NIKITA NATION

Thanks for taking us out to one of your favorite hang out spots - how long have you lived in LA?  

Yeah no problem. I love the family arcade. My boyfriend and I always go there. I have lived in LA on and off for about a year. I am originally from Missouri. 

When did you start skating and how did you first get into it? 

I started skating when I was around 12. I got into it because my brother started skating and I always did everything he did. My dad took me to the skatepark for the first time and it was on from there. 

How would you compare the skate scene in Kansas City to that of Los Angeles? Has moving affected your style at all? 

The scene in Missouri is obviously smaller than LA. In Missouri I have skated with the same group of friends my whole life so it's more of a family vibe for sure. I do love skating in LA though because of all the spots and the history. I don't think moving has affected my style except I started skating more street. 

What kind of tricks are you working on right now? Any tips? 

Right now I am working on front heels and just trying to be more consistent. The only tip I have is to have fun!

Do you have any words of wisdom for girls looking to advance their skating, or even just for beginners? 

Just to do you and don't listen to anyone that is trying to bring you down. 

Current motto/words to live by? 

I don't have a current motto but I will say to always wear sunscreen! 

How many boards do you own right now and which is your favorite? 

I have so many decks and cruisers at home I don't even know how many I have. My favorite right now is my current set up which is a Doomsayers deck, Spitfire wheels and Independent trucks. 

Will you be hitting up any concerts or music festivals this summer? If not, any travel plans?

I don't have any plans for music festivals but I plan on going to Florida to skate. I also want to go back to Missouri for a few weeks to see my family. I am always traveling last minute so who knows! 

What's your favorite piece from the SS17 Nikita collection? ;)

This is hard for me because everything is cute but I am a huge fan of jackets and I would have to say the Starward jacket. 

THANKS, HILARY!!!

And don't forget- follow @hilaryshanks_ on Instagram; photos by @rachel_hinman. 

Shop for Nikita now at EVO.

We are non-stop moving and shaking over here at Nikita! Hot on the heels of releasing our first ever playlist for our first ever (lots of firsts) Nikita Retreat-A, we have just dropped our latest Spotify May Playlist #forgirlswhoride! Kick off the summer with this upbeat exploration of modern day punk; featuring nods to all-female punk forebearers like ESG & The Slits, intros. to our current day staples like Grace Mitchell & Death Valley Girls, and unexpected deviations into the hip-hop genre (even some tracks by dudes too)…because, as this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction reminds us, any genre can celebrate a rebellious spirit. Follow us on Spotify @Nikita_Clothing. 

After an unpredictable snow season on the east coast of the US where riders were forced to stay on the groomers for fear of riding rocks and mud in January and then rejoiced at an unexpected snow storm that brought road closures and mini avalanches, this winter is finally coming to a close.

Through all of those ups and downs- Ari Morrone was hardly deterred. She was strapped into her snowboard at every opportunity; even for fitness breaks in the park (where she schooled anyone watching with the number of pull-ups she could perform while dangling her snowboard below her).

Go watch this tiny powerhouse of a human slay on everything from handrails to home-base baseball cages. We think you'll agree it's a home run.

Ari Morrone Street 2017 from big boulder PARK on Vimeo.

We're coming down from the excitement of the Nikita Retreat-A event last week, but we aren't quite ready to let it go yet.

And who would be? Three full days spent with some of the best girls you can think of, hot-lapping the park at Northstar during the day while sending it into the wee hours of the morning each night- this was a trip to remember.

Spotify Nikita Retreat-A Playlist

While we have a FOMO-inducing recap on it's way soon (sorry in advance, chickies), feel free to get your fix of Retreat-A feels by plugging in to this originally curated playlist that we rocked out to all week long.

And of course- stay tuned for more! The lifts may be closing, but that only means you need to keep squeezing as much out of this snow season as possible before it all melts away.