Weekly Grind: First Product, First Story
Weekly Grind: First Product, First Story
Big news this week! Cypress Grind Co. is officially live. The shop’s open, the first product’s on the shelf, and Emily’s art decks are already in production. She’s got free rein on the designs, so I’m equal parts excited and nervous to see what she comes up with. Right now I’m researching finishers for the paint… that part’s stressing me more than I’d like to admit.
Inventory’s growing too. T-shirts and some spare skateboard parts are also trickling in as we keep building the lineup. We’ve also got toddler skateboards on the way. And before anyone asks, no, your two-year-old won’t be hitting tre flips. But it’s a perfect way to get them familiar with a board early. Plus, let’s be real… it’s mostly for the bragging rights.
Meeting Kyle at Lakewood Crossing
I was skating at Lakewood Crossing Park this week, handing out free bars of Fox Grease that didn’t pass weight specs. They were still perfectly fine, just a little underweight, so it felt better to get them into skaters’ hands than toss them or wait to remelt.
That’s when Kyle (@light_cult) rolled up. He’s 34, and instead of showing up in a car, he pulled in on a motorcycle, his board strapped awkwardly to the sissy bar. Normally, he rides a quarter pipe at a friend’s place, but that friend’s out of commission after breaking a leg on it a few days ago. So, Lakewood was the spot for the day.
Kyle’s from San Diego but moved to Texas a few years back. He’s got tattoos, slip-on skate shoes, and a hole in the top of his right shoe big enough to prove he’s been putting them to work. When I asked why he skates, his answer boiled down to one thing - freedom. Skateboarding and riding his bike give him the same rush of independence.
We swapped trick stories, and the last one he landed that really made him work was a nollie bigspin to crooked on a quarter pipe. If he ever found a random portal mid-ride, he said he’d skate right through without a second thought. Gas station snack of choice? Cheddar Ruffles - no hesitation.
He gave a few shout-outs too, but my phone died literally one second into recording the interview, so those are lost to the universe. My bad, Kyle.
Lesson learned: always bring a backup battery.
What’s Next
This week was proof that Cypress Grind Co. isn’t just a store. It’s starting to become a thing. More products, more stories, and more time at the park meeting people who actually live the lifestyle. If you see me out there, come say hi. You might get free wax… or end up in next week’s post.