Local teen Samantha Ghabra launches Kai Surf clothing company

Beacon Middle School eighth-grader Samantha Ghabra decided to try her hand at entrepreneurism while on winter break last year.

With help from her family, Sam launched Kai Surf during the summer, designing, printing, marketing and selling coastal-themed apparel and accessories. Her persistence, determination, and drive have taken Kai Surf beyond her original projections, and the future looks like a bright, sunny day at the beach.

Kai, a Hawaiian word meaning, “from the sea,” was the perfect name for her new company. Sam was born at the beach, lives at the beach, and now has a company focused on the beach. Her unique designs are inspired by surf culture.

Time spent on the beach has driven her many ideas to fruition. Her business plan originally focused on the teenage customer, but after being in business through the summer, her market has expanded well beyond that demographic.

Jessica Huss, mother of Jack Huss, one of Sam’s friends and a model on the company’s website, said her favorite design is the surfer long-sleeve white T-shirt. Huss said, “My favorite thing about Kai Surf is the drive of a teenager to start her own company. Sam has put a lot of work into getting her brand out there and it’s nice to see a young girl work so hard!”

The key players for Kai Surf are Sam’s mom and dad, and her brothers, Connor and Ethan. Sam makes design decisions, and handles daily management and social media marketing.

Sam’s mom Susan helps with fielding customers’ questions and packaging orders while Sam is at school. Her dad John helps with production. Her brother Connor creates the designs that make the brand Kai Surf. Her brother Ethan helps with website development and product ordering.

Sam said, “My family works together to really help me succeed, and I love that!”

Sam’s primary job is to focus on academics at Beacon, but she has mastered a balance of school, social, athletic and business life. Her typical day includes school, sports and homework, followed by time to work on Kai Surf. This includes processing orders, packaging, planning, marketing and ordering inventory to restock her shelves.

She has a business binder that keeps her organized, tracks her financials, and helps plan for the future of Kai Surf. Sam said, “It is hard work and I am not able to do all of the fun things with my friends, but I enjoy the challenge, and my friends are very supportive of my business pursuits.”

Sam has received orders from Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida, and as far away as California. She has a map in her office where she places a star on each state in which she has fulfilled an order. Sam said, “I am hoping to see a lot of stars on that map over the next year.”

To find and purchase products, go to www.kaisurf.co, or find Kai Surf Co on Facebook or kaisurf.co on Instagram.

Fishtail Print Company, located in the Midway Shopping Center, 18585 Coastal Highway Suite 22, Rehoboth Beach, carries most items found on www.kaisurf.co.

Ghabra’s short-term plan is to sell at action sports events and local markets, and eventually find a surf shop willing to give her product a chance on its shelves.