Starting Oswald
I started Oswald whilst I was President of the Durham University Polo Club. We were struggling to find team shirts that we liked and after another polo kit supplier let us down, I decided that I could use my graphic design skills to make Durham their own shirts. When we wore the team shirts at the University National Championships other teams asked if I could make their shirts too, which is where Oswald started out.
Initially, after graduating from Durham in 2019, I planned on pursuing my career aspirations as a barrister. However, COVID hit not long after and I ended up spending the many spare hours of lockdown developing Oswald from a student side hustle to a full service polo kit provider.
Future Plans
I have big plans for Oswald for the 2024 season. I am spending the winter developing and trialling new products and we have started to expand our operations to New Zealand, Australia and mainland Europe.
I am always researching new decorating techniques and styles to ensure our team kit is market leading. I am also keen to try and reduce the environmental footprint of our company by streamlining and improving production methods,
Q: If you weren't running Oswald what would you be doing?
A: Probably getting a lot more sleep and looking a lot more refreshed! Whilst I have a law degree from Durham University, I always had aspirations to be involved with musical theatre and I would still love to be in a West End show - Hamilton or Les Miserables, if any casting agents come across this page.
Q: What does your daily routine look like?
A: Well I am currently writing this answer at 3 am on a Thursday morning so I am not very good at sticking to a structured daily routine. During the winter I keep my herd of misfit ponies at home so I normally stagger out first thing to chuck some food at them. I try to get all my yard chores done before I start my working day, as once I start it is hard to take a break.
Q: What do you look for in a pony?
A: I love a little pocket rocket, nothing bigger than 14.2hh, and always a mare, although I currently have a homebred colt yearling who I am hoping will change my mind!
Q: Where did you start playing?
A: When I started at Durham University the polo team hadn't been in operation for several years. In my first year, another student decided to try and revive it. I went along to the first taster session at the White Rose Polo Club and I was completely hooked and from then on polo dominated my life... and my finances.
Q: What is your drink of choice?
A: Diet Coke. I even dressed up as a "Diet Coke" addict for Halloween one year.
Q: What is one thing people don't know about you?
A: I hate Christmas and would be happy to not celebrate it at all, but I bizarrely love Christmas films no matter the time of year.
Q: If you were on "Come Dine With Me" what would be on your menu?
A: My mum's side of the family originates from India, but they lived in East Africa before settling in the UK. My grandmother was the most incredible cook and I have never met anyone, yet, who has matched her food. Her dishes were a mixture of traditional Gujarat food with African influences. I would serve my guests a Thali, which is a variety of small Indian dishes, served on a single plate, and I would use my grandmother's recipes.
Before launching any new product for Oswald I ensure it is thoroughly tested, not only by myself, but also by my team of ambassadors. I am constantly assessing ways for products, even ones that are very popular, to be improved.
My favourites at the moment are the Sherpa lined hoodie, because England is freezing cold, and I wear one of these every day whilst mucking out.
My favourite horsewear item at the moment is the K2F Cryochaps - they are incredible and the best ice boots on the market. Before Oswald started retailing Cryochaps, I had already purchased a quad set after seeing an article by Dr David Marlin about the dangers of overheating legs. I had a pony on box rest for many months and used the Cryochaps multiple times a day and they still look brand new.
I love the luxury teak padded director's chair. It does come with a premium price tag, but I think every penny is worth it. I have one in my office and it is incredibly comfortable.
