NAME: CAITLIN PECK

CRAFT: DEGREE IN FINE ARTS, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, CLOTHING DESIGNER, PHOTOGRAPHER, SEASIDE LOVER, FULL TIME MAMA

Q. How did you come to know 7th Street Surf Shop?

I've been in the surf industry for about 20 years. I was a buyer for a shop and came to know the 7th street crew through attending trade shows. I had eventually owned the shop I helped manage and ran that for 4-5 years, but the economy and industry had changed immensely at the time so we moved on and closed the doors. From there I approached Jaime from 7th Street to see if they needed any extra help or were hiring, I was hired that day and I've been with the company ever since. I'm going on 12 years now with 7th Street and it's like a second family. A shop full of genuine souls that I'm lucky to be around.

Q. Describe an Ocean City Summer in three words.

SUNKISSED SALTY FREEDOM

Q. What sparks your creativity? Who/what have been some of your inspirations over the years?

So many things! The ocean and island life being one thing and my main source. My family and my 2 little humans who see the world so openly. Our community and the talented artists among us. I'm a huge fan of artists like Andy Davis, Thomas Campbell, Julie Goldstein, and Margaret Kilgallen to name a few. I see beauty in smiles and art in flotsam. I find joy in the smallest of creatures and encouragement in the sounds of the sea.

Q. Tell us a little bit about the launch of your new line.

Salty Soul is an ongoing vision that has been named and recreated so many times throughout my life. As I grow in life my visions grow and change too. At 7th street there is so much inspiration and motivation and belief in each other that it makes you strive to do and be better. I've designed simple graphics for our 7th street shop apparel and have always dreamed of having a clothing line of my own and this was a great place to start. Salty Soul is for the dreamers, sea dwellers, freedom fighters, ocean lovers, adventure seekers, water people. Made with the softest materials and simple designs to take your mind to an ocean dreamland of sorts. Salty Soul for the people who need to breathe in the salt air.

Q. Any advice for the next generation of artists & creatives?

Don't be afraid to fail. You will and that's okay. Learn and grow from your failures and don't ever be afraid of judgement. You can't please everyone, but as long as you are happy within that is a great place to start. Keep striving and keep pushing forward, put your work out there even when you are nervous to. The world needs it and life is too short to put it off. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with good honest people that want the best for you and see the good you have to offer this world. Art is a beautiful part of life and your one little doodle, painting or craft could make someone's day, it can inspire and in return inspire you more and that is a truly wonderful thing.