GIRL POWER with Kristin Manchin: Raising Surfers
The next local female I want to highlight this month is Kristin Manchin, the woman behind my favorite sweat proof jewelry, Raising Surfers. Yes, I love Kristin’s creations because they are on trend and I can wear them in the gym, in the shower, even in the ocean (if my fitness adventures take me there), all without fear that my arm candy will tarnish. But I love Raising Surfers even more because of who Kristin is. She is a survivor. A creator. A mother. A cheerleader of others. A perfectionist. A daughter. A wife. And sorry to be cliche, but Kristin is bad ass female entrepreneur.
It’s hard to find me not sporting Raising Surfers jewelry lately.
Kristin had the genius idea to use recycled marine grade metals to make hypoallergenic jewelry knowing it wouldn’t tarnish even if exposed to the salt water. Raising Surfers jewelry never loses that initial shine because of this metal and the special process used to make it more durable. And the fact that the material ties back to the water, where the Raising Surfers’ story starts, makes it even more perfectly suited for this jewelry company.
I am loving these two newer RS pieces, which show the detail that can be created with this unique metal. I am wearing These Hoops and The Finley.
I love Kristin’s story. Her father was a surfer stuck in Ridley but escaping to the Jersey Shore as often as he could. He loved nature, the beach and the Eagles. When he suddenly passed away, Kristin wanted his legacy to live on in her own boys who never had the chance to meet him. She recalls bringing her boys (then, her twins were only 3 years old) to the shore to get them surfing at a young age. (Kristin had all three of her boys swimming at the age of 2 because in Kristin’s mind, nothing was more important than water safety). And the site of Kristin’s small boys walking into the ocean, carrying their huge surf boards would cause quite a scene. But Kristin loved it. Especially when people began to question that if these young boys could surf, couldn’t they. Kristin was certainly raising surfers, but everyone can be a surfer. Everyone can enjoy the water. And Raising Surfers is Kristin’s mission to bring the water to everyone.
To accomplish this mission, Raising Surfers sponsors surf and swim lessons in communities in need throughout the US. And the proceeds of some jewelry goes directly towards this mission. Raising Surfers has raised $37,000 for surf and swim lessons and other charities through donation jewelry, where the company donates 100% of the proceeds from the sale of those pieces. The Raising Surfers’ goal is “to create more swimmers and less statistics”— the website cites that 76% of deaths that involve children younger than age 5 are drowning-related, and children in communities in need are 5.5 times more likely to drown. The money Raising Surfers has raised is also used in water therapy lessons for veterans and children with disabilities.
Raising Surfers started as a children’s bathing suit company but evolved into a jewelry company with connections to the water. Kristin calls the water her therapy. “We designed Raising Surfers with the mindset of the coastline being a connector to all things good.” Everyone can benefit from experiencing the water. Kristin acknowledges that the world can be heavy, but the water has the capability to make things lighter.
Some jewelry is clearly reminiscent of the water with coastal designs, wave inspired charms and names like The Mother Ocean. But Raising Surfers also honors the people and the places that are near and dear to Kristin’s huge heart: The Rehoboth, The Dewey Beach, The New Smyrna, The Strathmere, The Jana, The Lisa, The Jacklyn and The Gigi, just to name a few. But every piece of Raising Surfers’ jewelry is created and named with intention. Raising Surfers even makes custom pieces, most recently making special donation pieces for the Conestoga Girls Lacrosse Team and Lasalle College High School.
I’m a March baby so the new aquamarine stone collection automatically gets my vote. The big stone ring is The Mother Ocean, and the other is The Sister of the Sea. Both rings are new and part of Raising Surfers’ “elevated wave” collection, which is not sweat proof. But I would never want to wear these special pieces to the gym anyway.
Get to know the woman behind the brand, Kristin Manchin:
Roots: Delaware County, PA.
Education: Neumann University for undergrad and Saint Joseph’s University.
Certifications: Doctor of Education.
Sports: Kristin played soccer, basketball, lacrosse and softball.
Go-to workout: the Peloton Bike and infrared sauna sessions.
Family: Kristin lives in Havertown with her husband, Kyle, her three boys, Chase (15), Travis (7) and Cam (7), and the family dog, Bode.
Music: Country.
Food: sushi and Mediterranean food.
Style: Her jewelry style is cross generational — on trend, youthful pieces mixed with more traditional and classic jewels. Her clothing style is comfortable and casual for the day to day, with beach, boho vibes for special occasions.
Does Kristin have a favorite Raising Surfers piece? I can tell you that she is super proud of her new movable tennis necklace! You guys have to see this one. I’ll be wearing mine all over the court (and beyond) soon.
Previous job: Special education teacher in high school for 12 years.
So does Kristin surf? Not as much now that she is a mom, but yes, she can surf, and I imagine she was pretty decent.
I had been searching for a great, sweat proof jewelry brand since I started this blog. So obviously I was thrilled to find Raising Surfers right here on the Main Line. And now I kinda only wear Raising Surfers. The jewelry is just fun. And I don’t have to take it off when I workout every day. I have a hard time leaving their new showroom empty handed, especially because Kristin is always launching new, even more fabulous pieces. When Kristin opened her beautiful showroom in Wayne (101 E. Lancaster Avenue, 2nd Floor) in December, she opened it to the public to shop. And now Raising Surfers jewelry can be seen on women all over the Main Line, and maybe in area workout classes, too. You can shop the Raising Surfers showroom this spring Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am -4 pm, and Saturdays from 11 am - 3 pm. And don’t forget to use my code BROOKE15 online or in the showroom and get 15% off your first purchase!
