Split Lip’s primary purpose currently is to remember my brother, Steven Joseph Lenz. Born in 1990, my brother lived a vibrant, adventurous life before succumbing to addiction in 2022. Though he stumbled and fell many times, Steven never lost sight of what was important to him; family, music, skateboarding, and travel. He went out of his way to give you a call, shoot you a text, or send you a song, always letting you know he was thinking of you. He gave the best hugs, had a full-belly laugh, and the brightest blue eyes you’d ever seen.

I hope to expand on Split Lip further by creating merch to raise funds for various organizations working with addicts in recovery. You’ll find a Recovery Resources page on this site, and I’m working to also add resources for those dealing with grief in the aftermath of addiction.

Through Split Lip, I’m working to keep my brother’s spirit alive, and find a way to give back to those fighting the same battles. Steven worked hard for a long time to fight against the disease of addiction. While he ultimately lost, I’d never consider him a failure - I feel very proud of his many bouts of sobriety, and I miss him dearly.

The name “Split Lip” comes from the day Steven got his first skateboard. The year was 1995, and it was Christmas morning in Delafield, Wisconsin. The snow was bountiful, and at 5-years-old Steven just opened a very special gift from Santa Claus; a brand new skateboard. Overcome with excitement - (and the fact that he couldn’t take it outside) - Steven brought this new appendage up to his bedroom to get right to work. It didn’t take long for his first of many mishaps, however, and Steven promptly split his upper lip wide open. After spending Christmas morning in the emergency room, my brother’s passion for skateboarding never dulled, and he spent the rest of his too-short time on Earth pushing.

I hope to make him proud.