Pouring Rain Couldn’t Stop these Skater Girls

October 31, 2016 Jordan

Last night was epic!! My mom and I drove down to @forthunionap to host their first ever @girlsridersorg Girls Only skate sesh. It was pouring rain but that did not stop these awesome girls from coming out. By the end of the night we ended up with 46 girl shredders!! I gave lessons to 2 three year old girls who killed it! It was an amazing night! Nobody wanted to leave!! Thanks to the awesome staff and for everyone who made this happen! And thank u to the sponsors who donated some pretty #rad prizes!! @pinkpineapplesurf @downbeachskate @greenoliveclothingco

Zoe Herishen reporting about

Congrats to these girls who won Down Beach Skate decks!

Now some more memories. First a picture and a video thanks to Pink Pineapple Surf

and a picture from Green Olive Clothing Co. By the way Olive in the pictures is 2, showing us that skateboarding is for all ages. And she’s keeping it stylish on her board with an “upcycled dress” made by her mom.

Thanks Zoe for reporting and organizing this awesome GRO event. More girls skateboard when they see stylish girls skateboarding & get encouragement – Zoe does a rad job at both showing & encouraging!

Please share your stories & pictures.

Grey Swan Skating in New Zealand

October 30, 2016 Jordan

Above @iamgreyswan, who’s really Grace Wong, leading the charge! picture by @matt_gcs

She slowed down long enough to share why she skates & races all around Europe and New Zealand.

Skating is a great way to get in touch with a great community and for that massive rush of adrenalin – it’s a great reminder we can do anything if we put or minds to it.

Thanks Grace for sharing. #girlscanskate & more do as other girls encourage them with their stories & pictures.

Nam-Chi Van – Photographer

October 29, 2016 Jordan

Nam-Chi Van is a skate & lifestyle photographer who turns dreams into reality. So of course she had to be in the series of girls who photograph skater girls.

SF: How/when did you start photographing skateboarding? Do you skateboard?

Name-Chi: I used to shoot my friends at the local skate park and town skate spots when I was in high school, but I didn’t get serious about it until about three years ago. I’ve been skating for almost 20 years, so I started shooting skaters after I started skating.

and when she says serious – she means it, she shoots at places like

SF: How did you get involved with shooting skater girls?

Nam-Chi: In college, I saved up enough money to buy my dream camera set up to become a skate filmer. I didn’t have much of a skate crew and realized quickly that I needed to find skaters to film. When I moved to the Bay Area (4 years ago), I sent out my info to a bunch of random skate companies, basically asking them to let me shoot for them. No responses… so I kind of gave up trying to shoot skaters.

However, I still wanted to do something with the camera I invested in, so I started Moshlounge, an online music publication, which gave me the opportunity to take photos of all of my favorite bands.

Six months later, Kim Woo, founder of Mahfia, sent me an email saying that she’s been following my work and was interested in talking to me about my photography and skateboarding. Shortly after, she invited me to shoot women skateboarding at the Summer X-Games in Austin! I obviously accepted the offer and it’s been history ever since.

SF: How has girls skateboarding changed since you started shooting?

I would say that Women’s skateboarding has progressed quite a bit since I started shooting. There are now more competitions that include a division for women. Street League is a good example of one that now includes women in their tour series. The more contests there are, the more exposure we get, which inspires more girls to get out there and skate. I definitely see more girls skating than when I was a kid; it’s pretty rad.

Mariah Duran

Samarria Brevard

Leticia Bufoni

SF: What’s your favorite type of shooting – for example street/bowl/vert/long boarding ???

Nam-Chi: Street is definitely my favorite. I grew up as a street skater, so it’s more aligned with my style. I also love taking portraits and lifestyle photos because I enjoy capturing moments from my perspective.

Vanessa Torres

SF: What’s different about shooting skateboarding then other photography?

Nam-Chi: Shooting skateboarding is a big adrenaline rush. You feed off of the skater’s energy and you also need to know the skater that you’re shooting. A bunch of things come into play, like the skater’s stance, style, trick that they’re doing, and the obstacle that they’re skating. You have to be ready to capture them in mid-trick and ready to move out the way in case their board comes flying at you. It’s pretty damn fun.

Lizzie Armanto

SF: Where can people see your work?

Nam-Chi: I’m always posting photos on my instagram (@namchivan). I also have a portfolio website, namchivan.com, but I haven’t updated it in a while so there’s actually no skateboarding on it… hah. You can also check out photos from all of the events I’ve shot on Mahfia.tv.

Allysha Le

SF: What do you think of all the press girls’ skateboarding is getting? I think all press is good – but I want to be a journalist. And every fashionista has a subscription to Vogue. I was beyond excited when I saw Amelia shoot a prom dress campaign and then the pictures & videos got covered in magazines. And those long board girls in the Red Hot Chili Pepper video – loved it & totally inspired me to keep skating. But is that press bad for competitive female skateboarding?

Nam-Chi: I think that most press is good press and great exposure for the women’s skate scene. If someone wants to skate in a prom dress, do it! You go girl!

SF: Did/do you have role models or people/organizations that continue to encourage and support your photography?

Nam-Chi: Mahfia.tv and the WSA (Women’s Skateboarding Alliance) have always supported me 100% of the way.

SF: Anything you want to share about why girls shooting girls skateboarding benefits the skateboarding sport & builds self-confidence & opportunities for girls.

Nam-Chi: Skateboarding has always been a male dominant sport, which makes it intimidating for any girl to want to get involved.

I kind of view the women’s skate scene as it’s own industry because we’re the ones creating our own media, content, and even companies relating to women’s skateboarding.

The more women that are out there skating, shooting, filming, etc. will encourage more women to do the same thing. It’s just going to keep growing and progressing.

Thanks Nam-Chi. I especially love how you shared that your first plan of contacting skate companies didn’t work out but you didn’t give up on photography you went and created Moshlounge. And as it was meant to be you ended up shooting skateboarding after all!

Plus thanks for these behind the scene Oslo pictures.

and this one behind the scenes at X-Games

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SkatingFashionista Sticker – 2 Years of Blogging

October 28, 2016 Jordan

To celebrate the 2^nd anniversary of the blog on 10/28/16 I’m happy to reveal the second sticker.

The skatingfashionista bunny is back. When she first came out people asked why she doesn’t have a fluffy tail. So here’s that answer and some other things the bunny wants to share.

She just doesn’t have a fluffy tail and never has. What makes her different is what helps her balance on the board, so she’s proud of the tail she has.

She’s a skateboarder because she has fun skateboarding. Her favorite yoga pose is the tree. And she enjoys skating with fun people.

She loves to travel. So far she’s made it to the East Coast, Australia, and Europe.

pictures from SkateYogi, Ink Agenda, Len, and Alma Kirsty

She loves pink and turquoise; and believes that glitter is good and that we were all meant to sparkle. If you’d like to meet her send her an email at [email protected].

Andreas Ekberg brought her to life. I realized that I had never shared about him, so here’s some sharing.

I found Andreas art because my brother saw his Lego Drawings.

Andreas has a host of characters.

He draws on several mediums including skateboards and many of his characters skateboard.

He has a line of iPhone Stickers.

You can find Andreas work on his IG, website, and at iPhone Stickers

till next time keep it stylish on & off the board

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Skatingfashionista’s First Homecoming Dress

October 27, 2016 Jordan

This is the first in a series of posts I’ll be writing on my MacDuggal Homecoming dress. I fell in love with this dress the first moment I saw it.

From the beginning I knew I wanted to skate in it and wear it to the big dance. In life things don’t always turn out the way you’d like them too. Prince charming never showed up to take me to the dance. But the dress came so I wore it.

As a fashionista I just have to take a moment to talk about the dress. I chose it from the Homecoming Collection of MacDuggal. It was a hard decision because there are so many choices in that collection and in the After 5 Collection that are perfect for homecoming or just when you feel like dressing like a princess.

After wearing this dress out, I have to say I’m a believer that you shouldn’t just wait for a special occasion to wear a princess dress. If you feel like dressing up just do it. It’s so easy to set expectations and live waiting for that moment. Then if something happens and the moment doesn’t come or isn’t what you thought it would be, you’re left disappointed.

So my advice, don’t live waiting for that right time to wear your dress – where your dress & make the moment happen. If you don’t have expectations, you won’t know if things go wrong so you’re more likely to just have fun.

Above & below I’m at the Carmel Valley Skate Park before the sun went down.

One of the things that drew me to the dress was it’s beading. I’ve watched my share of Say Yes to the Dress and I always love beaded bodices. I had never had one so I learned that they are heavy.

I think the beauty outweighs the inconvenience of the weight, however I wasn’t feeling comfortable enough to drop in the pool with it. Another benefit of the beaded bodice is the sparkle of rhinestones in gold and silver stones make you feel like you’re Cleopatra plus you don’t need any extra necklaces.

Another feature I loved was the flare short skirt that really makes a statement when you get enough speed. And a hidden feature that I absolutely adore is the dress has pockets.

Above close up of the beading & pockets. When you skateboard you have to expect to fall. The reason I’m playing it “safe” and avoiding the bowl (at least for now) is that before I ever saw this dress, I knew I wanted to donate any homecoming or prom dresses I get to charity.

Shopping is something I take for granted. I’m always moved when I hear how companies like Sleep Train are doing something to help kids.

I recently looked up on their web page and read

There are over 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, many of which have entered with little to no possessions. Many have suffered the effects of poverty, neglect, and even abuse.

And I’ve worked with Bombas Socks who for every pair sold donates a pair of socks – over 1.3 million socks so far.

Socks are the most requested item in homeless shelters.

Why would someone in a foster home, or shelter, or family without a lot or any extra spending money need a princess dress? Why wouldn’t they? I believe every person has the right to dress like a princess and attend homecoming, prom, or any other event they want to.

Part of the series of posts on this dress will be on organizations that help girls (people) in need find prom dress. Skateboarding is not a crime, fashion is not a crime, and dressing like a princess is not a crime!

Till next time keep it stylish on & off the board.

Update – thanks Mac Duggal for sharing the post – more girls skate when they see stylish girls skateboarding.

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180 Skate Ministry Supporting Girls Skateboarding

October 27, 2016 Jordan 1 Comment

180 Skate is a skateboard ministry to reach the lost youth of Florida. I had the opportunity to interview Tim Stork the founder and find out more.

SF: When was 180 Skate founded and can you explain why you named it 180?

Tim: It was established in 2012. It is called 180 because to do a 180 means to go in the opposite direction. So in order to get away from things that we maybe doing wrong or bringing us down we have to turn and go in the other direction.

SF: What does 180 Skate do classes, camps, products? Do you have your own skate park or do you travel to skate parks?

Tim: We do a homeschool skate class every other Monday at our local skate park. We do open skate at our small facility at our church. We also travel to parks to work with kids and help out with contests.

SF: Have you seen an increase in the number of girl skateboarders and is that why you just launched the Girls Rule deck?

Tim: Yes we have. I have a 12 year old daughter who loves to skate and has gotten some girls involved. During the summer we do a girls skate only class every Wednesday.

Below Emma with the Girls Rule deck

SF: Where are the 180 Girls Rule deck and other 180 products available? What sizes are the Girls Rule decks?

Tim: Right now all of our products are going to be sold through www.cxxiiapparel.com. He has been helping design the boards. The deck sizes are 7.5-8.5. You can always reach out to me for any girls skate stuff.

You can find 180 Skate on IG or their web page!

Thanks Tim for answering my questions & for supporting girls. I saw your decks at Poseiden Foundation Dream Series stop with Intro2Skate. And I heard you’d be donating some boards to Poseiden Foundations Ladies Day at the Berrics! That’s so rad that the boards have made it across coast already – I heard that Intro2Skate has them in stock.

Group shot below – I spy Jazz from LAGirlsSkateSesh and if you check them out on IG you’ll see how they’re always encouraging girls to skate together & have fun. One of there latest posts had the caption

if you have the opportunity to help a beginner on a skateboard, TAKE IT! You might just be that one person who made a huge impact on them!

I absolutely agree!

For more information on Poseiden Foundation Ladies Day at the Berrics you can read my post from 10/7/2016 or just click on the flyer below to go to their IG! RSVP now because November 12th is getting close!

Till next time keep it stylish on & off the board. It’s always stylish when we work together & support each other!

UPDATE

Poseiden Foundation Thank You for 180 Girls Rule Deck

Monique O’Toole – Filmer

October 26, 2016 Jordan

Monique is a filmer. I wanted to include her in the series of girls who photograph girls skateboarding because to me the importance of pictures and videos is that seeing is believing.

pictures in this post by Zorah or from IG with link if you click on them

Because of Monique’s work the world sees that #girlscanskate. Her latest project is the first full length girls skateboarding film to be produced in the US in over a decade – Quit Your Day Job. Which I’ve blogged about before and am thrilled to say exceeded its Indie Go Go Campaign!

Here’s my interview with Monique

SF: How/when did you start filming skateboarding? Do you skateboard? If so was it before or after you started filming skaters?

Monique: I started filming about a year and a half ago, when Erik Sandoval offered to teach me, while making a video together. What was supposed to be a Meow promo edit, became a full length all-girls video.

Yes, I started skating with the boys back in 1995 when I was 14.

SF: How did you get involved with filming skater girls?

Monique: I already knew a bunch of girls that I had met through my long time friend- Lisa Whitaker, but never thought I’d be filming any of them, especially the pros.

Mimi Knoop gave me the opportunity to shoot photos and film at the US Open and XGames, even though I didn’t know what I was doing, and was only shooting for myself – just for fun. Then I met Erik, and everything changed.

SF: How has girls skateboarding changed since you started filming?

Monique: I’ve witnessed a lot of changes over the last year and a half!

I encouraged Savannah Headden to come out to L.A, and she ended up never going back to Virginia Beach. She went from only having a shop sponsor, (a lame “cool guy” shop that didn’t realize her value) to picking up legit company sponsors that fully back her. (Meow, Etnies, & Cloud 9 Grip) Not to mention, she filmed her first video part with us, and earned a spot as an alternate at the XGames.

Candy Jacobs also filmed her first street part, earned her spot back, and her career has been taking off!

Girls got added to Street League last year, which is huge! Mariah went from an SLS alternate, to a competitor this year.

Samarria and Alana became pro, and Vanessa started filming again after a 10+ year dry spell. She’s been killing it!! She just turned 30, and is better than she’s ever been!

I’ve watched all these girls progress, and the bar go up. More companies and/or networks are taking interest in these girls, and opportunities have been popping up left and right. Things are changing. This is only the beginning!

Also, our industry has grown significantly! Meow and Hoopla have grown a lot this past year, which allowed them to add more girls to their rosters.

SF: What’s your favorite type of shooting – for example street/bowl/vert/long boarding ???

Monique: Street is my favorite for sure, but I also love filming the bowl and vert girls!

I always look forward to filming park, and street contests with Erik for Mahfia! Erik and I began filming bowl and vert for our video, which has been fun! We recently filmed at the Prince Park bowl with Mimi Knoop, Nicole Hause, Izy Mutu, Shanae Collins, and Fabiana Delfino. We also filmed with Hanna Zanzi at the Volcom park bowl.

Our video is mostly street, but we HAD to add vert and bowl! I can’t say I’ve filmed any long boarding, but I’m open to it!

SF: Where do you like to film – for example locations/parks/events/contests ???

Monique: 9 times out of 10, we’re filming in the streets of L.A, but sometimes we’ll take day trips to the I.E. and San Diego.

We’ve also taken quite a few road trips to San Francisco, and one to Phoenix and Albuquerque. On a typical day, we usually get the girls warmed up at either Lincoln Plaza or Marsh Park before hitting the first street spot.

When it comes to events, and contests, Erik and I travel to cover as much of them as possible for Mahfia! I always look forward to XGames, US Open, and Wheels of Fortune in particular – but they’re all fun!

SF: What’s different about filming skateboarding than other filming?

Monique: In my opinion, it’s definitely more thrilling than shooting portraits, landscaping, etc. or filming boring stuff like soap operas, or theater. Ha!

Action sports keep you on your toes. Never a dull moment!

SF: Where can people see your work?

Monique: Mahfia TV! Almost all the skate edits from January of this year, to present, were shot by Erik and/or I.

I also have some photos on the Meow site.

Monique’s IG and Quit Your Day Job IG

Monique: I have to agree with you! All press is good, and I think it’s great that we have two different girl scenes within our subculture. It’s definitely needed. The girly-girls need women like Amelia that they can relate to, so they can feel confident showing up to the skate park in spandex or a dress, and the tomboys need more masculine women to look up to, so they don’t feel ashamed of who they are.

If a girl riding a skateboard is getting press, whether she’s wearing a dress, or men’s Dickies – I’m hyped.

SF: Did/do you have role models or people/organizations that continue to encourage and support your filming?

Yes! Absolutely! Lisa Whitaker has been my number one role model for a very long time. She has selflessly done more for women’s skateboarding than anyone! She has some enormous shoes to fill! If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here, and if wasn’t for Erik, I wouldn’t be shooting. That is a fact.

Getting Lisa’s approval, and encouragement early on, meant a lot to me. Once I knew she was hyped about what Erik and I were doing, it only made me want to work harder, and go a far as I could. Mimi Knoop, Kim Woozy, YuLin Olliver, Matt Gaudio, and a bunch of other people that run our industry, keep telling Erik and I that we’re “killing it.” Hearing that, makes me feel like I’m succeeding, and have a bright future ahead of me.

SF: Anything you want to share about why girls filming girls skateboarding benefits the skateboarding sport & builds self-confidence & opportunities for girls.

Well, I can’t speak for every girl, but I know a lot of them feel more comfortable filming with a girl, because it’s a lot less pressure. Sometimes the guys can push too hard, and then it’s just not fun anymore.

My method is to encourage, not pressure. This is what they appreciate about Erik as well. I also think most guys just don’t have enough time to dedicate to the girls anyway.

At first, it was hard to believe that only two of them had a filmer. Lacey and Mariah were the only ones that had put out street parts. The rest never really filmed street before, and had no means to film a part. I couldn’t believe it! Like I mentioned earlier, opportunities have been popping up, and their parts haven’t even officially dropped yet. I’m hoping doors continue to open for them. They all deserve the best for their hard work and dedication!

Thanks Monique. I can’t wait to see Quit Your Day Job.

I think you made so many wonderful points. The importance of having people encourage you is priceless. Having a person take their time to help you in an area they already excel in is motivating. I’m also motivated by how your love of skateboarding turned into a fabulous filming career.

Give a girl a board and you’ll never know where it will take her. My board took me to blogging – where is your skateboard taking you? The self-confidence you learn from skateboarding can & does help you in life.

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Alyssa Now Riding for Lost Girls Tribe

October 25, 2016 Jordan

I liked the picture so I read the caption

So proud to say I now ride for @lostgirlstribe I can tell you from every perspective they are full of stoke. Thank you Natalie and Candy for this opportunity!!

From there I reached out to Alyssa to find out more.

SF: How long you’ve been skating?

Alyssa: I’ve been skating since I was 12, I’m 17 now. But I only started longboarding 2 years ago, I started out bowl skating.

SF: How did you start?

Alyssa: My best friend had a skateboard, we decided together that we wanted to learn. We went to a church basketball court and practiced turning and pumping until we felt comfortable commuting everywhere. I learned to slide on my longboard through free classes at my local boardshop, which I now work at.

SF: Where do you skate?

Alyssa: I skate all around my home state, Colorado. Like this weekend I drove almost 2 hours to hit some mountain spots!

SF: Why do you think it’s good for girls to skate?

Alyssa: I think it’s important for girls to skate because, at least personally, it really got me to come out of my shell. Before skating I was an awkward kid with nothing to do after school, and no real community. After skating I was forced into a new world, got to meet new people from all different backgrounds, and pushed to face the things that I fear.

SF: Why are you proud to be a part of the Lost Girls Tribe?

Alyssa: I’m proud to be a part of lost girls tribe for many reasons. Their mission, to empower girls, is obviously very personal for me. The owner is also amazingly nice. When filming our edit she insisted it was about showing progression to anybody watching. It’s not about being the best out there and being amazing- it’s about showing girls what’s possible and being inviting. The whole company from top to bottom is wholesome.

Something else I’d like to add is a lot of girls don’t try skating because they think it’s for boys or think they suck. I sucked when I started. It’s not about where you are when you begin- it’s about pushing yourself to learn. Girls and boys can skate together, and it’s a really fun sport and community. There’s always something to do next. So go out and skate!!

Thanks Alyssa and thanks for letting me know about Lost Girls Tribe. I hadn’t blogged about them before and they are definitely a group I want to lift up in the blog.

To find out more about Lost Girl Tribe check out their IG and webpage. Below some information from their About Page.

Natalie Oaks, Georgia Danielson, and Gina Anderson-Queen, began their quest for fun and shred after meeting through the room mates section of Craigslist. None of us had lived in a little mountain town before, and we were all ready for adventure. It just so happened that we became close friends and decided we should reach out to other ladies in the community.

Since then, we’ve grown into a movement! We would like to inspire ladies and gents everywhere to focus on the journey rather than the end.

I totally agree enjoying the journey and taking time to make & keep new friends is stylish on & off the board.

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Happiness is Nailing the Push

October 24, 2016 Jordan 1 Comment

Justine captured this IG shot Happiness is nailing the push.

I love that! When you skateboard for fun you enjoy the entire process. And at least for me that’s the attitude that makes me want to keep skateboarding. I want to skate with happy people.

She’s skating at Verdugo Skate Park. Where are you skateboarding and having fun – those are the stories I love to share and that’s what inspires more people to skate & keep skateboarding!

Till next time keep it stylish on & off the board. Below a video of Justine on Day 2 & here’s to wishing her many more happy days of skating.

Smiling when Skateboarding is Stylish

October 24, 2016 Jordan

I always say more girls skate when they see girls skateboarding – it also helps inspire girls when they see it’s fun. I love Tessel’s smile!

Tessel_dekker is skateboarding in Dordrecht – sometimes called Dordt in the western Netherlands – in province of South Holland.

I also love her glasses – ok maybe because they’re like mine. No matter where we live we all have similarities and we all have something special – in this case her smile so glad she shared!

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Skating Fashionista

Monthly Archives: October 2016

Pouring Rain Couldn’t Stop these Skater Girls

Grey Swan Skating in New Zealand

Nam-Chi Van – Photographer

SkatingFashionista Sticker – 2 Years of Blogging

Skatingfashionista’s First Homecoming Dress

180 Skate Ministry Supporting Girls Skateboarding

Monique O’Toole – Filmer

Alyssa Now Riding for Lost Girls Tribe

Happiness is Nailing the Push

Smiling when Skateboarding is Stylish

Skating & Fashion are Better Together