Welcome to TikiMugChad.com!

Tikimugchad.com began as CKC (Chad Kelly Customs). A passion-driven small business dedicated to crafting high-quality, handmade custom knives for collectors who value precision, artistry, and individuality. Each piece was meticulously designed and built, earning a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. What started as a niche pursuit quickly grew into a respected name among knife enthusiasts.

Along the way, however, something unexpected happened. Through creative circles and shared appreciation for artistry and rum, Chad discovered the vibrant tiki community and was overwhelmingly inspired by its warmth, inclusivity, and genuine support for makers. 

Chad began experimenting with ceramics—an entirely new medium that offered fresh creative and technical challenges. The same dedication once applied to steel, titanium and carbon fiber was now channeled into clay and glaze, resulting in bold, imaginative designs that strive to push the boundaries of what tiki mugs can be.

CKC has now evolved into Tikimugchad.com and has transitioned completely from knife-making to designing and producing innovative, technically complex ceramic tiki mugs. Today, tikimugchad.com stands as a testament to the power of community and creative evolution—where craftsmanship meets storytelling, and where a welcoming group of enthusiasts helped reshape an artist’s entire path.

At Tikimugchad.com, we believe that even the most playful objects can be elevated into meaningful works of art. Our handmade ceramic tiki mugs are born from a deep respect for artistry, a passion for engineering, and an unwavering commitment to precision craftsmanship. Each piece we create reflects the idea that technical challenge and creative expression are not opposites, but partners—working together to expand the boundaries of what a design can be.

We approach every design as both an artistic vision and an engineering puzzle, embracing complexity in form, structure, and detail. Through this process, we aim to create mugs that are not only visually striking, but also thoughtfully constructed and enduring in quality.

Beyond the craft itself, our purpose is rooted in connection. We see our mugs as vessels for shared experiences—sparking conversation, enhancing celebration, and bringing people together. Whether used at gatherings, displayed as collectible art, or gifted between friends, our work is intended to foster a sense of community and belonging.

Tikimugchad.com is committed to inclusiveness and the idea that creativity should invite people in, not keep them out. By blending innovation with tradition and craftsmanship with purpose, we strive to create pieces that celebrate individuality while encouraging togetherness—one mug at a time.

At tikimugchad.com the entire process is in the hands of our resident artist/maker.  We like our products being made here in Southern California (the birthplace of tiki) and for now we like having complete control of every aspect of the process.  

Drawings, sculptures, mold making, formulating slip, casting, glazing and firing ceramics are just some of the steps in our mug making process here at our small studio.

With each step we consider quality craftsmanship to be our first priority and strive for excellence every step of the way.

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!