#ShePlaysWeWin interview with Christin Rose

Christin Rose is a photographer who sees the beauty in strong confident girls. No one is born with strength and confidence; both have to be developed. Christin Rose’s #SHEPLAYSWEWIN (aka SPWW) photo project shows how sports help girls develop both strength and confidence.

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As to why we win not just she?   When a person is strong and confident they help themselves and the world.  Strength and confidence are life skills – use them at work, at home, on the field, 24/7.

I had the opportunity to bombard Christin Rose with some questions and here’s what I found out . .

SF:  When did you start the project?

CR:  I started this project in November. I was searching for a way to give back with my photography, to be a voice for something I really cared about. The day I just started photographing these girls and asking them questions about why sports matters – I found myself too.

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SF:  Who were your first supporters?

CR:  Well, in the beginning it started out that I would reach out to organizations to get the girls. The big supporter for the skater girls has been Cindy Whitehead of Girl is Not a 4 Letter Word – She believed in this project from day 1 before I had ever taken a photo & connected me with some of the coolest skater/surfer girls around. Justine Siegel of ‘Baseball for all’ was an original supporter as well.

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SF:  Did you expect it to be this big?

CR:  I’m so thrilled that people are excited about the project! The wonderful support has definitely exceeded my expectations – people have been so incredibly supportive about it all! To see what happened after I finally trusted my heart is what amazes me! I stopped trying to make my photography for anyone else and started doing it from the very bottom of my heart and choose a subject matter that I believed in whole-heartedly!

Not that you’re asking this but if there’s any artists, creators, or dreamers out there that have idea – please just start! Just go for it, this project has proved that if you go with your heart, keep pushing and like the girls say “BELIEVE IN YOURSELF” anything can happen.

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SF:  How many girls have been involved?

CR:  Over 50 girls so far & that is only the beginning! I hope to make this project bigger & bigger. So excited to see what happens next.

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SF:  How did you meet these girls – did one girl often lead to another?

CR:  Sometimes yes! In the beginning I did research and contacted different teams, explained what I was doing & went out to photograph them. As the project got noticed more, I was able to use social media to connect with girls. And yes, word of mouth for sure! A lot of times I’ll photograph a girl & either her or her parents would tell me about a friend that they knew with a cool story, special passion for sport. Like I say, the support & morale around the project has made it what it is!

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SF:  What’s the age range of the girls?

CR:  I think for little girls (my specific focus is 7-14) athletics can completely change the course of their lives and I really want to celebrate that with my photography.What interests me is young women’s Athletics of all kinds. We see a lot on Strong women but in my research in the last couple months, not tons in the media on tough little girls, athletic little girls. Having the opportunity to compete in athletics at a young age gave me the confidence to pursue things later in life, not let anyone push me around. To be great, to be fearless. I think that has a direct correlation in how we grow up to be confident amazing women. I’ve been reading a lot of how athletics impacted super successful career women (90% of them competed in athletics). Once I started to research it became clear that I wanted to focus on this transformative time period.

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SF:  Are the girls featured thus far from around the world?

CR:  So far the project has featured girls from the West Coast & primarily Southern, CA (simply because that’s where I live) but some of the girls like star skaters, Poppy Starr were in town from Australia & Sky Brown from Japan.

Looking forward though, I’m really excited about this mission extending throughout the country and potentially the world though! I’ve gotten emails from amazing girls, with unique stories everywhere from Kentucky to Indonesia. As I continue the #sheplayswewin project I have big ideas to extend to lots of different locations & lots of different sports. I’m looking to do Water Polo next and add bull-riding after that. It’s super important to me that viewers of this project know & understand that this is a labor of love and only the beginning. Every sport is as important as the next. Every little girls story carries the same magic and importance. That’s why I’m really encouraging girls to take photos of each other & post using the hashtag so even if I can’t photograph them cause they are too far away, their story still gets out there & I can write them back and start a conversation. See more on the movement in my intro video.

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SF:  Are you still working on the project?

CR:  Oh yes! In gearing up to launch the sheplayswewin.com – I’m working more than ever. I hope that the movement & project continues to grow. My heart is completely in this. It’s so incredibly important to highlight these young women now before they even get to an age that they can question themselves. They are so powerful and confident right now.  All of us can agree that high school can be tricky to navigate and girls need to already have a big grasp on their self-esteem before they even get there! My idea is that if we create more images like these & more little girls post these type, it will inevitably increase self-esteem & individuality for young women. To be a young girl in society today is so hard, you see so many images constantly on what it means to be beautiful & frankly we need to see more athletics, more strength, more tough little girls that can hang with the boys, more little girls with their own style.

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SF:  How many sports so far? And what’s been the most inspiring to you?

CR:  I’ve shot over 15 sports so far & really only feel like I’ve scratched the surface of what’s possible. In terms of most inspiring – I barely know how to answer that because every single girl, every single story inspires me for different reasons.

I love this more than anything I’ve ever done in my life! I get so much joy out of goofing off with the girls. Once they hang with me for an hour or so, they see that I’m just a huge dork & they can be 100% themselves & are comfortable, that’s when the magic photos start to happen. Beyond that, getting emails from all over the country on how these photos are inspiring girls to do what they want to & not give up – well that I guess is my favorite! TO INSPIRE GIRLS I DON’T EVEN KNOW WITH POSITIVE IMAGES?! I get to do that!? How did I get so lucky? I love the girls. I love their stories & their rad little unique personalities & I love telling their stories so more people can experience all this.

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SF:  Under Armour partnership – a clothing line or? Where will it be available? And does a portion go back to fund the Movement Foundation?

CR:  These are two separate collaborations. Two very exciting collaborations!

I’ll start with Under Armour – SPWW has teamed up with Under Armour, I can’t say everything just yet but there will be an apparel line that rolls out the fall that will give back to recreation & play. Check back with me on this – Very excited about this.

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And then Movement Foundation is very exciting too – Together, SPWW & Movemeant Foundation is joining forces to award $20,000 in financial grants to up to 20 girls of economically-disadvantaged communities with high incidences of health-risk behaviors. The goal is to uncover, support and document the powerful journey of girls as as they take charge of their bodies through sport and fitness, sometimes for the very first time. You can find out more here

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Thank you Christin Rose & check out Christin Rose’s work on Instagram and the new sheplayswewin.com that will launch in 2 weeks!

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I know Christin Rose’s work is important because I see more girls skateboarding when they see girls skateboarding and I see the confidence and life lessons that skateboarding teaches.

How are you being the change you want to see?

 

#girlscanskate USA – the collage

I started the blog because I believe more girls skateboard when they see stylish girls skateboarding.   Style to me is so much more than what you wear – it’s how you wear it.

If someone looks confident yet approachable – that’s style.  All the girls in this collage are stylish.  Each one of them skates and wants others to skate – skate because it’s sport, art, transportation, relaxing, rolling yoga . . . skate because it’s fun & always know #girlscanskate!

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These girls show there’s no wrong way to skate and no uniform in skateboarding.  So what are you waiting for pick a state or any location & go skate there!

Alabama               You’re never to young or old to skate

Alaska                    It’s never too cold to skate – there’s always in doors

Arizona                 It’s never too hot to skate – there’s air conditioning

Arkansas             No matter where you move, your skateboard will go

California           Girls Scouts Skateboard

Colorado            Bomb hills not countries

Connecticut     Skating, traveling, eating & repeating is a life goal

Delaware           Stay positive when learning anything new

Florida                 Some waves are concrete

Georgia              Skateboarding and pizza can lead to happiness

Hawaii                 Your pictures not spirit can be deleted

Idaho                   Coexist

Illinois                 Anyone can encourage #girlscanskate

Indiana              Skateboarding builds a strong community

Iowa                    Skateboarding success is about getting back up

Kansas              Balance is the key in skateboarding & life

Kentucky          Travel on & with your skateboard

Louisiana           Most skaters don’t compete – it’s a choice

Maine                   Enjoy the now & know in time all things are possible

Maryland           Talent and style aren’t gender dependent

Massachusetts     Face the Fear

Michigan             Support your local girl skater group

Minnesota          Success is on the other side of the comfort zone

Mississippi         What makes a skate park is its vibe

Missouri             Girls who skate with style have time to help others

Montana             Skateboard in a dress – if you want to

Nebraska            Share the love of skateboarding

Nevada                Red Shoe Tuesday

New Hampshire        Skate all the New England states

New Jersey          Hoboken is a real place with a real skate park

New Mexico        You can “be the change”

New York              Skateboarding is rolling yoga

North Carolina   Skateboard for transportation

North Dakota      Skate shops are a place to meet skaters

Ohio                          A buckeye is a tree

Oklahoma             Finding your true love on a skateboard does happen

Oregon                   Kick turn is my best trick

Pennsylvania      A day at a time, enjoying the journey

Rhode Island       Roll with your cause

South Carolina   You are limitless

South Dakota       Skate with your crew

Tennessee               Sidewalk surfing

Texas                           Everything is big in Texas

Utah                            Knee sliding is a skill

Vermont                    More skateboarders – that’s good

Virginia                        Persistance is a life skill

Washington             Support your fellow skater girl – that’s priority 1

West Virginia           Girls should be welcome at all skate parks

Wisconsin                  Fly through your obstacles

Wyoming                     Skateboarding can be a part of cross training

District of Columbia            Skateboarding or skate pulling ???

 

Oklahoma Skateboarding a Love Story

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When I think Oklahoma – my first thought isn’t skateboarding – but maybe it should be.  Paperheart_yogi aka Katy shares this picture from Beavers Bend.

I also never thought skateboarding would lead me to my true love but it worked for Katy.

I skate because I just love it and it’s a passion I share with my husband.  We actually met over a skateboard I was going to sell to him.  He talked me into keeping it and going skating with him!

Also girls should def skate – don’t let anybody tell you you can’t skate cause you’re a girl …there’s so many chick pros that are so sick at this sport ! Do what you love and love what you do!   You only get one life so live it to the f***ing fullest !!!!

I believe in skateboarding, love, and living life to the fullest.  What a rad post to close out our #girlscanskate USA series – the collage is coming soon.  And keep sending your pictures and stories – more girls do skateboard when they see stylish girls skateboarding and get encouragement.

If you’re not sharing your passion are you really living life to the fullest?

xoxo Skatingfashionista

Clash at Clairemont 10 – the Skatingfashionista Recap

I was so busy at Clash yesterday – June 25, 2016 that I didn’t even post to the blog.  Chasing down time chips is time consuming.  I’m back and here’s my recap.

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@kmdrones flyover

Note:  for who won Skatercross, Best Trick, High Jump or any “results” this is not the post to read – this is the post about the vibe of the day.

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volunteers getting the goody bags ready for the front gate – yes general admission is $10 & VIP $50 but you get memories that last a life time, feeling that you helped others, plus some swag

Clash at Clairemont is in it’s 10th year of fundraising for the YMCA Mission Valley aka Clairemont Skate Park aka Krause Family Skate & Bike Park and Grind for Life.  It’s a day about fundraising – so many people give of themselves to keep this park rad and help people with cancer.

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autograph line & then someone taking care of his deck with all his favorite action star autographs – Clash is the largest action sports fundraiser in SD

This year was extra special because the park was able to receive a new vert ramp (previously owned Dew Tour pro level) and first ever Skatercross track.  Clash may be one day a year, but the structures it leaves behind last for years to be enjoyed by the public.

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View of the racers from “Mission Control” aka skate park office

The event would not be possible without sponsors.  I tried to capture as many as I could in the photos.  I love how they interact with the crowd and make the day fun for everyone.

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Bridge to Skate painting on recycled Arbor Skateboards, Team Phun golfing for prizes, Tech Deck having races, & spinning the wheel with the Sheckler Foundation were just a few of the interactive booths

Another thing I love about Clash is you get to make new friends and work with others.

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EXPOSURE Skate booth was staffed by skater girls like Kelsay Groms and Carly – so people saw that girls can skate and make a difference by helping others like Carol’s House & Missing Girl.  And the Block Riser Booth displayed product for people who wanted to help & just couldn’t be there – Skater Trainer & Skate XS

I also love the vendors who come back working right along the newbies & the vendors who might not have the best spot, but make it happen.

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91X & Osiris surrounding newbie I-Fly, Cali Bars next to returning vendors Boosted Boards & banners from long time supporters Green Spot Salad & Movietickets.com, Sun Run’s oasis tent in street

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newbies Solar Rain keeping everyone hydrated, Active Ride Shop playing sock games to raise money for Grind for Life, & the Air Force next to long time supporter Camp Woodward

the Marines – huge supporter of Clash & the new vert ramp next  to another newbie Purps 

City VW with a car to display, Gator Skins as seen on the Skatercross track, & Dang Brother Pizza cooking pizza out of a fire truck

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To be honest yesterday started off rough for me – my filmer for the documentary on the new vert ramp didn’t show & told me his computer crashed and he lost tons of footage – I literally had to lie down for a bit.  Then I went out & hung out with my friends like Orion & Scion & realized it’s all going to be ok. Worst thing that happens is my first documentary gets scrapped – which will suck but 20 years from now I won’t remember that – I’ll remember all the fun everyone had at Clash at Clairemont 10.

xoxo skatingfashionista

if you see an extra 0 in 2016 it’s really an O – a hug

for an even bigger list of sponsors check out Clash Website

to see action pictures follow the links for Clash at Clairemont, Clairemont Skate Park, and Skatercross Events

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Mimi Knoop photo by Dan Sparagna

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Cory Juneau photo by kcalfredphoto

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Mike Rogers founder Grind for Life photo by soulcaptor

plus google to find pictures like Transworld SKATEboarding coverage & be watching ABC “World of X” on July 23, 2016 for Skatercross race & the making of Skatercross

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June 2017 Update Finally the Video

 

Skatingfashionista then & now

A bonus of writing the blog is seeing skatingfashionistas grow – below 3 years ago

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and now a recent video

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thanks for sharing okbna – if the name isn’t familiar to you it’s because I usually write about him as Skate Yogi.

A friend since the beginning of the blog – Skate Yogi spreads the culture, creativity, and community of skateboarding 

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more girls skateboard when they see stylish girls skateboarding and get encouragement – really means more people skateboard when they see stylish people skateboarding and get encouragement

The most stylish people in the world are those who share their passions and inspire others to be their best.

XOXO skatingfashionista

 

Go Skateboarding Day – 6/21/16

I was thrilled to see all the excitement for Go Skateboarding Day 2016.

From the first ever Arbor Girls #Push2Progress a FREE skate clinic for all ages & abilities on the west coast to Screen shot 2016-06-22 at 7.56.20 AM

the GRO Girls Riders Organization on the east coast

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skater girls were out there showing the world #girlscanskate USA!

#girlscanskate everywhere – just read the blog to see all the places where girls are already skating and encouraging others to skate.

Any day can be the day you skate, start to skate, go back to skating.  More girls do skateboard when they see stylish girls skateboarding & get encouragement.  So keep sharing your pictures & stories plus be looking at the upcoming events tab to find out where other girls are meeting up to skate – one event I’m looking forward to

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Red Shoes Skating in Nevada – of course it’s Tuesday

I blogged about the Red Shoe Movement on April 11th.  They are women supporting women which is always in style!  On Tuesdays everyone is encouraged to support empowering women by wearing red shoes.

So today’s picture of omgsomelady is the perfect Tuesday post.

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Ashley is skating at Rocker Memorial Skate Park in Nevada.  When I asked if I could share this picture in the #girlscanskate USA she was 110% yes – she supports more girls skateboarding.

According to the dictionary if someone is empowered they have the authority or power to do it – according to me it also means the person has enough self confidence to inspire and promote others being empowered too.

So on Tuesday & every other day I’m thankful to Ashley and all the other rad girls who wear red shoes & skate the red shoe way!

Happy Birthday

Today – I want to wish a happy birthday to my much older friend Cory

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without him – I wouldn’t have been able to do the Active Ride Snap Chat takeover from the top of Skatercross – he made me so mad I forgot how scared I was and just got up there.

So Happy Birthday Cory & thank you to all the people who push us out of our comfort zones – because that’s where the fun really begins.

Warning – making a skatingfashionista mad can be dangerous!