Welcome back to another round of Comacan Questions, this week we spoke with some friends that we’ve known for a while online but just recently had the chance to meet up with at the grand opening of Georgetown’s Mold Masters (2.0) Skatepark. They have a strong online presence with some high-quality clips with a true street feel to them and the graphics to back each heavy clip up. We are proud to share this week’s interview with Dani and Remi from Doll Skateboards.
Why did you choose the name Doll Skateboards?
Dani- We had a different name originally, but it didn’t fit the aesthetic we were going for and out of nowhere Remi said Doll Skateboards, so we just stuck with that.
Where are you based out of?
Dani- We are based out of the GTA, Ontario.
What inspired you to start a skateboard business?
Remi- It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a while. We love skating so much and have been around it for so long we felt it would be a good time to try our hand at a skate brand.
We also saw a need for a something locally not because we don’t like what’s currently out there but local skaters that are currently out there may need a local brand or give a voice to them. At the end of the day, it’s just one big happy family and happy to be a part of it, despite the hiccups along the way it’s been really enjoyable and we’re meeting a lot of really sick people.
Do you have a team?
Remi- Yeah, we do you can check out Jordan Meyers, a Windsor native skating out of Bliss sk8 Shop. This kid rips, has super high energy, funnest personality, goes balls to the wall every session. I literally have to pull this guy away from spots otherwise he’ll just melt himself.
Jovaughn Webster, a local legend around here, if you haven’t heard of him, you’ve probably been sleeping this whole time and you should go check out his body of work cause this man can fly. Wise beyond his age, is an infectious dude to be around and compliments the team beautifully.
We also currently have 1 flow rider, Daniel Cooper. We always have our eyes and ears to the streets.
What products do you offer?
Dani- We carry multiple different decks in sizes 8, 8.25 and 8.5. We have custom t-shirts, sweatpants, hats, shorts, jacket & hardware. We have other fun stuff like balaclavas and wax. We plan to do some really fun stuff in the future, I mean this company is barely a year old and we have a lot of ideas that we want to put out.
Where can people view these products?
Dani- All of our products are on our online store, but we are also in The Local Skate Shop in Hamilton, Bliss Sk8 Shop in Windsor and Ride Skate Shop in Niagara Falls. Check these skate shops out because they are always running wicked deals.
What does skateboarding mean to you?
Remi-At its core it’s just something fun that we like to do. So, to be able to build a small business around it just makes sense to us especially since it’s not ruining the fun.
I mean we’ve had our hiccups along the way. But like with any small business putting themselves out there, things can happen and sometimes you run into shitty people but we’ve also run into mostly good people. These situations shouldn’t stop you from experiencing the core essence of skateboarding which is just kick, push and see where it goes.
What makes Doll Skateboards Special?
Remi- The vision for Doll. I think we’re kinda unbreakable and we don’t give a fuck and in a positive way that transfers into our art and through our skaters. I think for the first time in the extremely small history of Doll, we’re starting to have the right people around us, and things feel really fucken good and I mean I think that’s all anybody wants. So, if you ask us what makes Doll special it’s that we make other people feel special. We’re in the business of making people feel good in a totally skateboarding way. :p
What does working with other skateboarding companies and artists mean to you?
Remi- We like, we love it, we welcome it. We’re always down to vibey with other companies like I mean I know it can get pretty vibe here in a negative way, but I mean we try to have blinders to that shit. I mean if you’re about Doll and you have a product that can work with ours or a service or expression that can mesh well with us then hell ya we’re always down to collaborate.
Do you have any goals with Doll?
Remi- Get our ideas out there, get our skaters fed on a consistent supply of Mac n Cheese, not this spotty shit. Have fun, grow the army, and just keep it going for as long as we can. I dunno, we’re not even a year old yet and goals are changing all the time and new ones are being set plus all our skaters have goals and we like to hear it from them and do our best to help with theirs. So, I guess the goal is, to score a lot of goals.
Anyone you’d like to thank?
Dani- Yeah, first off, a Hella big thanks to our team riders and flow riders. These guys put on for the flag and secondary we’d like to thank The Local Skate Shop, Bliss Sk8 Shop and Ride Skate Shop. For not only being dope skate shops in the community but for taking the time to appreciate and carry Doll products in their shops. And last but not least all the homies that are lifting this brand up and spreading the word, slapping those stickers up, and representing Doll in their scene. You know who you are, those are the people we love and can’t thank you enough.
Mad love.
