Meet Ken Lewis | Surfer, Dog Lover, Digital Marketer

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

Hi Ken, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Depends on which buisness we’re talking about. I opened my first business, a Skateboard Shop, in 1997-2003. It was a wonderful experience but it ran its course. I’m just now starting my second business which is launching in July 2024.

For each instance there was a different inspiration but one thing rings true to both decisions; In a world of brands who want to use you and your talents, but don’t want to pay for it, why would I keep getting myself into situations that don’t feed my soul or my bank account?

The thought process being that the work I put in for others could be better spent on pursuing a passion of mine. Also, a big factor was quality of life. I had a stroke a year and a half ago and it made me reassess my priorities. The thought of spending 40-hours a week at a desk in an office after I’ve been given a second chance at living a normal life seems like a huge waste of time to me.

At this stage of my life, I want to pursue things that are fulfilling and have a purpose. At the very least, things that bring joy to myself and others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a content creator. A story teller. That’s the heart of what I do. Telling authentic stories in a world of contrived marketing pitches. I feel authenticity is the currency we do not have enough of. Outside of writing and storytelling, I love taking portraits. I love capturing a persons mood or “soul” in a good portrait. I also love the ocean so I shoot lots of photos of waves and scenery. I take pictures but I’m no photographer. I’m a hobbiest at best.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s always a favorite thing to do, share my hometown secrets with out of town friends. Generally we go to La Jolla cove and we paddle the sea caves all the way to the shores. Letting them see this area from the water with not many people is a joy every time. I got to grow up here with La Jolla Cove as my backyard and that zone is so very special to my family history. I enjoy sharing its secrets and stories with people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Eric “Bird” Huffman. He hired me to work at his surf shop in 1987 and that changed the course of my life. The people I met through that shop became life-long friends and that experience lead me to a 30’ year career in the surf and skateboarding industry.
Also my mother. Her support and faith in me really showed me that a parent wants their kid to succeed at any age. It was the first push I needed and that set me on a good path. It gave me the confidence to pursue my passions.

Image Credits
Self portrait in 2022 just after my stroke
Portrait I shot of Hawaiian surf legend Peter Kahapea
Me surfing Kelly Slaters wavepool 2019
Water shot I took in La Jolla 2022
BW watershot in La Jolla 2024