Today we’d like to introduce you to Elvis Burrows.
Hi Elvis, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in The Bahamas so swimming has always been a big part of my life. I started swimming competitively when I was 6 years old. We moved to Kentucky so that my father could pursue his doctorate and it was a big change for my family. I feel that the discipline and skills instilled in me from my swim training helped me to adjust and thrive in a new environment. I swam in high school and then attended the University of Kentucky. While in college the I was proud to be able to represent The Bahamas in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. I went on to compete in the 2009 FINA World Championships and the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games. I graduated in 2010 with BA in Hospitality Management and Tourism, I continue to swim professionally up to this day. I also have a passion for teaching and love being able to share my knowledge with the next generation of swimmers. I started my company, Burrows Best, during the pandemic. I wasn’t able to teach or compete as much as I am used to so I started thinking of ways to combine my knowledge of swimming and my education to make something new.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We all struggle to deal with change, but my family and swimming have always kept me grounded. For example, starting over in the US after growing up in The Bahamas was a big change for me. Competing as a professional swimmer there are times where I don’t perform as well as I should have based on my training. The pandemic challenged us all to move forward during uncertainty and changed the way we see the world.
We’ve been impressed with Burrows Best, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The idea for Burrows Best came to me very organically. I was looking for something to combat the drying effects of chlorine and saltwater, but I wasn’t happy with the chemical-based products on the market. After talking to other swimmers about it, I realized that since I couldn’t find the product I wanted, I could make my own. I spent lockdown combining plant-based ingredients and testing formulas until I found one that could gently wash away chlorine, sweat, and grime from tough workouts, but was gentle and nourishing to skin and hair. I really felt I had a winning product so when I was ready to launch I reached out to Dr. Christian Hahn, the inventor of Frogglez Goggles to ask if he had any advice. I had previously worked with Dr. Hahn when he was developing the adult version of his awesome goggles, Masterz by Frogglez. (Fun fact, yes that’s me on the Masterz packaging!) He loved the idea and we decided to work together to launch the first line of Burrow Best Products. Our first products are a moisturizing Body Lotion and Hair & Body Wash. Both products come in my signature scent “Smelvish Freshly.” The pineapple and coconut scent sends me right back to the Bahamian beaches. Burrows Best products are designed specifically for those who lead an active aquatic lifestyle. They also effectively wash away chlorine, sweat, and saltwater and condition dry scalp and skin. Burrows Best only contains all-natural, clean, and safe ingredients that can be used on all skin and hair types, which is perfect for swimmers, triathletes, surfers, divers, and beach bums alike. All of this was developed by Elvis V. Burrows, Olympic swimmer!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I highly recommend Pro Corner with Austin Surhoff. He gets the most interesting sports professionals to really open up about what it’s like being in pro sports. And it’s not just swimming, he talks to the highest achieving professionals in sports – athletes, coaches, executives, and more.
Inside with Brett Hawke is another podcast I really enjoy. He’s one of the best swim coaches in the world but approaches the sport (and his podcast) with a ton of humor and a unique view.
As far as websites, I love to read SwimSwam.com and Ritter Sports.
Contact Info:
- Email: elvisswim@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.frogglezgoggles.com/collections/burrows-best
- Instagram: @burrowsbest
- Facebook: Elvis Vereance Burrows
- Twitter: @elvisvb
