Meet Latosha Stone, the brains behind Proper Gnar, the first Black women owned skateboard company.
According to Black Enterprise, Proper Gnar was created by Stone in 2013. Over the last several years, Stone has continued to grow her business, channeling her love for the sport into custom skateboards, clothing and paraphernalia that reflects her personal aesthetic. The company is a lifestyle brand geared towards teen girls and young women interested in skateboarding or alternative fashion. Stone’s skateboards have been featured on HBO’s “Betty,” a show about girls who skate, and on Beyonce’s Black Parade Route, a recently curated directory of Black owned businesses.
“Skateboarding has traditionally been a man’s sport, which is why I am so passionate about my role as a Black woman who challenges past assumptions and shows that skateboarding is for all of us. I take pride in creating authentic and beautiful art that stands out from other skate brands. I live and breathe skating and art, and I think that is reflected in the work I produce,” Stone said.
In addition to the products Stone sells, she also helps bring women skaters to the forefront of the sport through sponsorship. “I believe that representation is the key to having more young girls interested in skating. Genuinely loving skateboarding means you have to advocate and support it when you can,” said Stone.
Congratulations Latosha!
Source: Becauseofthemwecan
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