About

Hi, I’m Charlene. I’m a Scuba Diving Instructor who really missed being underwater over the last couple of years. Not only the feeling of weightlessness, the zoning out of all other distractions, the fish, and trying to perfect my underwater selfies, I’ve missed meeting other divers and chatting about what we see, improving our skills and a cheeky post-dive beverage or two.

I know I’m not alone.

And so a new business was born…

Between the various lockdowns and the subsequent extended surface intervals, I decided to channel this feeling into something a bit more positive by designing fun, quirky, quality, products to remind us of our time underwater, which we can use when we’re not diving.

These included some t-shirts, duvet covers and pillow cases.

Then it was time to switch to some ocean-inspired items for when we can dive.

It was important they were sun safe, quality products, and available in plus sizes. The patterns needed to be fun and full of life.

And so collections of rash guards, leggings, racer back crop tops / sports bras began. All these products are fine for everyday wear and general exercise too. This means they can also be worn in comfort during surface intervals!

My aim is to continue designing underwater-inspired products while working on reducing the environmental footprint and giving back to the underwater world that has taught me and given me so much.

In my travels, I’ve volunteered with Blue Ventures and will be donating a portion of profits to this organization. They work closely with local “coastal communities to develop transformative approaches for catalysing and sustaining locally led marine conservation.” Their programs are broad and cover community conservation, rebuilding fisheries, blue forests, aquaculture, community health and education. 

After seeing this in action in Madagascar, what the local community has achieved, and how rewarding it was to be a small part of the program, I would like to have an ongoing commitment to seeing it develop further.

While their Head Office is in the UK, they operate in Madagascar, Timor Leste and Belize too. If you ever have the opportunity to volunteer with them, you will work hard and have a ball! You will be integrated with the local community and make some solid friendships with people from all walks of life who are divers too.

Bonus!

As this is an online store, shipping is a necessary part! To offset our carbon emissions, we are participating in a program with Pachama. 

In the meantime, thank you for any purchases you make of a Diving Is Life product and the assistance this will give to the Blue Ventures team.