After tragically losing her 23-year-old son, Brody Shaw, in a car accident last February, Kristina Partington found a meaningful way to preserve his memory by launching a clothing and lifestyle brand. Named Sea-Aholic, the brand reflects Shaw’s deep love for the ocean and his passion for fishing.
“I wanted an outlet for my grief, something to keep his memory alive,” Partington shared. “Brody started out loving the ocean, fishing with his family, and after his passing, I was left with a lot of anger and grief.”
The brand began to take shape over the summer, as Partington worked on selecting fonts, logos, and designing the first pieces of apparel. She involved her family throughout the process, asking her kids for feedback on various designs. After finalizing the ideas, she partnered with Say it with Stitches in Bedford to bring her vision to life.
The anchor logo of Sea-Aholic holds significant meaning for Partington, symbolizing strength and stability—qualities that were central to Shaw’s character. “Brody was an anchor for our family. He was extremely funny, bright, and strong,” she said.
The launch of the brand was accompanied by a video that showcased photos of Shaw, along with an original song written and performed by his brother’s girlfriend. What began as a deeply personal tribute has now grown into a thriving business, with Sea-Aholic offering a range of products, including hoodies, T-shirts, toques, ball caps, and personalized mugs featuring fishing spots and beaches across Nova Scotia.
For Partington, Sea-Aholic represents more than just a business—it’s a way to give back in her son’s name. A portion of the proceeds from the brand goes to the Brody Shaw Memorial Fund, which supports a $3,000 annual bursary through the Nova Scotia Community College’s Nautical Institute.
“I think Brody would be proud. And he’d say, ‘Of course, mom, you had to go big,’” Partington said.
Through Sea-Aholic, Kristina Partington continues to honor her son’s legacy, turning her grief into a positive force for others.
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