Proper Gnar the first black-owned skateboard company sees rise in demand after working with Beyonce

Proper Gnar is a Black-owned skateboard company was founded by Latosha Stone in 2013. So far, the skateboard company is the only Black-woman owned in the market today. Owner, Latosha is not only interested in doing something new but also channel her love for skateboarding and the arts into the business.

The skateboard company recently gained popularity and is seeing a rise in products demand, after Beyoncé Knowles’ Black Parade Directory of Black Owned Businesses. It was a gathering of Black-owned businesses that use their excellence as a form of activism and protest.

website:  https://propergnar.com/ 

In addition to Beyoncé’s Black parade, Proper Gnar gained more popularity after its skateboards were featured on a show about skater girls called “Betty” on HBO TV. Since then, there has been a high demand for the company’s products. The skateboards are colorful, creative, and original, designed for teenage girls and young women who love to skate or appreciate good artwork and fashion. The skateboards average between $55-$60 per piece, and they are uniquely painted or designed with artwork prints by the owner, Latosha Stone.

“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,” Latosha Stone said when asked about her motivation for starting her line of business. “I believe that representation is key to having more young girls interested in skating.”

Like many other women entrepreneurs who have started a company, Latosha believes that no business is particular to any gender. Her word out to other women who will come behind her in the skateboard line of business is to “advocate and support” skateboarding when they can.

Latosha is also into other artwork brands and printing.

“I’m an artist, and I set out to create hand-drawn designs and bold statements pieces that aren’t just things to wear or ride on, they’re works of my art,” she wrote on the business website. “Also, very few women skateboarders get the sponsors, attention, and support they deserve. I want to change that. I sponsor a small, but growing all-girl skate team and hold skate contests and meetups.”