However, this was not the case here. I found exactly what I had envisioned in my head (and MORE).
Joe, owner of Strictly Boarding, personally greeted me with enthusiasm and humor as we talked about his many concepts and designs. I tried on ring after ring and left happily with my purchase. But, I was so enthralled by his work I gathered up the nerve to ask him if he was interested in an interview...he WAS : D
Without further ado, meet Joe!
My name is Joseph Tutrow and I am a San Diego native living in Cardiff
by the Sea. I grew up surfing in San Diego and have worked hard to
incorporate my passion of surfing into my work. In 2000, I traveled abroad
to Australia and studied international business at the University of New
Castle. I not only had the wonderful opportunity to study business in
Australia but the opportunity to surf some of the best waves in the world,
including, Indonesia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji and Hawaii, not to mention
other places I have traveled to surf.
I have always had a dream of running my own business and shaping my
life the way I wanted and not be content with doing something I would not
enjoy. Having an entrepreneur mind set, I was always thinking about what
I could create or what business I could form that would best fit my lifestyle.
During the last week of my stay in Australia, I was browsing a local surf
shop where I had tried on one of those old traditional wave bands, with
just the funny little wave curls going around the band. The idea instantly
hit me…why don’t I develop a line of jewelry that really expresses the
love of surfing, what I thought surf jewelry should be! At this instance,
Strickly Boarding was born. As soon as I returned back home I began
developing and designing some of my first concepts, which included a real
wave breaking over with a guy getting barreled. I began to show friends
and family and everybody was amazed and wanted one. So I began to
develop my line, build my business plan and develop a product catalog. I
loved the product so much personally I began expanding the line to include
lefts, rights, point breaks and anything else I could think of! Some of my
latest designs are called “Sequence” which features a movie on a ring and
as you spin it around you can watch a guy drop into a barrel, get barreled
and then get shot out of the barrel. My latest piece is a skateboard park on
a buckle.
What three words best describe your personality?
Creative, focused, real
What kinds of things do you make and sell?
Hand crafted surf jewelry and accessories.
What started your interest in your craft?
My creative talents and my entrepreneur mindset.
What are some of your favorite things to do, aside from making your incredible jewelry?
Surfing, surfing, surfing
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| (LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS ONE!!) |
How would you describe your artistic style or groove?
Out of the box
If you had to be trapped in a book, which one would it be and why?
It would be my own, maybe one day I will write an autobiography on
myself.
Who or what inspires you the most?
Travel, as well as the mindset that you can be anybody you want to be and
that dreams do come true if you have a plan and a good work ethic.
Where did the name Strickly Boarding come from?
Strickly Boarding represents the family of board sports, surf, skate and
snow. The word “Strickly” means that if you participate in your sport
everyday and take it seriously you can become better learning all the
tricks…hence the word “Trick” in the middle. My line has now expanded to
include all my favorite board sports including surf, skate and snow because
they represent what I am all about.
What is you company slogan?
Keep the Stoke with you Always!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A golfer!
Joe is totally amazing! Check out his work and shop at www.strictlyboarding.com
Much thanks to Joe for your willingness to be interviewed!! Best wishes in all your endeavors and see ya around!!
Great write up, I am also a fan of Stricklyboarding and have many of their rings. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
ReplyDelete