Kathy Ireland Ventures into Commercial Fishing
Kathy Ireland is embarking on a new journey in commercial fishing. The 62-year-old supermodel and entrepreneur recently shared her exciting news about obtaining a blue-water commercial fishing license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. She’ll be working alongside her husband, Dr. Greg Olsen, who captains the 4th Watch, a fishing vessel.
In a conversation, Ireland revealed that her interest in commercial fishing was sparked by Olsen. “It’s an incredible opportunity,” she expressed, feeling thankful for the experience ahead.
“I grew up camping and fishing,” Ireland recalled, noting her husband’s lifelong passion for fishing. Olsen, who has recently retired after a long career as an ER doctor, has combined his medical profession with fishing for the last two decades.
Excited about the upcoming fishing season, Ireland stated, “If the calendar allows, I’m going to go out with him.” It’s a significant change, but she’s committed to maintaining her role as CEO and Chief Designer of her global lifestyle brand, Kathy Ireland Worldwide (kiWW), which has flourished since its inception in 1993, reaching $3.1 billion in retail sales by 2021.
Reflecting on the parallels between business and fishing, Ireland noted, “There are powerful lessons out on the water.” She described the beauty of the ocean and how it’s hard work, feeling a deeper appreciation for what her husband does. Initially, she didn’t grasp the intensity of commercial fishing, but experiencing it firsthand has changed that perception.
She candidly shared, “The first few days were tough. It’s hard, heavy work.” Yet, she recognized it wasn’t just physical labor—skills learned in corporate settings apply here as well. “It’s all about being intentional,” she remarked, drawing interesting comparisons between the demands at sea and those in the business world.
While the challenges of nature and the boardroom differ, Ireland believes adaptability is key. “When the weather changes, you have to respond quickly and decisively,” she elaborated, emphasizing the importance of focus and attentiveness to succeed in both arenas.
Undergoing sea survival training, Ireland is learning critical emergency procedures, acknowledging that she can’t just be a passive participant in this new chapter. “There’s a responsibility that comes with it,” she stated, taking her training seriously.
She feels a strong connection between the dedication needed in fishing and her experiences in modeling, highlighting the commitment required in both fields. Ireland praised her husband for building a successful business from his passion, expressing pride in his accomplishments.
Married since 1988, Ireland and Olsen have navigated their lives together while raising three children. As they work side by side on fishing vessels for the first time, Ireland has found joy in their teamwork, likening it to a dance when everything aligns smoothly.
Despite the hard work, she balances her responsibilities, ensuring everything is in order for the next outing, transforming a demanding profession into a collaborative and harmonious experience.
