MVL: How did you start Surf + Sand?

Lauren: I opened Surf + Sand at the end of January in 2022.  I always wanted to “create something”, but I wanted to have a purpose, to create change, and to create community. I really wanted to curate a space that represents what’s unique about Marin, and Mill Valley in particular. I live here in town too, I go to the beach, the city, wine country, and I travel. Our customer appreciates those classic pieces, but they are looking for something different and really high quality.  Everything I carry at Surf + Sand is all sustainably made. For the last 7 years I worked in the conscious consumerism space and I really wanted to create a store that people could shop with brands that are working towards creating a better impact on our environment. I have a close connection with all our brands and I spend a lot of time learning about their sustainable impact and missions. We have brands you can’t find elsewhere, from around the world, and local to Marin. We carry big celebrity following brands like Paris Georgia, LESET, Samsoe Samsoe, Zulu & Zephyr, Garrett Leight, Pamela Love and more. We also have super special brands that are very slow fashion like Olympia Etal, Oshan, to name a few. We carry vintage, fine jewelry, sunglasses, apothecary and more. And I can’t forget our amazing swimwear collection we have year round with popular brands like Left On Friday.

MVL: You’re a new business owner as of the last two years, how did you decide to take the leap to becoming an entrepreneur?

Lauren:  I worked in the tech industry for commerce and advertising for almost 16 years. I have worked for 3 start-ups, 1 non-profit, and 1 large agency firm. I was burnt out, but working hard to make money to support my son on a single income. It wasn’t until I met my husband who also owned his own business and who supported me in taking risks and following my dreams. I also really want to note that I have experienced a lot in my short life that really opened up my passion for taking a big risk in starting my own business (a retail business at that!). I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 26 and battled for my life. I had a traumatic birth with my son that could have cost him his life. Shortly after my son’s birth my mother suffered a massive stroke that took her from being a professional athlete to being in a pernante wheelchair. These are just a few things that happen that cause me to want to look at life differently. We have one life (ONE). It’s OK to not follow the “norm”, it’s OK to take risks, it’s OK to fall down, and it’s OK to be happy.

MVL: Why did you decide to open your business in downtown Mill Valley specifically?

POET AND/THE BENCH.  “We moved from Los Angeles and loved how welcoming a place Mill Valley is. We discovered creative businesses, with the owners of the businesses actually being on premise (which feels more intimate and brings character to the place). Our passion is for discovering uncommon artists and designers. To be a destination and platform to support community, artists, and small batch makers—with a focus on narrative so we all have more intimate connections between the objects and the makers. We experienced genuine delight from people we met about the fact that we were designers and could bring something interesting to town. We love being an essential part of the city’s identity, having just celebrated 8 years of Poet and/the Bench!” – Bonnie Power, Co-Owner of POET AND/THE BENCH

AP LUXE SALON. “We chose the amazing town of Mill Valley for its warm and welcoming community feel. When we expanded into our new location we saw the need for a blowout bar in Mill Valley! We are a women owned business, two best friends! Opened our first location in Mill Valley at just 25 years old! We knew this was the right place to be! Mill Valley has very niche stores. Our town is aesthetically pleasing. Plus the restaurants are amazing too!” Come by and check us out!- Paige Charbonnier Owner of AP Luxe Salon

BODYROK. “Mill Valley is a bustling community of artistic history combined with young professionals and families. We wanted to open our doors in Mill Valley to contribute to the wellness community and celebrate all that Mill Valley has to offer by connecting with the community.” – Mary Areson, Bodyrok instructor. Lauren’s go-to instructor, Mary Arenson, provides a warm, welcoming and positive tone for her classes that are well-paced and challenging. As a Mill Valley resident and mom, Mary’s connection to her clientele, the larger community and her passion for the Bodyrok method is bar none. Her classes are a MUST! The BODYROK method was built to take care of the whole person through safe movement while challenging the mind and body to become stronger with each visit. Additionally, our instructors are the heartbeat of our studio bringing in joy, warmth and realness to each class. Our studio is less than three months old and we are celebrating the entire Holiday season with a special promotional offer for our community. Please use ROKYOURBODY at checkout for a free first class and email us for partnership opportunities or general inquiries anytime at millvalley@bodyrok.com” 

MVL: Thank you for including some of your fellow business owners in your feature story

Lauren: It’s certainly one of the many reasons we chose you to kick off our series of courtesy of “support local business” issues.

MVL: Now we can’t leave the residents wondering about the stunning young boy and handsome man on the cover. Tell us a bit about your husband. How did the two of you meet?

Lauren: We actually met on a dating app, but I believe the universe had plans. It was my first time on an app. I joined on a Friday night, found him, liked his picture, he messaged me back Saturday, we spoke on the phone Sunday and my heart dropped within a few minutes of our call. I knew something was going to happen, but I didn’t know what or if it would be good or bad. We had our first date that Wednesday. He waited for me outside my house. I walked up to him, gave him a hug and then kissed him! It was love at first sight and we have been together ever since. We were married last year (2022) in April at Slide Ranch in Muir Beach, with a reception at Cavallo Point Lodge.

MVL: Beautiful! And any standout memories as a couple?

Lauren: Probably experiencing lockdown together after only dating for a week or so. We were forced to learn about each other in a very different way.

MVL: LOL! That’s a new one..  And treasured family moments?

Lauren: Anything we do with Hudson. We cherish our time with him and love showing him new things and taking him new places. Anytime we get a moment to travel somewhere together, it’s always the best time.

MVL: Something I found so impressive about you Lauren, dating back to when we first met, is that even being the new kid on the block, you were immediately strategizing and collaborating with fellow business owners on how to increase foot traffic and lift up the entire community and it seems always following through with those ideas. I think that could qualify as volunteer work but what are some other organizations you are passionate about?

Lauren: While I haven’t had a ton of time to volunteer since I opened my store, I was volunteering for First Descents. First Descents is a charitable non-profit organization, headquartered in Denver, Colorado. They provide outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.

MVL: What are some community activities you enjoy?

Lauren: I love hiking and being by the water anytime possible. Joe and I do the Dip Sea from Mill Valley to Stinson and get breakfast at Park Side Cafe. I’m obsessed with the poke at Hook Fish and I drink probably too much Equator coffee! 

MVL: Where does your family vacation?

Lauren: If it’s up to me, we will be near any beach. We took Hudson to Hawaii for the first time last year and he had a blast. My grandma lived in Hawaii when I was younger and my mom has done the Ironman there four times, so it’s always been a very special place to me.

MVL: If your family had a motto to live by, what would it be?

Lauren: Be happy. It’s as simple as that. My husband reminds me often that the most important thing is that we are happy.