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
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
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