home with you wherever you go - helping you connect with your coast from around the world.
