Tanja Browne Mosaics LLC is a labor of love and creativity. Founded in 2021 by Tanja Browne, a passionate artist who transformed her lifelong connection to Hawaii and mosaic art into a unique business. Despite having no formal business background, Tanja’s journey from a stay-at-home mom to a recognized mosaic artist is a testament to her dedication and courage.

Tanja Browne Mosaics LLC is a one-woman show where Tanja creates custom art pieces, with a special focus on repurposing retired surfboard for her mosaics. Each piece is meticulously crafted, with every tile hand-cut and thoughtfully placed. Her work has gained significant attention, including a commission to create trophies for the Hurley Pro in 2022.

Sustainability is at the heart of Tanja’s business. She is committed to sourcing materials locally whenever possible and uses up to 80 percent remnant and surplus tile, diverting it from landfills. This eco-conscious approach not only reflects her deep connection to Hawaii but also resonates with her clients, who include interior designers, those in the surf industry, real estate staging professionals, art galleries, and collectors of bespoke, artistic surfboards.

Tanja’s work is not just about creating art; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what can be done with reclaimed materials and finding beauty in the everyday. Her pieces are generally priced between $250 to $500 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design. For instance, a full-sized surfboard mosaic typically starts at $3,250, with prices increasing based on the level of detail and customization.

Before becoming a client of the MBDA, Tanja faced several challenges. Despite her artistic talents, she struggled with the confidence to turn her art into a viable business. Tanja found the administrative aspects of running a business—such as securing a General Excise (GE) license, managing finances, and navigating legal requirements—intimidating and overwhelming. Additionally, she had difficulty establishing her brand and finding the right markets to showcase her unique surfboard mosaics. Without a clear business plan, Tanja’s revenue was inconsistent.

Since becoming an MBDA client, Tanja Browne Mosaics, has experienced substantial growth. Under the guidance of MBDA Senior Manager Valerie Kubota, Tanja gained the confidence and knowledge needed to transform her passion into a thriving business. Valerie helped Tanja draft her first business plan and provided ongoing support, acting as an accountability partner and mentor. This support was crucial in helping Tanja navigate the complexities of business ownership, from legal requirements to strategic planning.

As a result of MBDA’s services, Tanja’s revenue has steadily increased, with a significant uptick in commissions and opportunities to showcase her work. She recently won the juror’s second-place award at “Assemblage: A Juried Exhibit of Mosaics & Collage” at Wailoa Center in Hilo, Hawaii, solidifying her reputation as an award-winning artist.

Looking ahead, Tanja is considering scaling her business and hopes to hire her first employee. She also dreams of creating a nonprofit organization to repurpose tile remnants, further aligning her business with her passion for sustainability. The growth Tanja has experienced since working with the MBDA has not only transformed her business but also inspired her to think bigger and more strategically about the future.