Latest news with #Widger
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
e.l.f. Finds a Kindred Spirit in Oliver Widger to Inspire Dream Chasers Everywhere
OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--e.l.f. Cosmetics, a brand from e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF), joined forces with an unexpected but inspiring partner to celebrate and elevate the stories of dream chasers and rule breakers: Oliver Widger captivated social media with his daring journey across the Pacific Ocean with his cat, Phoenix. e.l.f. and Oliver Widger team up to launch Roblox Game Jam: Sailing with Phoenix, to empower and inspire other dreamers Share Widger's journey—defined by grit, optimism, and a refusal to follow the rules—sparked a global following. e.l.f. immediately recognized a kindred spirit. In a bold move, e.l.f. partnered with Aloft, a nonprofit organization that supports the next generation of aviators, to deliver a care package that was plane-dropped mid-ocean—symbolizing the brand's commitment to showing up for its community, no matter where they are. e.l.f will continue to support Aloft in its work to democratize access for aspiring young pilots. As a cruelty-free brand, e.l.f. will also make a donation to an animal shelter of Widger's choice—in honor of his co-captain, Phoenix. "Receiving the e.l.f. care package in the middle of the ocean was intense; it was cool,' said Widger. 'It wasn't just about snacks and supplies—it was a powerful reminder that people were watching, believing in me, and cheering me on. That kind of support—especially from a brand that celebrates bold moves—reminded me I wasn't alone on this journey.' Widger arrived in Waikiki, Hawaii, on May 24. He joined the brand's e.l.f. you! Twitch livestream just hours after putting his feet on the ground where he shared, 'If there's one person who chased their dream from watching me chase my dream, that's the coolest thing in the world.' From one bold move to the next, e.l.f. and Widger, in collaboration with eGEN, a gaming consultancy, are teaming up in the spirit of adventure to empower and inspire other dreamers through the launch of a Roblox Game Jam Sailing with Phoenix. The Sailing with Phoenix Game Jam challenges Roblox developers to build original games inspired by purpose, passion, and adventure. Hosted by e.l.f., and created in connection with Widger and eGen, the contest empowers a new wave of creators to turn bold ideas into action—with prizes awarded to the top three winners. 'At e.l.f., we're not afraid to challenge the status quo and do the unexpected,' said Patrick O'Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer, e.l.f. Beauty. 'Like the rest of the world, we were fascinated by Oliver's journey. He's a bold disruptor with a kind heart, and our partnership is all about empowering fellow dream chasers. This isn't just a game or a stunt—it's a platform for young creators to be inspired, spark creativity, build confidence, and push the boundaries of what's possible.' The game jam democratizes access in an "Eyes. Lips. First." moment, inviting up-and-coming developers to create games inspired by Widger's pursuit of dreams. Stay tuned for more details. To hear more about Widger's journey, visit, e.l.f. you!. About e.l.f. Cosmetics e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE: ELF) is fueled by a belief that anything is possible. We are a different kind of company that disrupts norms, shapes culture and connects communities through positivity, inclusivity and accessibility. e.l.f. Cosmetics, our global flagship brand, makes the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip and face by bringing together the best of beauty, culture and entertainment. Our superpower is delivering universally appealing, premium quality products at accessible prices that are e.l.f. clean and vegan, all double-certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA as cruelty free. We are proud to have products made in Fair Trade Certified™ facilities. Learn more at
Global News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
Man who quit his job, set sail with cat arrives to cheering fans in Hawaii
An Oregon man who quit his job at a tire company and liquidated his retirement savings to set sail for Hawaii with his cat, Phoenix, reached his destination Saturday, welcomed by cheering fans at the end of a weeks-long journey that he documented for his mass of followers on social media. Oliver Widger, who also was greeted by Hawaii Gov. Josh Green at the Waikiki Yacht Club on Oahu, acknowledged he was nervous facing the crowd, which included reporters. Widger said he was feeling 'really weird' — not seasick, but, 'I just feel like I have to, like, hold on to things to not fall over.' He became an online sensation with his story, which followed a diagnosis four years ago with a syndrome that carried a risk of paralysis and made him realize he disliked his managerial job. He quit his job with 'no money, no plan' and $10,000 of debt — and the goal of buying a sailboat and sailing around the world. Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen Governor Josh Green presents a proclamation to Oliver Widger, 29-year-old Oregon man who sailed from Oregon to Hawai'i, on Saturday, May 24, 2025 in Waikiki, Hawaii. AP Photo/Michelle Bir He taught himself to sail mostly via YouTube and moved from Portland to the Oregon coast. He spent months refitting the $50,000 boat he bought. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy He set sail for Hawaii with Phoenix in late April, documenting their experiences for his more than 1 million followers on TikTok and 1.7 million followers on Instagram. He said he thinks his story, which made national news, resonated with people. View image in full screen In this photo provided by Oliver Widger via his Instagram account on Thursday, May 15, 2025, his cat, Phoenix, sits inside their sailboat somewhere in the Pacific Ocean as both make their way from Oregon to Hawaii. Oliver Widger via AP 'I think a lot of people are, you know, you're grinding at your job all day long and it doesn't really matter how much money you make at this point, everybody's just trying to do enough to get by and that just wears you out,' he said. 'It's just the world's in a weird place, and I think people have seen that it's possible to break out.' Story continues below advertisement Green presented Widger with a proclamation. Fans swarmed Widger after the news conference, many holding cameras and seeking selfies. The scariest point of the trip came when a rudder failed, Widger said. Highlights included seeing dolphins and whales and periods of calm Pacific waters. 'Being in the middle of the ocean when it was completely glass in every direction was an absurd feeling,' he said. @sailing_with_phoenix Day 6 sailing from Oregon to Hawaii. I just clocked an 8 hour nap and I feel ready to take on the world lol thank you everyone for the love. Phoenix and I are doing great. #sailing #dream #fyp #sailinglife ♬ original sound – sailing_with_phoenix Widger, 29, said he never truly felt alone, since he was communicating with friends by means including video conference. But he also lamented not experiencing the open waters in a way that other sailors — who didn't have access to tools like Starlink internet satellites — have in years before. He said he may travel next to French Polynesia. But he said he had been focused on getting to Hawaii and not on what he'd do after that. He said he also needs to make repairs to his boat.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- IOL News
Sailing away from the 9-to-5: man and his cat embrace life on the open seas
Oliver Widger after sailing and conquering the Pacific Ocean. Image: Instagram In an age where the allure of corporate stability often overshadows the call of adventure, Oliver Widger has thrown caution to the wind, leaving behind an 11-year-long career at a tyre shop to embark on a daring sailing expedition around the world. Captured beautifully on Instagram (@sailing\_with\_phoenix), his journey recently transformed from a dream to reality when he sailed from Oregon to Hawaii – a testament to chasing dreams and defying conventional norms. Widger's decision to pursue sailing comes in the wake of a life-altering diagnosis. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), a rare spinal disorder that leaves him with a loose spine and the potential risk of paralysis. 'That reality kind of shook up my world,' he reflected. This confrontation with his mortality ignited in him an intense desire for change, pushing him to abandon the corporate grind he had grown to despise. 'I became incredibly aware of my mortality,' he admitted candidly. In 2024, the seeds of change were sown as he quit his job 'rather abruptly, intending to sail around the world with no plan.' Without prior sailing experience, he purchased a sailboat and charted his course into the unknown. Widger's first monumental voyage, the month-long trek across the vast Pacific Ocean, culminated in a triumphant arrival in Hawaii. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Dear Corporate America, I won,' he proclaimed, a phrase that captures not only his victory over his former life but also the sheer exhilaration of freedom. Widger's journey embodies the spirit of adventure and the quest for self-discovery. 'I chased a dream bigger than my fear,' he recounted, his voice imbued with pride. 'I worked until my hands bled, fought storms inside and out, and chose a life few would dare to live. I've already won because I found the courage to try.' His words resonate with anyone who has ever contemplated stepping outside the confines of their comfort zone in pursuit of a deeper, more meaningful existence. With the seas of Hawaii now behind him, the sailor and his trusty feline companion, Phoenix, are set to continue their odyssey. He plans to spend the next 30 days snorkelling. As he dreams of French Polynesia looming on their horizon, one thing remains clear: Widger is not just living a dream; he is redefining what it means to truly live.
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
An Oregon man who quit his job to set sail with his cat arrives to cheering fans in Hawaii
HONOLULU -- An Oregon man who quit his job at a tire company and liquidated his retirement savings to set sail for Hawaii with his cat, Phoenix, reached his destination Saturday, welcomed by cheering fans at the end of a weekslong journey that he documented for his mass of followers on social media. Oliver Widger, who also was greeted by Hawaii Gov. Josh Green at the Waikiki Yacht Club on Oahu, acknowledged he was nervous facing the crowd, which included reporters. Widger said he was feeling 'really weird' — not seasick, but, 'I just feel like I have to, like, hold on to things to not fall over.' He became an online sensation with his story, which followed a diagnosis four years ago with a syndrome that carried a risk of paralysis and made him realize he disliked his managerial job. He quit his job with 'no money, no plan' and $10,000 of debt — and the goal of buying a sailboat and sailing around the world. He taught himself to sail mostly via YouTube and moved from Portland to the Oregon coast. He spent months refitting the $50,000 boat he bought. He set sail for Hawaii with Phoenix in late April, documenting their experiences for his more than 1 million followers on TikTok and 1.7 million followers on Instagram. He said he thinks his story, which made national news, resonated with people. 'I think a lot of people are, you know, you're grinding at your job all day long and it doesn't really matter how much money you make at this point, everybody's just trying to do enough to get by and that just wears you out,' he said. 'It's just the world's in a weird place, and I think people have seen that it's possible to break out.' Green presented Widger with a proclamation. Fans swarmed Widger after the news conference, many holding cameras and seeking selfies. The scariest point of the trip came when a rudder failed, Widger said. Highlights included seeing dolphins and whales and periods of calm Pacific waters. 'Being in the middle of the ocean when it was completely glass in every direction was an absurd feeling,' he said. Widger, 29, said he never truly felt alone, since he was communicating with friends by means including video conference. But he also lamented not experiencing the open waters in a way that other sailors — who didn't have access to tools like Starlink internet satellites — have in years before. He said he may travel next to French Polynesia. But he said he had been focused on getting to Hawaii and not on what he'd do after that. He said he also needs to make repairs to his boat.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Oregon man sails to Hawaii with cat: ‘It's possible'
HONOLULU (KHON2) — An Oregon man and his cat have captured hearts worldwide by embarking on a weeks-long, 2,400-mile journey to Hawaii. Thousands gathered to welcome Oliver Widger, 29, and his cat Phoenix at the Waikiki Yacht Club on May 24. Sailing from Oregon to Hawaii after quitting his job turns a man with a cat into social media star 'This is absolutely nuts. Absolutely insane, this is so bizarre. Yeah. Because I'm like, totally not this, you know, I'm just awkward, so,' Widger said. Widger decided to make the journey with his feline friend after being diagnosed with Klippel Fiel Syndrome, a rare congenital condition with risk of paralysis. He quit his 9 to 5 and pulled out his 401K. The initially-inexperienced sailor said the seasickness was real, but he powered through. Check out more news from around Hawaii 'Right now I'm feeling really weird. But yeah, I'm not seasick. I just feel like I have to hold on to things to not fall over,' he said. He had some help from a local non-profit off Maui. They airdropped a package with snacks and letters with well wishes. 'It was just a white vessel and a lot of white caps so we were all looking and were all scanning the water and we actually kind of passed him a couple times. And so we finally found him and were able to circle him and confirm that it was his boat before we could drop the buoy and all the snacks,' said Brian, an Aloft Charities flight instructor. Oregon man sails to Hawaiʻi following medical diagnosis Folks in attendance said not only is sailing halfway across the world's biggest ocean with just a cat is an incredible feat, but the fact that it was done by an 'average dude' is even more remarkable. 'And he's just an average dude, right? He's just like anybody else. And seeing everybody come out here and just be like 'Oliver!' It's so funny to me,' said Honolulu sailor Atticus Brown. 'I feel like so much secondhand happiness for him.' Gov. Josh Green was in attendance and even presented Widger with a proclamation to honor his bravery and inspiration. Widger never thought his story would reach across the world, but he has a message for everyone. 'The world is in a weird place kind of thing. People have seen that it's possible to break out. And it is possible,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
