Exploring Life & Business with Chieh Chen of Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chieh Chen.

Hi Chieh, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Beach volleyball wasn’t something I ever expected to become such a big part of my life. I didn’t grow up playing sports, and it definitely wasn’t something I planned on.

When I moved to Santa Monica in 2020, I was deep into a demanding corporate career and feeling a bit restless. I was then introduced to beach volleyball, gave it a try, and kept coming back. What started as a weekly beach workout quickly became one of the highlights of my week. Somewhere along the way, it turned into a community.

It changed my day-to-day life in ways I didn’t expect. I met people from completely different walks of life. I felt more grounded. More purposeful. Being on the sand allowed me to reset and be present, even if just for a couple of hours at a time.

Professionally, I spent over a decade working in digital marketing and e-commerce. While the work was fast-paced, exciting and rewarding, I felt pulled toward building something more personal — something rooted in real connection instead of primarily screens and spreadsheets.

Beach volleyball was the constant thread. I saw how powerful it was for adults, especially in a city like Los Angeles, where it’s easy to feel busy and pulled in many directions. When the opportunity came up to step into ownership and carry this program forward, it felt like a leap, but also the most natural next step.

I started Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Co. hoping to create the same sense of joy and belonging that volleyball gave me during difficult periods in my own life. It’s a place where adults can show up at any level, move their bodies, learn, and feel supported. It’s about getting better at volleyball, but it’s also about confidence, belonging, and showing up for yourself.

I’m deeply grateful for the coaches, players, and community members who continue to shape what SMBV Co. is becoming. What started as something I stumbled into has grown into something I care about deeply, and I feel lucky to be building it alongside the people who show up week after week.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but the challenges have been a big part of the growth, both personally and for the business.

Restarting the program while rebranding and rebuilding from the ground up was more complex than I initially expected. At times, it felt like everything was happening at once. I was learning on the fly, often juggling parts of the business I had never expected to manage myself from payroll to social media, while staying focused on keeping the experience familiar for the community. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, which was humbling, but also incredibly educational.

What made the journey possible was the support around me. I’m deeply grateful for the coaches who believed in the vision early on, the players who stuck with me through the transition and continue to show up week after week, and my life partner, Phil, who has been my steady sounding board throughout it all. Those relationships are what made even the hardest moments feel worthwhile.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Co. is an adult (19+) beach volleyball program built around connection, community, and having fun on the sand. We offer weekly group classes, skill-focused clinics, and special events for adults of all levels, from beginners to more experienced players looking to grow their game.

What sets us apart is the environment we’ve created. We bring together people from different backgrounds and skill levels in a way that feels welcoming, inclusive, and pressure-free. While skill development matters, we believe people learn best when they’re enjoying themselves and supported by coaches who genuinely care, all while taking advantage of the incredible beach scene Santa Monica has to offer.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community that’s formed. Many players come for volleyball and stay for the friendships, the energy, and the shared love of being outdoors. It’s really about good people, great rallies, and creating a space where adults can show up, move their bodies, and feel connected.

What are your plans for the future?
Since the program was restarted in November 2025, this still feels like an early chapter. My focus right now is on continuing to build a strong foundation and making sure our core group classes remain consistent, welcoming, and well-supported as the community grows.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to create more ways for players to play and connect beyond weekly classes. That includes offering seasonal leagues, short tournaments, and other approachable formats that bring people together and add variety to the experience. I’m also interested in expanding into corporate and team-building events, using beach volleyball as a fun and engaging way to foster connection outside of the traditional workplace.

Ultimately, the goal is to grow thoughtfully and stay true to why SMBV Co. exists in the first place. It’s about serving the community, creating meaningful, good-vibes-only experiences on the sand, and continuing to build something people genuinely look forward to being part of.

Pricing:

• Single Drop-In Class: $35
• 4-Class Pack – $130
• 8-Class Pack – $240
• 12-Class Pack – $330

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.santamonicabeachvolleyballco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smbvco/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smbvco

Image Credits
James Buck