Today we’d like to introduce you to Keera Belviy.
Hi Keera, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Before founding Vital Surf Gear, I spent over a decade as a licensed cosmetologist, where I developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, problem solving, and creating experiences that genuinely improve people’s lives. Those same values eventually carried over into my passion for the ocean and surfing.
I founded Vital Surf Gear in 2019 after recognizing a gap in the market for thoughtfully designed goods that better served the women surf market. I wanted to create gear that was not only functional, but also responsibly made too. Over time, the business evolved from a wetsuit focused brand into a broader surf accessories centered on sustainability, durability, and thoughtful design.
Today, I run Vital Surf Gear as a small, woman owned business, overseeing everything from product development and sourcing to marketing and community outreach. I work closely with U.S. based suppliers whenever possible, prioritize environmentally conscious materials and packaging, and stay actively involved in my local community through beach cleanups and weekend markets. Every product we create is designed with the thought process of making only what is truly necessary, quality gear that lasts and reflects a genuine love for our planet!
Building this business has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my values. I am proud of how far VITAL has come, and I am excited to continue growing a brand that inspires more women to get out in their element.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel like the answer to this is ‘a sustained wave’!
One of the biggest lessons I learned early on was understanding my scale and the market I was serving. Building a surf brand on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where many people don’t even realize we have waves, has meant thinking beyond my local community from the very beginning. It pushed me to build relationships, travel to events, and connect with customers well outside of my hometown.
As a one woman business, growing a niche brand comes with its own set of challenges. I wear every hat, from designing products and sourcing materials to marketing, customer service, and fulfillment. It’s tricky to balance, but incredibly rewarding to see each milestone come from years of consistent work.
I built Vital Surf Gear from the ground up without significant financial resources, so every investment, product launch, and opportunity is always carefully considered, and think that has kept us mindful, too.
As you know, we’re big fans of Vital Surf Gear. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Vital Surf Gear was born from my own experience as a surfer and recognizing a gap in the industry. I wanted to create products that not only performed well but were thoughtfully designed with women in mind. We are best known for our signature Surfboard Scrunchie® board covers, an effortless, functional solution that protects surfboards from sun exposure while helping prevent the wax from melting. This innovative design took nearly two years of development, testing, and refinement to bring to life!
I believe what sets us apart is our intentional approach. We are not focused on creating endless products or following ‘fast fashion’ trends. We prioritize thoughtful design, durability, sustainability, and building products that people will actually use and appreciate for years. Whenever possible, we work with U.S. based suppliers and choose materials that align with our values.
I am most proud of the community and friendships Vital Surf Gear has surfaced and the fact that I built this from the ground up with a genuine love for the ocean. Every product represents years of problem solving, learning, and listening to what surfers actually need. More than anything, I want people to know that Vital Surf Gear is a brand created by someone who lives this lifestyle and cares deeply about protecting the places that inspire it.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My biggest support has been my SCORE mentor, Rick, who helped me turn my vision into a real, functioning brand. Having access to someone who genuinely wants to help entrepreneurs succeed is an incredible resource, and I am so grateful for the guidance and encouragement he has given me.
Coming from a more creative and artistic background, I had a strong vision for the brand and designing products, but there were many areas of business that I had to learn. Rick helped guide me through the more technical side of entrepreneurship. He gave me the confidence to navigate the parts of business that were not natural to me and helped me bring Vital Surf Gear to life!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vitalsurfgear.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitalsurfgear/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Vital-Surf-Gear/100063928517075/?locale=da_DK#
