Sea N’ Soul, recently opened near Zuma Beach, perfectly blends surfing, fashion, family, and fun.
It’s one of those amazing places you immediately fall in love with as you enter. Bright, spacious, and full of stellar inventory, Sea N’ Soul, Malibu’s newest surf shop across from Zuma Beach, is much, much more than just a typical board shop.
Stop in and meet Erica Reams and John Kozlowski, the two new proprietors who partnered with local attorney and surfer David Olan to create a fresh, exciting venue. The trio’s dream of creating the coolest surf shop ever has evolved into a bright, open space filled with exciting inventory.
“We designed the whole interior ourselves.” Kozlowski says, beaming. “When we took the space it was just a blank rectangle shape. Just a box. So, we started with a blank canvas with nothing interesting except for the high ceilings,” Kozlowski said. “I knew we had to build the character into the place. We took ideas from places we have seen with our many travels and inspiration photos. But most of it came from our house back in East Hampton New York, combined with our house here in Malibu. We custom-built it all, including the fixtures.”
Intriguing vintage Persian rugs warm up the space and a facade emulates a little, old-school Malibu beach house complete with a small deck that makes it fun to display special surfboards, wetsuits, and bikinis.
“The color scheme is pretty simple and matches our logo of Blue, white and a pop of orange (very US coast guard),” Kozlowski said. “The finishing touch is our big Sea N’ Soul Neon sign above the bar.”
Sea N’ Soul warmly invites customers to come in and grab a cup of coffee or a pressed juice and relax a little. Sit outside on the inviting adirondack chairs and chat with neighbors, newcomers and passersby.
Fins of all sizes and new and vintage surfboards, including one-of-a-kind hand-shaped boards by local David George, Koz MacRae, Sean Carter and other well-known shapers adorn the wall as one enters.
“I love surf shops and the vibe they have and I also love a coastal lifestyle and surfing,” Kozlowski said. “We set out to create a shop with unique soul surfer board selections that are made by hand so no two are alike. We offer lots of single fins, mid-length and twin fin fish boards that are primarily all hand shaped and glassed in beautiful colors. They are real works of art that shapers work for many hours to create.”
Kozlowski and Reams curated a sophisticated apparel selection for men, women and kids from various brands that are not found in other surf shops.
Select from premier brands, including Katin, California’s original surf clothing company and lifestyle brand since 1954, which offers colorful clothing that is both breathable and durable.
“Feel these board trunks,” Kozlowski says as he picks up a Katin selection. “They’re made of sailcloth and we’re Malibu’s exclusive source for this brand.” Branding is Kozlowski’s expertise as he has worked extensively in retail, fashion and apparel, serving as Senior Vice President of Global Brand Merchandising for Ralph Lauren, as well as holding positions at Polo Ralph Lauren and G.Q.
All of his experiences have helped to fashion this beautiful space, which also features an impressive selection of Rhode’s flowery and flowing beautiful dresses that help one segue from beach to going on the town.
Every mermaid needs a Maaja bikini to make her svelte and sexy. Every surfer needs a Matuse wetsuit and Sea N’ Soul is the exclusive venue to select one. Every mom and dad need the next size wetsuit for their child ~ yes, the store offers those too! Check out the “life is better in stripes” brand Kule, offering sustainable selections from the family-owned factory in Portugal. Faherty and Outerknown also highlight the shelves. There are even wonderful kid’s clothes lines, something that Malibu has been yearning for forever.
Co-owners Erica Reams and John Kozlowski at their new store.
Sea N’ Soul is not just a shopping venue. It’s an experience, a place to return to again and again as you bring your surf stories and questions. It’s a local’s venue to share and enjoy. The store also offers surf lessons as well as surf repairs.
Olan, co-owner of the shop, is a longtime local surfer, attorney and environmental advocate who has represented many surfers and surf companies over the 40 years that he has been surfing local beaches. “I love the history of surfing and sustainability as a lifestyle,” Olan said enthusiastically, “Our partnership couldn’t be better as we both bring some skills to the table and balance one another out. We’ve created a masterpiece of a surf store and a Malibu place to hang out.”
Charming, engaging and optimistic, Malibu Magazine sat down and chatted with co-founder Erica Reams.
“I grew up on a dirt road in Florida,” Reams says with sparkling eyes. “My parents were hippies. I spent my childhood in the ocean. It’s been an adventure to get here to Malibu.”
Reams participated in beauty pageants and is a savvy, experienced business woman who bought her first house when she was 20 and succeeded in real estate. And, most importantly, she is the loving mother of the couple’s small sons, Sailor and Wylder.
“We want the shop to be a community gathering place. Customers can hop on the wifi, do some work or plan an adventure,” Reams said. “It’s a place where everyone can share stories of waves, surf trips taken and surf trips planned and overall coastal lifestyle pleasures we are all so fortunate to enjoy.”
“If you had a microphone and could beckon those passing by on the sidewalk or PCH, what would you say to them?” Malibu Magazine asked Reams.
“Join us for coffee, a chat and some laughs,” She responded. “I’d love to inspire people to get back in the water and into nature. We’re Malibu’s general store and we want locals to come into our place and hang out. We exchange kid’s clothes and give a discount on the next size.”
As a mother of two wee wanes aged 1 and 3, Reams well knows how fast kids grow. Malibu’s love for Sea N’ Soul is growing just as fast. MM
Malibu Magazine is published by ES Media Services, LLC