Rising Stars: Meet Travis Ross

Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Ross.

Hi Travis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Lost Cove Co. started 4 years ago in an apartment in Santa Monica. I was fresh off an MTV show, and my uncle had just passed. In our last conversations, he had pushed me to take the momentum and create my shop and project. His hilarious answering machine message included the quote, “Surf’s up, Sun’s Out.” I wanted to create something exclusive, pop-up, and speakeasy-style with apparel influenced by the many subcultures that molded the Southern California way of life. Something authentic that told the story of a creative life in the mecca of the state. We started with a traveling pop-up shop experience that traveled around malls in the states. Covid put a huge damper on the tour and sidelined us for over a year. So, I transitioned into a speakeasy studio/HQ for the company based in Inglewood, CA. It allowed me to discover the apparel more and find the company’s identity. Many ups and downs came, including a failed pop-up shop in Daytona Beach, FL. It shook the company to its core. Simultaneously, an old business partner from another venture tried to take me to court and claim brand ownership. After a two-year process, it was found that he had embezzled thousands of dollars and was forced to settle in mediation. I ended up retaining the rights to The Lost Cove Co. and full rights to a TV pilot he was partners in. Once the dust settled, we returned to Duluth, MN, where our first pop-up shop started and had a successful run. Slowly, the company picked up steam. We hired three tattoo artists at our Los Angeles-based speakeasy, and a few months ago, I contacted Brian Hill, director of Phoenix Fashion Week. After a small process, the brand was hand-selected for the Emerging Designer boot camp that includes a 10-look runway show and pop-up shop and nomination for Designer of the Year at Phoenix Fashion Week, October 20-21, 2023, at Chateau Luxe. I’ve always dreamt of being on the runway, and it just so happens that my Uncle Eric was born and raised in the area.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
There have been so many struggles. Learning the ropes of an apparel business, production company, and tattoo shop all tied into one came with much trial and error. From failed orders, pop-up shops across the country, the pandemic, going through lulls of selling no apparel or tattoos, court cases, you name it. As an artist and Designer, business comes with many peaks and valleys; I try to stay tuned into the lessons and how we can operate better or rewire. The only thing constant is change, so I try to become more and more durable and calm when the storm hits.

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
The Lost Cove Co. is a contemporary lifestyle brand influenced by the diverse subcultures that mold the Southern California way of life. Our mission is to provide authentic visual expression and confidence. Our bold streetwear and unique tattoos collaborate to empower and inspire. Through our pop-up shops, speakeasy tattoo studios, trade shows, and YouTube series, we continue cultivating a community of artists and visionaries who find inspiration and belonging within our brand. The Lost Cove Co. strives to push boundaries, challenge norms, and create a lasting impact on the culture while staying true to our roots and embracing the essence of Southern California’s fearless spirit. We focus on small batches, limited edition cut and sew contemporary streetwear, and large-scale tattoo work. Our celebrity tattoo clients range from Eric Wilson of Sublime, ASAP Ferg, Killy, Shaun Jolly from the LA Rams, BMX legend Rick Thorne and more. Season 1 of our lifestyle interview series “The Cove: After Dark with Travis Ross” is now streaming on YouTube. Creative culture is told by the artists who define it. Season 2 is brewing now!

What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Fashion and tattooing are both changing at a rapid rate. The growth of both is a machine, and at this point, certainty will continue to explode. Both are constantly going through trends and shifts, so you must always stay on your toes. Watching the market, remaining innovative, and thinking outside the box are all strategies I lean on when these instances happen. The same goes for TV production; it’s a finicky and challenging industry. Trying to stay as educated as possible is always the goal of having a multi-faceted company like this.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheLostCoveCo.com
• Instagram: @thelostcoveco @thecoveafterdark @_travis_ross
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelostcoveco
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/thecovemediagroup
• Other: www.thecoveafterdark.com
  www.travisrosstattoo.com

Image Credits
Personal Photo – Jesse Lin, Photo 1 – KJ Media Lab Photo, 2- Amaya Images, Photo 3- Jack Berry Photo, 4- Corbin Cox Photo, 5- KJ Media Lab