By the time Kassia Meador was in her early thirties she’d been surfing professionally for nearly two decades, winning contests, gracing the covers of magazines, traveling the world to do the sport she loved. Behind the scenes, she was helping direct gear innovation and advertising for the major surf brand that sponsored her. “I was excited to do more,” says Kassia. “I loved working with the marketing team to photograph and design the ads. I loved coming up with catchphrases and writing copy. I loved designing wetsuits and clothing. My contract was up, and I had intended to sign a new contract. But they told me at the 11th hour, ‘You can’t make stuff anymore with us. You’re just gonna be a team rider.’ And I was like, ‘Well, maybe I can’t sign that then.’ I chose not to continue with them, to start my own company and my own wetsuit line. I wanted to exercise my creativity. And I felt like there was more to do.” Kassia+Surf was launched in the fall of 2015 and offers women-specific wetsuits, apparel, swimsuits, and surf gear, and hosts surf retreats around the world. (Follow along @kassiasurf)