Resilience and Reinvention in Skateboarding: Beatrice Domond’s Journey through Art and Design
In this inspiring episode of the MINDED Podcast, host Yuri Xavier sits down with pro skateboarder, artist, and creative force Beatrice Domond to explore resilience, mental health, and redefining gender norms in skateboarding and design. From overcoming a life-altering injury to making strides in a traditionally male-dominated field, Beatrice shares insights into building a successful, balanced life in art, fashion, and skate culture.
The Challenge of Injury and Recovery in Skateboarding
Beatrice candidly opened up about her journey back into skating after a serious ACL injury that sidelined her for two years. The injury not only affected her physically but also posed significant mental challenges. She questioned her identity and future in skateboarding during this difficult period.
"I think people forget there's a human aspect to it," Beatrice reflected. "When you get hurt, it’s a whole thing… it’s hard to skateboard when you’re mentally struggling."
The recovery process demanded patience and a reevaluation of her approach to skating. Beatrice emphasized that skateboarding is as much a mental endeavor as it is physical, requiring confidence and mental resilience to push boundaries safely.
Rebuilding Confidence Through Patience and Self-Belief
Beatrice’s return to skateboarding wasn't just about physical healing; it was about rebuilding her confidence through small, incremental victories. Patience became essential, a trait she admitted wasn't her strongest before the injury.
"If I don’t put in the work, then there’s no reason for me to believe I can do it. Skateboarding is all about showing myself I can do it, one step at a time," she explained.
Starting with simpler tricks and gradually progressing allowed her to regain trust in her abilities. This methodical approach not only helped her physically but also reinforced her mental fortitude.
Creating Inclusive Fashion in a Male-Dominated Industry
During her recovery, Beatrice channeled her creativity into designing clothing collections for her sponsor, FA (Fucking Awesome). Her goal was to create apparel that bridged the gap between men's and women's fashion, offering practical and stylish pieces that women could wear confidently.
"I wanted to make women's wear that looks cool because I feel like the men's section is always better," Beatrice said. "I want girls to walk into a store and feel like they belong there. Seeing my name on a board can make a girl feel like she's in the right place."
She focused on details often overlooked in women's clothing—like functional pockets and comfortable cuts—to make skatewear more inclusive. Her designs aimed to challenge industry norms and provide representation in a space where women are underrepresented.
Balancing Art and Skate Culture: Building a Unique Identity
Beyond skateboarding and fashion, Beatrice has been exploring other artistic avenues such as curating art shows and creating zines. Her recent curatorial project brought together diverse artists, reflecting identities and experiences often underrepresented in both art and skateboarding.
"I'm always creating," she shared. "I love making zines... I have a lot on my mind, and I need to put it out there."
By fostering a community that values diversity and inclusion, Beatrice is working to make the skateboarding world more welcoming for everyone.
Learning from Her Mother and Embracing Optimism
A significant influence on Beatrice's mindset is her mother, who taught her the value of persistence and optimism. Watching her mother achieve her dreams while raising four children instilled in Beatrice a strong belief in hard work and staying true to one's values.
"My mom always told me, 'If you're prepared, you don't have to get ready.' I saw her set goals, work toward them, and accomplish them, even when the path wasn't easy," Beatrice recalled.
This upbringing helped Beatrice navigate her own challenges with a positive outlook and determination.
Takeaways for Creatives and Skaters
Beatrice’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. Her journey offers valuable insights for anyone facing setbacks in their pursuits:
Recovery is Both Mental and Physical: Overcoming setbacks requires patience to rebuild not just physical strength but also confidence.
Stay True to Your Values: Authenticity in your work creates a lasting impact and meaningful connections.
Diversity and Inclusion Strengthen Industries: Making spaces where diverse identities feel represented enriches the community and inspires others.
Show Notes
00:00 - Introduction: Yuri introduces pro skateboarder and artist Beatrice Domond, setting the stage for a conversation about resilience and creativity.
01:09 - Overcoming Injury: Beatrice shares how her ACL injury impacted her life and mental health.
"When I hurt myself, it was 2021 in Berlin... A lot goes into your head—am I gonna walk again?"
05:10 - Rebuilding Confidence: Discussing the mental hurdles of returning to skateboarding after a major injury.
"I have to start small. It's very humbling... If I work on my knee, it'll get stronger."
13:30 - Challenging Industry Norms: Beatrice talks about creating a clothing line that redefines women's skatewear.
"I wanted men to want them too... I wanted everyone to feel represented."
21:34 - Curating Art and Building Community: Beatrice discusses her experience curating an art show and fostering inclusivity.
"I wanted everyone to feel represented... This is my real life."
31:45 - Future Goals and Optimism: Beatrice shares her aspirations in skateboarding and fashion.
"I want to make two really good parts... I just want to be involved in skateboarding but also in fashion."
38:00 - Lessons from Her Mother: Reflecting on her mother's influence on her mindset and determination.
"My mom never told me I couldn't do anything... Having someone believe in you at a young age, that's everything."
Listen to the Full Episode
Beatrice Domond’s conversation on MINDED explores the challenges and rewards of breaking boundaries in skateboarding, design, and art. Her insights on overcoming setbacks, embracing creativity, and promoting inclusivity offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating challenges in their pursuits. Tune into the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify to hear more about how Beatrice is reshaping the landscape of skateboarding and design.
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