Tiki Mug Chad
aka. Chad Kelly – Calabasas, California, United States
Chad Kelly was born and raised on the west side of the San Fernando Valley, just north of Los Angeles, CA. Born in the 70s, Chad grew up in "The Valley" in the 80's and lived mostly in an area that is West Hills today.
Chad is an artist and craftsman who has spent 35+ years honing his maker skills.
Young Chad learned to build houses working along side a general contractor. He then learned cabinet making and other fine wood-working while working for a cabinet maker. Chad eventually took a position with a nation-wide children's products company where he coordinated the design and oversaw the construction of over 30 retail stores in malls around the nation. Chad eventually shifted into selling hot stamping foils throughout the Western half of the nation where he had the opportunity to travel through most of the small towns in the West. Here he developed a deep appreciation for MCM design aesthetics and antiquities. He also got to work with many designers from a wide array of industries including, fashion, cosmetics, packaging, and advertising that inspired him to study 20th century design.
Later, Chad began a 12+ years journey into designing and building custom knives for sportsmen, chefs and collectors. Chad's CKC brand forged a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail among knife enthusiasts and professionals alike.
After a lifetime of collecting skills, tools and experience, 2025 was the right time for Chad choose what he would do for the next 15+ years, prior to retirement. The decision was surprisingly easy. Chad is deeply inspired by the vibrant, warm and inclusive tiki community, and finds the challenges of working in new mediums exciting!
Chad has found his calling, and could not be happier to be dedicated full time to designing and creating tiki mugs and other fun tiki products for the ohana to enjoy!
