Daily Inspiration: Meet Penny Scallan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Penny Scallan.

Hi Penny, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
My story with Surfboard Soks began in Venice in 2020, where I first embraced the world of surfing by learning to surf. I fell in love with it. During this time, I couldn’t help but notice a gap in the market. I could not find a fashion-forward and functional surfboard cover to protect my surfboard while commuting to a from the beach. Drawing upon my extensive career in the fashion industry, I recognized the need in the market for surfboard covers that were not only protective and functional but also made a bold statement. Drawing inspiration from the iconic style of the 70s, I launched the brand Surfboard Soks, a range of surfboard covers that seamlessly blend fashion-forward design with practicality. I have designed the Soks using eco-friendly materials, they are also meticulously hand-crafted to meet both style and performance. Sustainability has always been my guiding principle, and it’s reflected in my fabric choices. I am fortunate to live between Australia and California, actively selling through my online store to fashion-conscious surfers who appreciate quality and sustainability in both countries. My aim is to expand the brand’s global reach and continue to add new additions to the line. The Tea Tree Surfboard Carry straps have just been launched. I hope that Surfboard Soks can continue to promote a lifestyle that merges surfing, style, and sustainability, connecting with surfers worldwide who share a passion for the ocean and its protection. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has come with its challenges. My entrepreneurial spirit drives me daily, as well as my tenacious personality. I don’t give up easily. I am incredibly passionate about what I do and Surfboard Soks, and feel this shines through with my products. Sustainability has been a core principle from day one, and I was determined to craft my products using eco-friendly materials; this is a commitment that will remain at the heart of the brand. It has been a tireless and long process navigating the world of marketing, e-commerce, design, and product development solely on my own, but I am now seeing the rewards daily, which makes the late nights and long hours worthwhile. While my background is in design and manufacturing, I have managed to navigate my way through e-commerce and build the Surfboard Soks website. It still requires quite a bit of refinement, but I am learning so much along the way. I have recently launched Surfboard Soks on Amazon US/Canada/Mexico and Australia. This was a 12-month project that challenged me in so many ways. I can now say that I am an expert on building storefronts on Amazon. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
From a young age, my passion for fashion and accessories ignited a creative spark within me. This deep-seated love for the world of style set the stage for my journey. I pursued my dreams by studying Fashion Design, where I honed my skills and cultivated a keen eye for detail. Entering the fashion industry was a dream come true. I embarked on a career path where I specialized in various facets, from design that allowed my creativity to flourish to product development, meticulously refining every aspect of my creations. Material construction became my artistic medium, selecting fabrics to infuse texture into my designs. Global sourcing introduced me to a diverse array of construction capabilities, connecting me with resources that enriched my creativity and manufacturing expertise. 

From ideation to product creation, my path in fashion has been a remarkable voyage of self-expression and growth, turning my passion into a thriving career. 

I’m proud to have founded Penny Scallan Designs in 1994, a globally recognized brand known for specializing in beautifully designed children’s accessories. After selling the company a few years ago, I shifted my focus to consulting with startups who share my vision. I have guided them through the entire product development journey, drawing upon over 30 years of experience in every aspect, from ideation to sourcing and delivering tangible products. This wealth of knowledge has led me to believe that sharing these insights is a valuable opportunity for businesses embarking on their own journey in this field. 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
My career has been quite an adventure, and luck has played a significant part in shaping it. I found myself in the world of entrepreneurship almost by chance, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since. Opportunities seemed to come my way unexpectedly, like stumbling upon unique business ideas or meeting the right people who shared my passions and provided invaluable guidance. Timing also played a pivotal role; launching my ventures at just the right moment when the market was ripe or trends aligned with my creative vision boosted my confidence and drive. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing; I’ve faced my fair share of setbacks that tested my resilience and adaptability. Overcoming those challenges only strengthened my determination and willingness to take calculated risks. Inspiration often struck when I least expected it, sparking new ideas and prompting me to explore uncharted territory. So, as I reflect on my career, I can’t help but acknowledge that while hard work and dedication are essential, luck has been the guiding force that has led me to embrace new opportunities and venture into the unknown, shaping both my entrepreneurial spirit and the adventurous spirit of my creative journey. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.surfboardsoks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surfboardsoks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surfboardsoks/