Professional surfer, author, shark attack survivor and now, shoe designer - 18-year-old Bethany Hamilton has not led a boring life.

The Kauai, Hawaii, native, who gained international attention after losing her left arm in a 2003 shark attack, debuted her signature flip-flop in mid-July. The Meilani was created for Ocean Minded, a San Clemente-based environmentally focused shoe company owned by Crocs.

Meilani, Hawaiian for “heavenly flower,” is Hamilton’s middle name. Although her first try at shoes, the Meilani is not Hamilton’s initial foray into design.

“I did jewelry for Claire’s, and then I had my own perfume, and I kind of wanted to start working on stuff I would wear every day, and every day I wear sandals,” said Hamilton, via phone from Portugal, where she was competing in the BPI Cascais Girls Festival surfing competition earlier this month.

Ocean Minded “At the core of Ocean Minded’s business philosophy is its involvement in causes to protect the environment,” said Stephanie Koon, a Crocs spokeswoman.

Koon said Hamilton was a good candidate to design a shoe for the company based on her ideals, which are in line with Ocean Minded’s principles.

“Bethany’s story is extremely inspirational and she also embodies the Ocean Minded philosophy,” said Koon. “She lives her life with a purpose and spirit that is unparalleled.”

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(Source: Miriam Finder, Press-Telegram, Long Beach, CA)