As we look at girl skateboarding today, we are seeing a big progression.I have met a women, who has definitely helped that progression happen. She’s won the x-games, she’s started her own clothing line, and even went to Ohio for M.T.V.s Made, and helped a girl that loved skating, learn how to skate. She has become a big inspiration to me, and I hope by everyone reading this interview, she will have influence on you as well.
1. At what age did you start skateboarding and what was the main influence you had to start skating?
I was a teenager when I started, but I don’t remember the exact age. I started skating because my sisters friend was going out with a pro skater and he had a mini ramp in his garage. They were a group of guys, so our group of girls would go over and watch. I have always loved sports and being physically active so I wanted to learn and not just watch.
2.You have your own company called Sk8Grl. How and when did this start? Any advice for people that want to start their own company?
Yeah, I had the idea in Spring of 2006. I created a website, got the re-sale number, trademarked the name, and manifested the first tops by Jan. 2007. My advice is if you have a desire to start a business and you feel a pull then go for it. Put forth your best effort everyday, then no matter what happens you will have learned a lot and grown as a person which is something nobody can give you or take away from you.
3.Where do you hope to see the girl side of skateboarding go within the next year?
I think it is going to keep getting bigger and better. I just got an e-mail saying how girls in the X Games will now be winning the same amount as guys for 2009. This is huge! Girls keep getting better and pushing the level up. The possibilities are endless.
4.What was being on M TVs’ made like dealing with the drama with the mom, and trying to teach a girl that in the beginning didn’t know what she wanted?
I feel like it was more of an experiment in human behavior that it was in actually teaching a girl how to skate. She cried everyday but three in the five weeks I was there and her Mom cried and yelled eight times. I was only there for mom’s outburst the two they showed on TV. There were a lot of fun and funny moments, but they just focused on the drama. Alex had watched skating on TV and thought it looked cool, but there was nothing inside of her that had any interest in doing it physically. I was difficult for sure, but again I feel like I learned a lot about dealing with different kinds of people than myself. Alex and I never were upset with each other, but her Mom was a bit much and not supposed to be around, but I guess she couldn’t help herself. Of course they cut and sliced a lot of stuff, because a lot of it was out of context and order.
5.What other products can we expect from Sk8grl in the future?
We aspire to be the ROXY of girls skateboard clothing, so we plan on making everything under the sun. Along with skateboards, safety gear, and more. Not only will we have product, but we want to make yoga DVD’s and various other trick tip DVD’s for action sports girls. We will also have a page were girls can design tops and then anyone can vote on whose top will be made and sold. Girls can be a part of our community called ‘Sk8Grl’s Worldwide’ where they can post a photo, paragraph about them self and have a way to connect with each other. http://sk8grl.com/sk8grlaroundtheworld.shtml We want Sk8Grl to be the place that girls goto if they are into skating and finding out about other girls like them self. Girls are empowered and inspired by each other, can help each other, make new friends, and realize they can do and be anything they put their minds to.
6.Do you wish that girls had more exposure in some of the top skateboarding magazines?
Yeah that would be great. Everything takes time and slowly but surely I think we will see more girls over the next years.
7.Before becoming a pro skateboarder what had you planned to become when you where in college?
I graduated with a degree in Business Economics because I have always wanted to own my own business and not let other people tell me what to do. After college, I moved to Lake Tahoe and thought I would own a snow/skate shop. I talked to some owners and realized I didn’t want to do that, but I knew it was something in skating.
8.What skateboarders do you look up to in this industry and have any of them helped you become who you are today?
That’s a hard one because everybody I meet adds something different to my life. I look up to anybody who is following their dreams and have fun doing it. Everybody I talk to is really helpful, and are stoked I have a company for the girls. I’ve been told I can contact them and ask questions whenever about Sk8Grl. I also think lots of people have influenced me to be who I am. Whether I liked them or not, I learned from them and that shapes me and my decisions.
9.What are some of your interests outside of skateboarding?
Sk8Grl is my first interest. Even though it’s a business it’s like my baby and it’s a labor of love. It’s a lot of fun and a great creative outlet for me. I absolutely love being with my Chihuahua Rerun. I walk with him a lot and think or clear my mind of thoughts. I love nature and being outside. I do yoga, hang out with friends and I love reading about metaphysics and quantum physics.
10.Lastly, what are your plans for the future?(examples: expanding your company, any new projects in the works etc.)
Yes, expanding Sk8Grl is 1st on my list. Learning more about metaphysics along with energy healing and transformation. It’s so fascinating to me. Traveling and exploring the world and my mind.
SPONSORS: Sk8Grl, Airspeed, Nixon, Sweenie, B4BC, Guayaki, GO211.com, Manitoba Harvest
Everyone go check out www.hollylyons.com and www.sk8grl.com/ for more information on Holly Lyons and her clothing company. I hope you guys enjoyed the interview!
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