09/18/17

What do hemp, skateboarding, and fashion all have in common? ~ Alyssa Devlin

What do hemp, skateboarding, and fashion all have in common? They’re all part of an underground movement in DC that is slowly growing, and doing good things for the community as it grows. So we all know DC legalized marijuana, but have you stopped to think about hemp for a minute?

hemp-fields-cut

Hemp has a fascinating history in the US – it was popular for a number of industrial uses in the early 1900s, during World War II the USDA even ran a campaign called, “Hemp for Victory” that was aimed at increasing hemp production. However, not long after the war, hemp became associated with marijuana and banned during the war on drugs. It only recently became legal to grow again in some states and under certain circumstances in 2014. Suffice it to say that hemp has gotten a bad rap, which is too bad given some of its awesome properties.

hemp-chart

For the eco-conscious, there are a lot of reasons to get behind hemp — it’s sustainable to grow, natural to wear, and requires less resources to produce than synthetic materials. And if you don’t care much about the eco arguments for wearing hemp, there are so many fashion reasons to do so. It’s strong, durable, and softer than you’d think. While some may think that detangling hemp from its relationship with weed could be a good thing for the hemp growing and weaving industry, with the legalization of marijuana in DC and now five more states, plenty of people are highlighting the relationship and bringing hemp along for the ride in the marijuana revolution. Which may not be a bad thing.

14-States-Legal-Grow-Hemp-1383x1001

There are a ton of people in DC doing awesome stuff with hemp — from those advocating for legislative changes to those making onesies with it, there are plenty of ways to learn more about hemp and up your fashion cred too. Take for example Tati Kolina, the  creative mind behind the sPACYcLOUd, female owned clothing company based in Washington DC. IT manager by day, designer by night, she is hugely passionate about creating cool, original, eco-friendly fashion. She recently filled me in on why hemp is such a big part of her vision. Tati loves hemp for its sustainability and wearability — it is one of the most durable natural fibers used for textiles. And it’s great for active fashionistas who want their clothes to be able to withstand wear and tear because it holds its shape and lasts longer than most other fabrics. The ruggedness of hemp, plus the fact that it’s biodegradable, should appeal to hipsters and hippies alike. At sPACYcLOUd, Tati has embraced the values of the hemp community by creating a collection of Hemp hoodies which will be launched in October 2017. While she still has to use imported hemp, Tati will manufacture hemp apparel in the US at a factory which she found through Maker’s Row and follow sustainable practices.

Flyer

A big presence in DC’s skater community, Tati quickly noted the hemp community’s growth and saw a strong connection in values and mentality between the hemp community and the skateboarding community. And she’s not the only one — people across the globe who are both committed to sustainability and the sport of skateboarding are connecting the worlds of hemp and skating. Last year an entrepreneur was using 3D printing to make hemp skateboards, and a clothing company sponsored the building of a half pipe in Australia’s largest hemp field. Both industries are community-focused and have built their base through grassroots action and word of mouth. For instance, in DC there’s a skate community out there full of people who are keen on shredding, but also very involved in their community.

Skate Girls Tribe

In 2014, Tati started the organization Skate Girls Tribe (SGT) for girls in the DC area looking to try skateboarding. As a male dominated sport, skateboarding can be intimidating to girls. The awesome thing about SGT is that it provides girls with an open environment in which to skate — from beginners to competitors — and it also gives them a community in which they have a forum to talk about the social and personal issues that they face — from what it’s like being girls in the skating community to challenges they may face in school and at home.

skate girls tribe

There’s a growing interest in DC to support ventures like SGT. The Kennedy Center hosted a multi-day festival last year called, “Finding a Line: Skateboarding, Music, and Media”, which focused on highlighting the positives of the skating community, “because there’s such a long tradition of skaters being criminalized and pushed out by security and police”, and the Kennedy Center wanted to be vocal about their support for the community. SGT even hosted one day of the festival, which focused on women skateboarders.

skate like a girl 11

The hemp and skate communities in DC are both still so small that there’s definitely an “everyone knows everyone” kind of feel that is comforting to a newcomer. They’re welcoming communities that are focused on bettering the lives of the people they connect with. In sum, lots of people out there are doing awesome stuff with hemp. Not to mention there are a number of communities in DC that are all interconnected, such as the skate community and the hemp community, which are doing something in their own way to give a voice to the voiceless, give greater access to fun, affordable activities, and support small businesses that are focused on bettering the environment.

Hemp Dress

 

 

01/29/14

sPACYcLOUd Invites All Girls All Ages All Abilities to Skate With Pro Skater Natalie Krishna Das and Skate Girls Tribe at Charm City in Baltimore MD on Feb 3rd.!

sPACYcLOUd is inviting all girls all ages all abilities to skate at Charm City in Baltimore!

West meets East

Natalie Krishna Das was born in Los Angeles but currently lives in Arizona. Natalie has been skateboarding since 1998. She became a professional skateboarder in 2009. Some of her sponsors include: BOOM Electronics, Silly Girl Skateboards, NIXON, Falling Whistles, State Bicycle Co., ZOX Straps, Starr Skates, Navigator Trucks, and Deville Wheels/ Longboards. She has been on the front page of Concrete Wave magazine, competed in many skateboarding events around the World, and on a constant lookout for new adventures and opportunities.

Concrete Wave Magazine

Concrete Wave Magazine

Natalie is a free spirit, full of positive energy, creative and with a big heart. We are so honored to have her in DMV on Feb 2-5. In addition to the skate session at Charmcity Skate Park on February 3rd, you might see Natalie skating at the Bridge Spot in DC and Powhatan Park Arlington VA.

If you see Natalie, please stop and give her a very warm welcome. 🙂

 

06/29/13

Skateistan Awareness Part I Old City Farm | June 23 | Washington DC

Skateistan Awareness Part I – exclusive review by Diego Zazueta

SKATEISTAN_poster2012Smal

I started the day by helping unload the equipment from the car. It was 2:00 in the afternoon and it was pretty hot. I primed the walls in preparation for the little artists. Peter from Albus Cavus outlined birds and flowers to make it easier for kids to start their artistic journey.

DSC_0066-1Exactly at 6pm we opened the gate and greeted our first guests. We had two ladies at the gate.  I offered them drinks and we all set in the shade to enjoy the nice afternoon breeze. After a few minutes Tati told me that the two women I was sitting with were world famous and pioneer female skaters Di Dotson and Patti McGee! I was completely blown away. Tati handed me a card that had an old cover of LIFE magazine from 1965 with a girl doing a hand stand on a skateboard. It was Patti McGee! I asked Patti if she would sign it for me and she did it happily!

Patti McGill

As more and more guests arrived the place began to glow with activity. Most of us were sat at the table area chatting and socializing.DSC_0151-1smaller As the sun went down and the day cooled off the fireflies came out to play with us. Around that time Bryan Ridgeway, who is responsible for bringing Skateistan to the US,  joined us in the festivities. It was such an honor to see Bryan at our event.

DJ Mate Masie

DJ Mate Masie from Urban Artistry was throwing perfect tunes for the occasion. Several people did break dancing. sPACYcLOUd gave away raffle prizes. After dark we moved to the lower level to watch the documentary: Skateistan. And boy was it interesting! It was an eye opening experience. It showed us a snick pick into the life of kids in Afghanistan and what they have to go through to get to school or work. Skating took their minds off of the hardships of daily life.  Through skateboarding kids made new friends. Skating tied everybody together. Boys and girls, different religions, and different nationalities all came together to skate in peace and harmony.  Skateistan is a good example for all of us. We do not need much to create a peaceful and happy community. It takes work but it is very rewarding at the end.

428055_317948814936297_835119081_n

After the movie Bryan presented Tati with a signed copy of the Skateistan book.

Bryan Ridgeway

It was a long and hot day but it was totally worth it. I had such a great time meeting new people and hanging out with old friends. I hope that we do another event like this soon. Till then, keep dreaming the good dream and always remember to follow your heart. It will always lead you in the right direction. Peace.