ex tenebris lux
From darkness, comes light
For some time I struggled to find my path as an athletic trainer that holds many hobbies and interests. Feeling stuck in my setting, I had been trying to figure out how to incorporate my passion of art, sports medicine, and my experience in the Marine Corps into something. I just didn’t know what to do or think of what it would become.
But in all honesty, I started Nexus because I was depressed. I was working under a company where I knew that there was no room for financial & personal growth. I quickly saw that there was pretty much no path for a better future. The anger, despair and hopelessness is the fuel that made me pursue this with no hopes or promises of any success.
I also had some friends pursuing nursing, PT, and all that. I didn’t want to do any of those things because I had no interest in them at all, and I didn't want to go back to school.
So what is an artist to do in the world of sports medicine? An artist imagines and creates a dream. Maybe I could create my own world and hope others would believe in that world too. Maybe I could determine my own fate and do things the way I’ve dreamed of.
The current state of the profession has shifted towards research, analytics, and knowledge. While we need that, we as a profession also need imagination, and I think that has really been lacking.
“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe it”
-Robert Fulghum
So darkness is my ally. I embrace it because Nexus was born in the darkness, molded by it, and fueled by it. My name is Jay Ostia-MS, LAT, ATC and I am the mind behind all product development at Nexus.
Although we are a very small company, I envision Nexus to be more than just a gear business, but a brand for athletic trainers, sports medicine professionals, and tactical enthusiasts to look at as a beacon of hope.
On an ending note, I also write this message as motivation for anyone that may be in a similar place or thought of mind. Because imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality, and I’m happy to say that my reality has greatly changed since I’ve done this.
The Logo
I chose the Philippine Eagle to be the face of my company to make Filipino culture known in the diverse landscape of Asian ethnicities.
Back home in the islands, this eagle represents strength, uniqueness, power, and a love for freedom. All of which are traits that this company stands for with athletic trainers.
Everyone will know that behind this eagle is someone who represents the people of this symbol, and to ensure that it can be celebrated and appreciated properly.
Does this symbol have anything related in sports medicine? No.
It’s iconic and it’s different. Here at Nexus it’s about being different.
With the Philippine eagle, I plan to immerse myself in cultural collaboration to celebrate and learn from each other to create a brighter future for the sports medicine community, and challenge you to find ways to celebrate each other’s culture.
For Lolo and Lola
Last, the Philippine Eagle is a tribute to my Lolo and Lola’s (grandpa and grandma) dream of their children coming to the states to build a better life for the next generation, to escape the endless cycle of hardship.
Summer 2022: Full send
Because of the heavy demand and great support, I decided to leave the security of my full-time job in the secondary school setting to devote my full time and efforts in Nexus.
This was the first time I truly felt burnt out and I knew I was doing my athletes a disservice not being able to give them the best care. My mind was constantly thinking about the business and this newfound energy and excitement that I had never been able to really do before.
It was an extremely tough decision especially with my son only being a few months old at the time. I honestly felt that the business was not ready for it, but I took the leap of faith and have not looked back since.
The process isn’t perfect, but we strive to achieve greatness at the end of the line.
From Art to sports medicine
So what am I really passionate about? Art. I love drawings, paintings, 3-D work, installations (some of them), and pretty much anything that creates some sort of visual aesthetic.
Before I became an athletic trainer and a Marine, art was really my jam. It still is. I even worked as a face painter during my undergrad years at Temple to keep me afloat.
I’ve done art pieces in almost every medium, but my strongest suit is with pencil, pens, and markers. I enjoy being extremely intricate in my work and it’s something I hope to incorporate with my products.
Having an artistic mindset is what I believe sets me apart from everyone else.
From sports medicine to tactical design
Since I have an art background, drawing up sketches and conceptualisations is natural.
What isn't natural is the thought process in product design. As an artist, I tend to think in a more abstract manner, but it is the complete opposite when thinking about nylon goods.
Making this transition to designing my products inspired from my experience in the Marine Corps has opened my eyes in a new way.
The mission is to make multiple lines of products that have seamless integration, compatibility, and suit our field in setting and situation.
Whenever I design something, I take account into every way it can be used and want to ensure it is multipurpose for maximum capability.
For function, I personally test the items to understand every detail in how it is being used. It’s the little detail of how something is pulled out, where it is pulled out, and is it accessible? That’s where I strive for you to experience the difference.
I don’t think about innovation, it’s about evolution. On top of this, I take pride in originality and am proud that everything is drawn from the ground up.
Versatility Beyond Measure
Although we don’t have the budget of a corporate giant, we have an unlimited thinking capacity to figure out how we can bring a new level of excitement and aesthetic with our product evolution. We are a business founded upon ideas, and ideas are what will keep us going.
Our focus isn’t sales, it starts with creating great things from a different approach and for the better.