Meet McKenzie
McKenzie has been creating as Mkensea since 2018, bringing her love for surf culture to life through every brushstroke, sketch, and design. A self-taught artist with an insatiable creative spirit, she first started painting sliders while living in Oahu, mesmerized by the way surfers danced along the long, peeling waves. But for McKenzie, art was never meant to have limits. Whether working digitally, painting murals, or exploring new mediums, she thrives on pushing creative boundaries—always learning, always evolving, and always finding new ways to express the rhythm of the ocean through her work.
Growing up along the coastal coves of the Outer Banks, Arielle’s life has always revolved around the ocean. With a passion for both surfing and helping others, she splits her time between studying to become a therapist and teaching people how to ride the waves. At Outer Surf, a local surf school and shop, she’s immersed in the very culture that fuels her creativity. Surrounded by salt, sun, and endless inspiration, she knew it was time to bring her own ideas to life—and that’s exactly what she set out to do.
Meet Arielle
Our Story
In 2022, McKenzie was commissioned to paint a mural in the Outer Banks—where fate (and art) led her to Arielle. The two instantly hit it off, staying close over the years. But by 2025, McKenzie found herself at a crossroads. As much as she loved creating, burnout was creeping in, and running a business solo was starting to take its toll. That’s when Arielle stepped in with a game-changing idea: instead of walking away, why not build something bigger—together? And just like that, Salty Freckles Surf Co. was born—a brand fueled by creativity, passion, and a love for the surf-inspired lifestyle.