And for my final act…a photoshoot with three real life skaters I barely know! Love that for us!

But, really, it was awesome.

Because I wasn’t planning on doing this one yet. I was going to wait until collection two to reach out to skaters I sought to include in the magazine and promos. I was afraid of my own fraudulence, reaching out to people I don’t know with very little to offer them in exchange for their services. 

But, somewhere around September, I just decided to go for it. The worst they could say was no and if they said yes, I would have that much more material to work with AND that many more connections. And thus, I connected with Jan, Emare, and Mya.

They. Killed. It. 

These were three of the coolest, most easy going people to work with, especially in such a hectic environment as a skate park on a Sunday at 3pm (yikes). The energy on the shoot day was truly warm and exciting. I felt like everyone really wanted to be there and make this the best it absolutely could be, like God connected me with the perfect people for the shoot that not only allowed me to forage my own connections, but represent a diverse group of skaters.

The apex of the dream I had for creating an inclusive, BIPOC and LGBTQ focused skate brand was here. We had done it, us and every other person that had given me a piece of their time up to that point. 

So, thank you thank you thank you thank you Julia, Patience, Jenebrith, Moses, Jan, Emare, and Mya!! You all have no idea how grateful I am for your open hearts and kindness over the course of this project.

BANDITxAPPAREL launches in just over a week! I really, truly cannot wait to share it with every one of you. 

See you then!

-Shelby