“What is it that I love?” That’s what Lucy Osinski asked herself before embarking on a journey that would take her around the world. In 2018, Osinski launched GRLSWIRL, a female skate collective based in Venice, CA, that has become a global community of women and non-binary people who want to skateboard, build authentic relationships, and positively impact the community.
While Osinski exudes joy for her community and for her sport, her optimistic outlook on life did not come naturally, as she candidly admits to Teen Vogue.
A classically-trained ballerina from upstate New York, Osinski attended college on a dance scholarship only to realize partway through the program she lacked the “driving obsession” she saw her peers exhibit. To tap into her passion, Osinski says she tried “all the things under the sun.” Flowing with the rhythm of life’s opportunities led her to various jobs in fashion, music, tech, film, and farming, as well as stints in France, New York City, and eventually Los Angeles. Whatever came her way, Osinski says, “I did it with all my heart.”
Courtesy of GRLSWIRL, Photo by Kristen NoelleKRISTEN-MILLER
Thinking back on her ability to “keep going and keep going” despite feeling directionless, Osinski describes this period of exploration as “a hunt for connection with people.” It was not until she was introduced to skateboarding by her boyfriend, Gabriel, that she finally found everything for which she had been searching. The more she skated, especially with others, the more she loved it. The sensation of finally belonging was as addictive as it was empowering. “Something just clicked in my brain,” Osinski recounts, “and I went from feeling really fragile and weak…to suddenly feeling so powerful.” Her deep desire to help others discover that same energy birthed what is today known as ‘GRLSWIRL.’
Five years after their official launch, the founding team of nine women has nurtured GRLSWIRL into a global force for empowerment, encouragement,…
Read the full article here
