The Tiki Jay Story

One very unassuming day earlier this year Tiki Jay (yes, that is his screen name) was pedaling away during an at-home spin class and he thought...why is everyone on the screen dressed in such boring workout clothes? Where is the color? Where are the tropical prints? Where is the fun? Where is Tiki Jay?

From this humble idea he began the process of collaborating with a few designers and a US based manufacturer to produce a few hundred awesome sample shirts, and the rest as they say is history. Well, not quite history yet. We are still only a very new company with some fun & impressive shirts! This is where you come in. You, the savvy, hip, trend-setting individuals exploring this website are going to help us move this business forward. And for this, I personally thank you.

While the idea may have come recently, the earliest sprouts of Tiki Jay began back in middle school in the 80's... when Jams shorts and Ocean Pacific t-shirts were the coolest clothes on the planet. Tropical prints made everything more fun. A love for bold colors runs in our family. I had a grandfather who was always sporting around in colorful shirts with matching socks. My father loved relaxing on a beach or by the pool in his neon tank tops. Of course, there were some early glimpses of the unique vibe that is Tiki culture.  I loved watching the Tiki Bar podcast (a hysterical podcast back in the early days of the iPhone). I'm also known for the occasional wanderings into a bar to pick up “much needed” Tiki drinkware.  But the pandemic really brought this vibe to another level. It turns out that every video call is just more fun in a Hawaiian shirt. Who knew? And hours of saved commuting time can easily be spent experimenting with cocktail recipes. My son’s 21st birthday celebration during lockdown was even more fun after busting out those tropical mugs. There were even homemade Tiki kits given to family members for the holidays. But it was that day on the bike...when it all came together.

Who is Tiki Jay?

No one knows for sure. He could be anyone. A kind face you see working hard during a run on a local trail, a smile in the back of a spin class, a quiet but focused individual pumping iron at the gym. Legend has it he wanders, often found walking alone, lost in his thoughts (or perhaps just lost) and exploring…always exploring. Others mention his foolish optimism and tendency to laugh hard at the silliest of things. There are conflicting accounts. Some say he at times lives an active lifestyle while others mention he works in an office and often falls asleep on the couch. There must be at least shreds of truth to the former or why would he be aspiring to add color, tropical prints, and of course fun to athletic wear? He must love a well-made Tiki cocktail...is that even up for debate? Rumors have spread that he was an ocean lifeguard back in the day, but jokes were made that he couldn't swim straight to save his own life. The truth can be so hard to discern. He is a mystery for sure. I personally believe Tiki Jay is just like all of you...a dreamer. And I bet he doesn't take life too seriously...he wouldn't want to miss out on any of the fun!