Surfing is my greatest passion. It has always been a way for me to connect with my family, friends, and nature. Surfing has also helped me navigate personal struggles with mental health, loss of loved ones, and even a global pandemic. The ocean provides respite from worry; it creates a space for reflection, gratitude, and hope. Paddling out for a quick surf is a guaranteed reset.
Although I love surfing, I am often frustrated by its historically male-dominated, hypermasculine culture. Although the number of women surfers is growing, we are just beginning to scratch the surface. Whether it's being out in the lineup, attending a competition, or shopping for surf goods, these spaces all still have patriarchal underpinnings. It’s time for a change!
So….welcome to Sesh Collective! For my capstone I created a pop-up surf boutique—a carefully curated collection of surf-inspired goods created by women surfers from around the globe. It is my dream to one day open a surf shop that doubles as a place to gather and build community. I plan to sell surf gear--wetsuits, fins, and boards--created by women, designed for women. My shop will also sell art, apparel, and home goods also created by women surfer-makers. On the weekends, I will host women’s surf clinics, classes and workshops, and events like wine tasting and small concerts.
This pop-up version of Sesh Collective is a glimpse into what this space could potentially look like. I hope you have as much fun exploring this collection of goods as I had curating it. Take a moment to learn about the artists and their respective journeys. Thank you for stopping by….enjoy!
