We recently had the chance to connect with Ben Blasi and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ben, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Well, I’m still in high school, so Monday through Friday I attend classes in person at Carlsbad High School. I’m fortunate to have great classes like Virtual Enterprise where I am able to learn business and marketing best practices through immersive exercises and experienced instructors. I am also currently enrolled in an Internship program through the school, where I have time several days a week to work on my business and get school credit for the time. This is a great opportunity to really learn by doing. I hope to continue on this path through college.
I have volleyball practice two to three times a week at WAVE Volleyball Club where I play on the boys 17-1 team. I make sure to prioritize my physical and mental heath and wellness by ensuring that I get enough rest, eat properly, stretch and recover. I’ve tried to set these habits at a young age and I think they will benefit me throughout life. It’s is also helping me develop a healthy work/life balance for the future as I try to balance work, school and volleyball.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
About two years ago, I came up with the concept for Servin’ Swag. I saw a gap in the market of athletic wear for male volleyball players and decided to design my own product. The typical body type of a lot of male volleyball players is tall and slim. They have athletic builds, but tend to have small waists and long legs. The standard in men’s clothing is to have an inseam that goes up as the waist size increases. Meaning you have to buy a large waist size to get the longer length. What I created was a design for a slim fit athletic pant with extra long inseam length – some up to 38″ to fit out athletes that are up to 7″ and the added details like zippered pockets and varied fits and fabrics that appeal to different customers.
Since we launched, we’ve grown from one design to almost 15 different products including a custom backpack.
We use mainly social media for advertising to keep our costs low, and our main exposure comes from our College and Pro Brand Ambassadors and through partnerships like Bad Boys Grass Volleyball. It’s a niche product, but has a dedicated following.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Not one specific moment, but travelling globally has really give me the opportunity to learn about different cultures. I like to meet local people and see how they live as well as experience their county and home from their perspective. It also really makes me appreciate all of the things that I have by living in the US and that we should never take these things for granted. I’ve been to 12 countries so far and am looking forward to continuing my International travel.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Appreciate the small things. I know I’m still technically a child, but as I near the end of High School I’m starting to feel very grateful for the things that are part of my everyday life. I know as I get older I will have more responsibilities and a busier life so here are the things that I feel very thankful for now.
Time with my dog – whether its taking her for walks or just watching tv.
Naps – I love to nap every afternoon and I know that won’t last forever unless I move to another country. The US lives to work.
Home cooked meals. I really love homecooked food and would take that most days over eating out. Plus my cooking skills are limited.
Paid for vacations I really love to travel and I know that someday, I’ll have to pay for my own travel expenses.
Take more pictures. I’m guilty of not really taking very many pictures and I know someday I ‘ll wish that I had.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I think this question really strikes at the heart of how we use our “influencers”. In this world of paid influencers, it becomes hard to differentiate between honesty and monetization. We wrote a mantra about our “real” Influencers and I’d like to share it here:
At Servin’ Swag, we don’t chase trends—we represent a movement.
Our mission was born from the court, crafted by men’s volleyball players for men’s volleyball players. We don’t create generic activewear that happens to fit volleyball players. We design every piece for the athletic build, movement, and mindset of male volleyball athletes. This is not a side category. This is the whole reason we exist.
So when it comes to who represents us, we don’t look to the loudest voices or the ones with the biggest followings. We look to those who matter most—the players who inspire by showing up, standing out, and staying true to who they are.
Our Brand Ambassadors are not hired influencers.
They are influential.
They are standout athletes—top college and Pro players who’ve earned respect through talent, grit, and character.
They are role models—guiding the next generation of young players who see themselves reflected in their stories.
They are leaders—on and off the court, in a sport that’s inclusive, expressive, and proudly supportive of every community.
They are not polished personas. They are real humans—kind, focused, funny, hardworking, authentic, smart.
They didn’t ask for a spotlight. But they shine anyway.
Because real influence isn’t bought—it’s earned.
Through action. Through attitude. Through integrity.
At Servin’ Swag, we don’t just believe in Brand Ambassadors.
We believe in Influencers.
And ours are the real ones.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
100%. I’m not motivated by praise. I’m motivated by challenges and goals and finding success in my efforts. I know I’m more competitive with myself than anyone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.servinswag.com
- Instagram: @servinswag
- Other: TikTok @servinswag
Image Credits
Vanessa Bonilla, Dean Wakeham
