Meet Owen Isachsen | Artist

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

Hi Owen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
This is an interesting question for me as a small business owner because I’ve failed at starting a business many times, this is my fifth shot at it and it seems to be going pretty well overall. I’ve realized over time that the process behind starting your own business is never about the money, or the popularity or whatever it may be, it’s about doing or creating something that you really love and being able to share that with your community. The whole goal behind SunnySide is to share good, positive energy and to really push out the message of “looking for the best in things, and creating that balance in life.” Growing up in the Encinitas area and graduating last year from San Dieguito Academy has had so much influence on the brand as well and being able to share it with friends and family and work with so many amazing local people. I truly wouldn’t be here without that experience and I’m so grateful I got pushed to keep creating and keep sharing my ideas with our awesome community. And the last big influence that has had such a big impact on SunnySide is the surf culture here in San Diego, and the amazing people that get out in the water every day. Whether it’s all the other surfboard shapers, glassers or whatever it may be there is such a tight knit community here and that’s what makes it so special and what keeps us going back to the water again and again.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I graduated just last year(2022) at San Dieguito Academy ending on a high-note of winning a CIF championship with the Men’s Basketball Team while earning the Athlete Of The Year award, after this I made the decision to stay home and go to school up the road in Oceanside at Miracosta College. While being a full-time student I began my work at Vuori Clothing where I am still so grateful to work at while I am pushing this dream of my own. This past year was tough trying to stay on top of everything and be able to find that balance but it makes it a lot easier when you have a community behind your back. One of the biggest learning curves that I’ve came across while running this company is trying to find the spot you belong in, there are so many amazing artists and Surfboard Craftsman that create amazing pieces and I’ve really had to learn how to find my own creativeness and find my own spot.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many cool spots in San Diego, but kind of zoning in on Encinitas I definitely have a few favorite spots. One of my favorite spots to eat at right now is probably Moto Deli where they have one of the best BLT sandwiches and it’s also a super cool spot to just hangout and grab a coffee also. My favorite beach is probably Beacons for a little longboard surf, although I might be biased. But if I’m not surfing it’s always fun to go hangout at Moonlight and enjoy everyone hanging out down there and tossing the football with some friends. Going back to some food, if your looking for something quick to eat and some coffee ‘Bump Coffee’ has definitely become a favorite down in Cardiff and is always perfect for a morning surf check.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is a tough question because I could go on about the people that have helped me along the way, but there’s a few that definitely standout. A big one is the amazing school that is right up the street in the heart of Encinitas being San Dieguito Academy that has pushed my creativity and art to a level I didn’t think was possible, the Art Department there is unbelievable and more supportive than you could ever ask for. Another big shoutout would be my Dad who has had a big influence on the meaning of the brand and the importance of “balance” and also being an amazing part of our little community here in San Diego. And last but not least obviously all my buddies who have been so stoked to represent the brand from day one and be some of the best supporters I could ask for!

Website: https://sunnysidesurfboards.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnysid3/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-isachsen-9734a825b/

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

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sunnysidesurfboards/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunnysid3clothing

Image Credits
Mickey Lapinski, Owen Isachsen