Tanja Browne

In 2021, Tanja Browne turned her lifelong passion for mosaic art into a business, founding Tanja Browne Mosaics LLC. Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, her one-woman company specializes in custom art pieces with a unique focus on repurposing retired surfboards. Each mosaic is meticulously handcrafted, with every tile carefully cut and thoughtfully placed to bring out the beauty in reclaimed materials. 

Tanja’s deep connection to Hawaii is reflected in her sustainable practices. She sources materials locally whenever possible and uses up to 80% remnant and surplus tiles that would otherwise end up in landfills. This eco-conscious approach resonates with her diverse clientele, which includes interior designers, surf industry professionals, real estate stagers, art galleries, and collectors of bespoke artistic surfboards. 

Despite her talent and dedication, Tanja struggled with the business side of things when she first started. With no formal business training, she found tasks like securing a General Excise tax license, managing finances, and navigating legal requirements overwhelming. Her revenue was inconsistent, and she lacked the confidence to grow her business. 

That’s when Tanja connected with YWCA Oʻahu. Under the guidance of Senior Manager Valerie Kubota, Tanja is gaining the tools and confidence to transform her art into a thriving business. Valerie helped her create a business plan and serves as an ongoing mentor, providing practical, hands-on advice and acting as a much-needed accountability partner. With Valerie’s support, Tanja tackled the administrative challenges that had previously held her back. 

Tanja’s growth since working with YWCA Oʻahu has been significant. She’s seen a steady increase in commissions and gained more opportunities to showcase her work. In 2022, she was commissioned to create trophies for the Hurley Pro, and she recently earned the juror’s second-place award at a prestigious exhibit in Hilo, Hawaii. Her unique surfboard mosaics continue to attract attention from collectors and art enthusiasts alike. 

Looking ahead, Tanja has big dreams. She hopes to hire her first employee and is considering starting a nonprofit dedicated to repurposing tile remnants. Her vision extends beyond her own work—she envisions a broader movement where artists and creatives turn waste into beautiful, functional art. In addition, she’s working on a coffee table book that will highlight both her own mosaics and the artistry behind professional tile setting. 

Reflecting on her journey, Tanja credits YWCA Oʻahu for helping her find the confidence and support to turn her passion into a sustainable business. “Val has been like my fairy godmother throughout this journey,” she says. “The support from YWCA Oʻahu, including the Foundations class with Rayann, has been invaluable. They’ve been there to cheer me on, keep me accountable, and help me turn my passion into a real business.” 

With YWCA Oʻahu’s ongoing support, Tanja is continuing to push the boundaries of art and sustainability, creating a lasting impact both in her community and in the world of mosaic art.