Kathy Ireland Ventures into Commercial Fishing
Kathy Ireland is embarking on an exciting new journey in commercial fishing.
In July, at 62, the former supermodel and entrepreneur shared her plans to acquire a blue-water commercial fishing license from California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. She will be joining the crew of the 4th Watch, a vessel captained by her husband, Dr. Greg Olsen, a former emergency room physician.
During an interview with Fox News Digital, Ireland revealed that her interest in this new career path blossomed thanks to Olsen.
“It’s a great thing,” she expressed her enthusiasm. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given.”
“I grew up camping and fishing,” she mentioned casually. “My husband has been fishing since he was three years old.”
Olsen, who recently retired after dedicating 40 years to emergency medicine, has also balanced commercial fishing for two decades. “I always wanted to go out on a boat with him,” Ireland noted. “This season, an opportunity opened up, and if it fits into the schedule, I’m going to join him.”
In a post on Instagram, she assured fans that she has no intention of leaving her primary career.
Ireland is the CEO and Chief Designer of the Kathy Ireland brand, a global lifestyle enterprise that includes various products and services from fashion to home decor. Her company, founded in 1993, has achieved remarkable success, generating $3.1 billion in retail sales by 2021, according to Forbes.
Speaking with Fox News Digital, Ireland pointed out parallels between her entrepreneurial career and her experience in commercial fishing.
“It’s amazing what I’ve learned from being out on the water,” she remarked. “There are powerful lessons here. A lot aligns with business. And it’s so beautiful to be in such a glorious environment, surrounded by vast oceans. Although it’s hard work, my appreciation for what Greg does — and what so many others do — has deepened. I knew it was tough, but experiencing it myself made me truly understand his passion.”
She reflected on the lessons she’s learned since entering the fishing industry and how they relate to her business experience.
“I recognize the intentionality this work requires,” she said. “That applies in business too.”
“I’m still literally learning the ropes,” Ireland admitted. “When we tie these ropes for 360-pound traps, proper technique is crucial, or the traps can get lost. Every detail matters.”
Her initial days at sea were quite challenging, she explained, noting how typically the chief mate and crew work while the captain navigates. “You identify the buoy and pull the trap up, and it’s heavy. Everything hurt. It was a reality check,” she reflected, adding that many aspects of life — including sports and business — could seem easier with minor adjustments.
Inevitably, her experiences prompted comparisons between the challenges of nature and those faced in corporate settings.
“While I’m not scared of sharks, I do have to say I much prefer the business world to that. I find sharks fascinating, but I like dealing with corporate challenges more,” she said.
Inevitably, she also talked about her ongoing sea survival training. “You must be ready to change direction at a moment’s notice,” she noted. “Keeping alert is vital. When circumstances shift quickly, you need to make fast, decisive moves. That’s a powerful lesson.”
She described the practical aspects of the training, which covers what to do in emergencies, how to use an emergency beacon, alert the coast guard, and navigate if her husband were to fall overboard.
“You can’t be just a passive passenger,” Ireland said. “I approach this seriously and recognize the responsibility involved.”
Reflecting on her modeling career alongside her new fishing work, she observed similarities in work ethic and commitment. “Working alongside Julie Campbell at Sports Illustrated, we were up with the moon and finished when it set,” she shared. But commercial fishing involves even more extensive efforts and responsibilities.
Olsen runs 4th Watch Seafood, based in Santa Barbara, and working with him has deepened Ireland’s admiration for him. “I’m incredibly proud of him,” she expressed. “He took what he loves and made it a thriving business that benefits others significantly.”
“What I realize about our respective businesses is that we share many similarities. We work hard, love what we do, and genuinely enjoy serving people with quality products,” she added.
Married since 1988, Ireland and Olsen have a son, Eric, and two daughters, Lily and Chloe.
Her involvement in Olsen’s crew marks their first collaboration, offering insights into their relationship dynamic at sea. “I was curious about how it would unfold,” she admitted. “But so far, it’s really going well.”
She continued, “He’s an excellent leader, and though we are both independent, it’s been interesting to see how we manage working together.” The couple has developed a rhythm in their dredging, measuring lobsters, and baiting traps.
“There’s a lovely synchronicity,” she expressed. “At times, when everything’s flowing, it feels like we’re dancing.” After long days at sea, their tasks continue as they clean the boat, preparing for the next journey.
