Wave Maiden is more than just surf wax—it’s a movement rooted in plant wisdom, ocean reverence, and regenerative living. What began as a personal healing journey has evolved into a purpose-driven brand rewilding the way we connect with nature, ritual, and the sea. In this interview, founder Margaux Moses shares how a pandemic epiphany sparked a clean surf revolution, and why every waxed board is an opportunity to do better.
OO: How did you get the idea to start Wave Maiden?
MM: Wave Maiden was born out of my own search for deeper health and healing. When western medicine wasn’t cutting it, I turned to the plant world—spending years studying herbalism, plant spirit medicine, meditation, and regenerative practices. As I rewilded my rituals and brought more nature into my day-to-day, I became devoted to the idea that every choice—what we buy, eat, and put on our skin—matters.
During the early weeks of the pandemic, I was running a botanical beer biz in LA and trying to keep it alive. One day while waxing my board, I suddenly wondered: What’s actually in this stuff? A late-night deep dive revealed the ugly truth—most surf waxes are petroleum-based and toxic, and brands were openly admitting it. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that we’re all gifted this free entry to the ocean, yet we’re polluting her with every paddle out. I started making my own organic wax in my kitchen and realized I was being called to do more. That calling transformed Wave Maiden Ale Works into Wave Maiden Surf Wax—a love letter to regeneration and the sea.
OO: What sets Wave Maiden apart from other surf waxes?
MM: Wave Maiden wax is organic, non-toxic, biodegradable—and it actually works. I swapped out synthetic fragrances for essential oils, each blend crafted with intention to support physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. When we breathe in plant medicine, we remember we’re part of nature—and that connection fuels care and protection. My favorite? Cold Wax, infused with my “Earth Walker” blend: grounding vetiver, earthy patchouli, calming cypress, and bright orange. It’s wax with a vibe shift.
OO: How has the brand evolved since you started?
MM: What started as one surf wax has grown into a lifestyle. We now offer ethically sourced merch and aromatherapy-centered products that extend the surf wax experience. The core idea—rewilding your daily rituals—has evolved to include low-impact, functional tools that support circular systems. Think wax combs made from upcycled bio-epoxy waste from eco board factories. It’s all about offering better swaps for a healthier relationship with Mother Earth.
OO: What is it about the ocean that inspires you?
MM: The ocean’s been my north star since childhood—she’s playful, wild, and wise. Honestly, I see her as a blueprint for empowered femininity: strength, fluidity, beauty, resilience. While injuries have changed how often I surf, my relationship with her remains sacred. Whether I’m paddling, swimming, or just floating, that connection is medicine for body and soul.
OO: What does sustainability mean to you and how does it guide Wave Maiden?
MM: I call myself a spiritual ecologist—I believe every living thing is part of a deeply interconnected web. To me, “sustainability” isn’t the goal—it’s a minimum. We need to move beyond it, toward regeneration. While so much of systemic change is out of our hands, I believe in the ripple effect of small, intentional choices. That’s why I’m so passionate about building businesses that honor the Earth. When someone says “it’s just wax” or “I’m just one person,” I think about the millions of surfers out there sloughing off toxins into the sea. One choice, multiplied, has power.
OO: How has your background in hospitality shaped you?
MM: Hospitality gave me a deep love for ingredients and sourcing—whether it’s food or products, I care about where it comes from and where it ends up. When I launched my botanical brewery, I built it on regenerative business principles: we composted byproducts with local farms and fed future ingredients back into the land. I was constantly inspired by how open people were to learning about plants, healing, and waste reduction. Hospitality taught me that connection—through food, ritual, and service—is a powerful driver of change.
OO: What are your favorite ways to connect with community?
MM: I love creating community through events—surf meetups, film screenings, fundraisers, and collabs. I also show up for local artists and women’s surf communities by supporting their events and initiatives. In 2022, I directed Riding the Rhythms, a surf film shot entirely in New Jersey to celebrate women surfing year-round. It screened across the U.S. and is now on Amazon Prime. That project was all about elevating community, creativity, and connection to place.
OO: What’s your favorite thing about Oshin Oil?
MM: It’s been a lifesaver for my hair ends, and my skin drinks it up after sun-soaked days. The scent takes me right back to Costa Rica, where I spent time on off-grid land learning tropical plant medicine. Moringa trees were everywhere—I’d harvest leaves for salads and elixirs. It’s a powerhouse plant, and oshin oil really captures that nourishing, earth-rooted energy.
