It's actually a funny story about how I got started on social media. I started taking skateboarding videos on my phone for fun with friends. After running out of storage on my phone, I decided to create these fun skateboarding edits on TikTok. I didn’t expect or plan for anybody to see them. I just wanted to have all of my skateboarding videos placed onto one platform in order to delete them off my camera roll. I posted my second video on TikTok at the pump track in San Diego. The next thing I knew, it had 1.5 million views. I was very shocked. I did not think that anybody would ever watch my skateboarding videos. I kept posting skateboarding content for fun during the pandemic, and, ultimately, this led me to who I am today.

The SurfinHippie shop started during the pandemic when I started illustrating fun skate, surf, and snowboarding images and turned them into stickers. This became my outlet and entertainment while most things were shut down. My goal in life is to start my own, female 70s-hippie-skateboarding clothing line, which I would call SurfinHippie. In the meantime, I decided to create an Etsy account for my stickers named SurfinHippie.

What is the most important piece of entrepreneurial advice you have ever received?

The most important piece of entrepreneurial advice that I have received so far would be that networking and building connections are key. I am already a huge social butterfly, but I have learned that creating new connections via social media or in-person greatly benefits my future business. I am always learning something new; being exposed to so many different entrepreneurs and hearing their stories has helped me grow.

How do you stay inspired? What keeps you motivated to keep going?

I am naturally artistic in my mindset and viewpoint, which keeps me inspired. However, being motivated is definitely a bit harder. It really motivates me to keep going when women reach out to me (via social media or in-person) to let me know how much I've inspired them to hop on a skateboard. It makes me so happy to know that simply posting skateboarding photos, videos, and art can provide this encouragement, and, hopefully, one day a clothing line that empowers women to feel good in the clothes they wear to the skatepark.

What is the best thing that has happened to you lately?

The best thing that has happened to me lately was the opportunity to host group skates in San Diego. I love giving females around the area the opportunity to feel comfortable learning how to skateboard with me by their side. □

Article Credits

Alyssa’s Instagram: @alyssalysset

Shop SurfinHippie: SurfinHippie

Cover, First, & Sixth Photos: @teagan.maddux

Second Photo: @sophs.films

Third Photo: @joloswag69

Fourth Photo: @miamanalastas

Fifth Photo: @zac_bucket