Laura Quintana is a model and co-founder of Venice-based Saba Surf, which makes locally sourced, hand-poured surf wax and small-batch limited-edition clothing in collaboration with local artists and designers. Learn about Laura Quintana…
Hometown: Bedminster, New Jersey
First job: Cold Stone Creamery in the Hills Shopping in Bedminster.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: I love to cook for my friends and have them all over for big family meals. Trail run and be outside in the sun. I love to read fantasy novels, currently halfway through Oathbringer of the Way of Kings series. And I of course surfing.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: I’m so proud of our first product, the surf wax. It is without a doubt the best I’ve ever tried and it goes on so easy. We worked with a chemist for months, and we tested it over and over again. I’m proud to have launched our brand with such a quality product.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Just overcoming the doubts and conversations with people telling us not to: 1. Go into business with your partner and 2. Trusting that everything is going to work out and as long as we’re having a good time and making quality products to uplift our surf community.
Someone who inspires you and why: I am inspired by my female friends daily. My two best friends have incredible careers that they’re so passionate about. Megan Murphy is a NICU nurse, and she works endless hours and comes home so exhausted but still has patience and love for the people in her life. My other best friend Jaye Buchbinder is currently teaching a class at Stanford in eco-conscious furniture design. It’s incredible. She’s so humble and quiet about her intelligence and accomplishments, and I just am so proud of her.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Well, we’ve already created the best surf wax so I’d suggest doing something else. I’d say don’t take anything too seriously and remember that as long as you’re having fun that’s all that matters.
Favorite quote: From one of my best friends, Allessandra Miller: “My aesthetic this year is clean skin and fresh pasta.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I spent the first four years of my life in the Philippines with my family before moving back to the US to start school.
What makes someone fabulous: Someone who is kind and has courage to stand up for those who can’t yet stand up for themselves.