Meet Kaia Stevens | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaia Stevens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea behind starting my own business came from wanting to share my art with more people, drawing inspiration both from the place I grew up and the places I’ve been lucky enough to call home. Surf Cowboy began when I was gifted an old, beat up surfboard. I fixed it up, painted it, and eventually sold it. From there, I started receiving donated broken boards, which I upcycled into art pieces, in and out of the water. Once I realized people wanted to buy the pieces I loved creating, it sparked a desire to grow the business, finding new ways to expand it and make my work more accessible and share it with a wider audience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Surf Cowboy is a blend of my western roots and coastal spirit. I grew up in Texas, but my love for the ocean took me to the Caribbean and Hawaii, where I lived for several years. My work includes upcycled surfboards, coastal western art prints, and eclectic cowboy hats. I wanted to create pieces that are fun and quirky and will bring joy to others while also making them accessible and affordable for those as well. From that foundation, I began teaching classes here in Fort Worth where people can create their own signature cowboy hats a process that’s been so rewarding and fun. I hope to expand into hosting workshops in other art mediums in the future.

I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with incredible people through my art, including musicians, professional athletes, and some amazing businesses. None of this would have been possible without the trust of those who believed in me and the support of everyone who has purchased a piece along the way. When I first sold a few pieces five years ago, I never imagined it would grow into a full-time career. I’m so grateful I stuck with it even while juggling countless odd jobs during that time because now I get to do what I love every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question, especially because my best friend from Massachusetts just visited along with two of my close friends from Australia! For me, the perfect week long itinerary in the Dallas–Fort Worth area would start with a cute welcome dinner at Walloon’s on Magnolia, followed by after-dinner cocktails at The Usual. I’d take them to the Perot Museum of Science on a Thursday for their Thursdays on Tap event, and we’d spend a full day in the Bishop Arts District exploring the shops and restaurants. A must stop is Mosaic Makers Collective, a collective of Texas women artists and creatives, where I have an interactive claw machine art installation that lets you win art and other fun prizes.

At some point, we’d definitely stop by Babe’s for chicken fried steak it always seems to be a hit. I’d also check to see if there’s any live music at Tulips in Fort Worth’s Southside, and on the weekend we’d head to the Stockyards for the rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum, and finish the night with dancing!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my sister, Mazzi. She wears many hats when it comes to supporting my business, she built my website, takes all my photos, and will come along to any events I attend. I wouldn’t be able to continue to grow Surf Cowboy without her continuous help in every area!

Website: https://www.surfcowboyco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surfcowboy_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surfcowboyco/

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@surfcowboy_