She’s Texas-born and has never  been a pro, but surfing changed  her life. That’s the story of Aviator Nation founder Paige Mycoskie.

Mycoskie arrived in California by chance, at 22, after coming third in a reality show with brother Blake. The prize? A trip to Los Angeles. 

She’ll never forget seeing people rollerblading, biking and surfing at the beach: “I was like, ‘This is my dream.’” She quit college and got a job in LA.

Mycoskie discovered her passion for fashion retail while working at a surf shop in Venice Beach. Before going to work, she would surf.

In her own time, she would sew her designs onto second-hand T-shirts, following the same technique that Aviator Nation uses today.

Mycoskie began selling her garments and, in 2006, paid $500 for a stand at a street fair. She sold out, netting $8,000. She left her job at the surf shop. 

Aviator Nation went from strength to strength, accruing $70m in revenue in 2020 and $100m in 2021. In 2023, it’s expected to bring in $200m.

When covid-19 hit, Mycoskie put all stock on sale online at 20% off, with the proceeds going to her employees. The company banked $1.4m in one day.

Aviator Nation’s profit margins exceed 70%, and last year Mycoskie paid herself a $47.5m dividend. Forbes puts her net worth at $350m.

Surfing remains central to her life: be it her houses at Malibu and Venice Beach, the décor of her office, her models’ styles, the brand’s vibe…

And as well as being mad about surfing, she has a house on a lake where she can wakeboard, and an Aspen chalet for snowboarding.

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