Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven James.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in small colonial town called Williamsburg Virginia. My Early childhood days I spent a lot of time with family, attending church, watching cartoons, reading comic books and drawing every chance I could get! I started skateboarding when I was ten years old. My older brother got us in skateboarding. Before I started skating I just played soccer and basketball with my brothers. At the time I didn’t have much fun playing soccer or basketball so that ended quick.
I really was drawn to skateboarding because of the graphics and awesome tricks, I was seeing in skate magazines. I like the fact that you can develop your own style and skate independently without a coach or team. I met a lot of friends in our neighborhood and at school who skated as well.
Through our friends, local skate contest and Skate shops, We started to learn more about skateboarding. From that point from Jr High school until this day I was hooked! Watching every skate video, going to every local contest and remembering every skateboard graphic that came out! My brother and I launched a local skate brand called Finesse. We spread the word around with Finesse and took our local skate scene by storm! In 1996 I ended up getting sponsored by Well known local skate shop that led to Bigger sponsors out in San Diego, California.
In 1998 I was offered a job opportunity with my board sponsor Aza- Zorlac Skateboards to move out to San Diego and work and be a Pro Skater in the Skateboard industry. I had just gotten married not that long ago and my wife got a job offer as well in San Diego. So We took the leap of faith and moved! Over time I learned a lot from working with my current sponsors and felt it was time to venture out on my own skate projects.
In 2000 I relaunched Finesse Skateboards and came across a job opportunity to work for X-Concepts a small Toy Company that owned/produced the Tech Deck Skateboard toy line. On the Tech Deck brand, I had many rolls that grew my experience as a graphic artist, toy designer, product manager, licensing partner and brand Ambassador.
In 2007 the Lord had put it on my heart to work with the youth ministry at the Rock Church here in San Diego. After building great relationships with the youth, most of them shared they were skateboarders as well. Today I lead the Rock Church Skate Ministry. My goal is to share with Skaters around the county to follow their goals and so that God gets the Glory! I currently reside in San Diego with my wife Crystal and our two awesome girls Hayley, Roxie and dog Blue.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was not a smooth road it was a lot of painful lessons to learn. Lots of struggles but I learned that those struggles help you grow if you have a positive mindset!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Finesse Skateboards – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Finesse is a Skate, Art and lifestyle brand. The product line is comprised of skateboards, apparel, accessories and art collection. Today the Finesse- James collection offers special licensed graphics from anime, video game brands and licensed toy line.
I’m the Artist, Creative Director and handle and assist with sales duties for the brand. What makes me most proud of the company is being able to give back and encourage the youth to follow their God-given talent!
That’s one of the things that sets us apart from other skate brands out there in the market.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have more licensed projects in the works that I’m excited about. Lots of things in the works in 2020 that I’m excited about! Stay Tuned!
Pricing:
- $60.00
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.finesseproducts.com/
- Phone: 619-804-1730
- Email: steve@finesseproducts.com
Image Credit:
Steven James
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