MY 2019 | GABY VELASQUEZ

    Jonathan Labez·
    Home
    Articles
    Introduction & Studio Portraits | Jonathan Labez @JMLabez
    Words | Gaby Velasquez @vivelroll

    A recurring theme in blading (or any action sport for that matter) is traveling and all the people you meet along the way. It has a gateway effect driving you to skate new spots, see new places, make new connections, and make new memories. In compiling Gaby Velasquez’s feature, I was astounded by the roads traversed on and off blades. I caught a glimmer of it going through her instagram, though it wasn’t until the collage of images and words were put together I grasped the importance of it in her life – a connection to places via the people she encountered and a balance between obligations and well-being. Something that as you age becomes increasingly harder and harder to keep in line, but we should continue to strive for.

    Where did you start in 2019:
    It all started with a swim in the ocean, followed by a surprise gift of some sick Seba skates for my birthday with the sweetest quote ever—epiccc!

    Where are you ending 2019: 
    Firstly, trying to get all my design finished by deadlines. Then I can’t wait to hit the road for a short trip east coast of Florida with my boyfriend.

    Favorite memories from 2019:
    • Checked the Art of Banksy in Miami

    • Meet up with my best friends in New York

    • The Release of the Razors Loca Skates for girls

    • Design Collaboration with Megan for the Bladies T-shirt at Blading Cup

    • Blading Cup comp and seeing everyone there

    • The New Skatepark built in Miami Lot 11

    • Bladesgiving at Drop-in Action Sport Complex

    • Russia Trip & Blading session with Nastya Kulaeva

    • Blading trip to Panama (Roller Corp thanks to Micky Alba and his wife for having me)

    Spots traveled to in 2019:
    • Panama
    • Tampa
    • New York
    • Russia
    • Amsterdam
    • Santa Ana +  Long Beach

    Playlist that sums up 2019:
    • Lil Supa (Luz)
    • Mac Miller (Self-care)
    • Pink Floyd (Mother)
    • Nicola Cruz (La Cumbia del Olvido)
    • Portishead (Sour Times)
    • Oscar G ( Steel Love)

    Video picks you watched over and over in 2019:
    • Bladergang ‘Forever’
    • Mery Munoz USD Carbon Free Edit
    • Nils Jansons ‘Mind Your Step’
    • Take the Fifth

    Goals accomplished in 2019:
    • Achieved a better work-life balance
    • Attended Yoga & Meditation classes
    • Bladed a highest/ longest rail than I’ve done before
    • Launched a Hellcat down the quarter-mile drag strip
    • Finally moved near the ocean
    • Participated in the Blading Cup

    Something in 2019 you wish you had done:
    • Travel home to see my family
    • Get early tickets to go to Winterclash
    • Went on a tour with my girls, take shots, and just have some fun skating
    • Invest more time into my personal design portfolio

    Gaby with her father in Venezuela

    Something that made you grow in 2019:
    • Having a fulfilling career in design
    • Continued advancing my education
    • Family and friends meaningful connections
    • Books and Audibles

    Something that kept you going throughout 2019:
    • Skating till my legs fall off
    • Paying more attention to my health, mind, and soul
    • Positive outlook, drive for success, the beach, and good vibes

    What are you looking forward to in 2020:
    • Showing more love for blading and promoting more content
    • Working on my inner skater animal
    • Not forgetting to take my vitamins 
    • New skates to drop
    • New silly content for my gram and the interwebs

    Your favorite products by your favorite companies. Support Be-Mag with every purchase