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etnies Girl of the Month
c/o Sole Technology, Inc.
25422 Trabuco Rd., Suite 105 #235
Lake Forest, CA 92609

This month's etnies Girl is a rider and a writer with loads of inspiration for both. All the way from Bakersfield, say "hello" to Gina!

Give us the basics: your name, age, town/city, school, grade level/year and your favorite subject.
My name is ginA romO. I just recently turned 18. I live in Bakersfield, California. I'm a senior at Foothill High School. My favorite subject has always been English because I love to write.

You mentioned style a couple times…is fashion your main interest?
Fashion is somewhat my main interest. Everyone has there own style whether it be in the latest fashion trend or the way they present themselves, everyone is not the same. I express my style through clothes and how I present myself.

Any hidden talents?
Well I love to write; I've been writing poems and lyrics since I was in the 6th grade. Now I have about 6 composition books filled up. If I'm out and about and I think of a good quote for either a song or a poem, I grab the nearest thing to write on. Often its been napkins and post-it notes. Haha. I also love to sing. I've been in choir all throughout elementary, jr. high and honors choir in high school. When I was thirteen I had guitar lessons. I wouldn't mind picking it back up and putting those composition books to work.

Why do you like etnies?
I like etnies because they where my first pair of skate shoes so I have to represent!!! Haha.
They support young talents and it gives young chicks an opportunity to show off there talents. The SEED Project is another thing that is really interesting to me anything to make the world a better place is gnarlyyyy.

What do the words “etnies Girl” mean to you?
"etnies Girl," to me, means being bubbly, having your own thoughts and feelings. Sticking up for what you believe is right. Everyone has a voice and an etnies Girl uses that voice. There are a lot of stereotypical people in the world and being an etnies Girl proves that we are kinda breaking the boundaries—for seeing people for who they really are, not just what the outside appears to be.

Tell us about the skateboards and dirtbikes in your life. What got your started and what do you enjoy most about those?
WOW! Skateboarding I've known since I was in the 6th grade going into 7th grade summer school. My cousin Martin used to skate with my older sister, so thats how I got into it. I used to go to this church called Canyon Hills and every Friday night they would have this thing called "skatenight". It was pretty brutal; they had it all set up in the parking lot...kickers, rails, a box, halfpipe, quarterpipe. I rolled around getting in kids ways—me and my pink helmet covered with stickers...Britney Spears sticker on one side and on the other side a Mark Appleyard and a Tom Penny sticker! Eventually I progressed. My Dad bought me my first Whitesands complete; it looked like a BlackLabel. It was still prettttyy sweeet. I'd be outside on the hottest days trying to learn how to pop the deck up high enough to call it an ollie, haha. Eventually I got it down. So here I was, this 13 year old girl, rolling around with the boys, trying to find the newest skate spots, knowing we would get kicked out an hour into our session. I met most of my friends through skating. It kinda sucked for me because I was the only girl and all I had to skate with were all dudes. I mean, it would have been nice to skate with another chick to talk about boys or clothes, lol, but the guys got me more and always made me laugh. Now I kinda know girls are nothing but drama! Haha.

Now I go to this skate spot called "shindig" every Thursday Downtown. I just recently got my TTR 125 Yamaha dirtbike and I really enjoy riding. It's a rush. I plan to ride more and skating is more competitive...you're gonna get hurt no matter what. Thats just the type of sport it is. I mean, you can't buy your tricks on e-bay, haha. But for those who can't skate, it's also nice to cruse it.

Meet Ania, February's etnies Girl Of The Month. Hailing all the way from Warsaw, Poland, Ania is a traveler, film buff, photographer and skimboarder. She's actually a whole lot of other things but after our little Q & A sesh, one thing was super clear: Ania is a very inspired artist and a total etnies girl! Read on and see for yourself.

Give us the basics: your name, age, town/city, school, grade level/year and your favorite subject.
My name is Anna Baranowska. I live in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, where I was also born. I’m in the 3rd year of gymnasium school (this means 3 years left to university here) and I’ll be 16 this April. However, I prefer saying that I’m 15. I really enjoy English as a subject as well as history, because they both let me be somehow creative.

Is art your main interest?
Actually, art is my main interest, but not the only one. I’m also very keen on film (though it’s a part of art). I love watching movies and then discussing them with the others. They give me an opportunity to see some new aspects of matters and points of view. I’m making my own short films at the moment and I’m willing to develop this passion in the future. Psychology intrigues me a lot recently, some special cases, human’s brain. But the real masterpiece is a psychological movie.

Any hidden talents?
Hmm… maybe an ability of seeing situations as photographs? I’m so used to taking pictures that my eye is gradually becoming a camera. It works as a lens. I’ll put some exposure inside and I’ll be the first living camera ;). However, if the talents are hidden, they are hidden probably also for me!

What do you enjoy most about art?
The best thing about art is that it lets me express myself. I can show through it what I feel, what entertains, thrills or intrigues me. It’s a specific form of my thoughts that are out of my head. If you achieve your aim by art, like showing a message, it gives you an extraordinary feeling of fulfillment. What’s more involvement is crucial there. Without it, it’s not even worth trying, because if you don’t feel it, it means you should look for some different hobbies. Art has to satisfy you and it does me.

What do you like about etnies?
I love the fact that etnies supports young talents. It shows that everybody is special. This breaks some worldwide stereotypes and by being a skateboarding company, the thought gets to many people. The Seed Project is a great idea. I always support projects that help the environment or people. Sometimes you have to act to make the world better.

Why are you an etnies girl?
I am an etnies girl, because I’m creative; I try to make some unusual events out of a trivial or casual situation. I look not at the world’s surface, but deeper. I am who I am and I’m not trying to change it. There’s just no point in pretending to be someone else.

What do you do for fun?
I travel for fun, because I love discovering new places and experiencing new things. I consider even a small trip as a big journey, because you can always feel something new. Life doesn’t require sophisticated means to be interesting. Apart from art, which is my biggest pleasure, I write some scripts for short movies. I wish to film them someday.

Where do you find inspiration?
All the journeys inspire me a lot. I meet people, experience new situations, new cultural motifs and matters. Casually, what surrounds me, gives me ideas for the works. This means even a small pattern on the sidewalk, a map in the subway or simply some situations. I talk through art about some disadvantages. I also love urban architecture which I use especially for my photographs. Recently, I’ve been looking at some art deco paintings. The 1920s is a great period in every aspect for me and if I were to move back in time anywhere, I’d choose it. I was in New York last year and it gave me a great opportunity to develop my photo skills. This city is so magical. My real involvement in art started after I got back home and produced my first collage inspired by it.

What’s your biggest accomplishment?
I consider every accomplishment to be a big one. Step by step trying to reach new challenges. At this point I’m sooooo glad to be the etnies girl of the month!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten, who gave it to you, and when and why did they give it to you?
My Parents give me advice all the time and I really appreciate it, because it’s somehow the basement of my life. They are not just "do-its", but more indicators for me to use. My most valuable art advice was given to me by my teacher, who told me that you have to last in what you’re doing, because it’s the only way of achieving your aim, even if it was to happen after extremely long time.

What’s really important to you (and why)?
It’s again my Family. It’s the most important ‘thing’ in my life. Apart from it, people that can bring something valuable into my life mean much to me. Some advice, absorbing time spent together and exchange of the experiences. I rate highly some kind of "varied constancy". Hard to define, but literal.

What’s the one thing you want us to know about where you live?
My city is a specific one. It really doesn’t have a real downtown, there are many "main points" depending on which one you consider to be the centre. However, you can find there undiscovered nooks and enjoy your time there. Skyscrapers are growing really fast. I’ve had once an illusion of being in Manhattan. When I looked down, it was a big disappointment for me. The funniest thing is that I live ten minutes by subway to the Palace of Culture and Science, which can be called the "centre of the centre" and ten minutes on foot to a forest called the lungs of the capital. Firstly you can feel the man of the world and within an hour observe wildlife!

You signed into etniesgirl.com as Apre. Is that a nickname and how did you get it?
Apre is my artistic nickname. I needed to sign some of my works and my full name and surname didn’t just suit in, because they consist of about 15 signs. I decided to create something and the first thing that came to my mind was an apple. It’s already connected with some things, so I turned “ll” into “r”. Here it is!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?
"-I... You know, I'm not a good driver. I can't chase somebody in a car. I'm gonna have an accident. I'm, you know, I'll-I'll-I'll wind up hitting a school bus or something. -Look, it's nighttime. There's no school buses at night-time. -Don't tell me that. What about night schoosl?" It’s actually one of my favorite quotes from Woody Allen’s film, because it presents my personality somehow. I love irony and you have to know that you aren’t perfect. Though, there are many people who appreciate you just for being yourself to them. I try to be positive- there’s no point in worrying about small things. At myspace.com/aprerockandroll I try to put all the works I’ve done, coming back to art at the end.

Ania's favorite things

Tell us about yourself: your name, age, where you live, where you go to school, what grade you’re in and your favorite subject.

Hi, my name is Lisa Rhymer and I’m 16 years old and I also live in Aliso Viejo, Ca. I’m a junior at Aliso Niguel High School.

And your interests?

Skateboarding, friends, T.V, computer, videotaping, Ryan Sheckler and Wahoo’s

Any fun talents you’d like to share?

I’m creative, artistic and somewhat athletic.

Why’d you start skating and what do you like about it?

In October 2006, my dad showed me a clip of the Dew tour skate about this kid named Ryan Sheckler and I thought he was a fast skater and from that point, I wanted to skate. So I got a board and rode it and loved the freedom of it. To me it’s a sport that lets you become free and creative.

What do you like about etnies?

I like etnies because it’s a good company, they make great shoes, allow girl sports and it allows kids to be part of the skate industry... like GvR and the Holiday Festival. They let kids and teens see their favorite pros in GvR. In the Holiday Festival, they invite kids that aren’t that wealthy to get free shoes and watch some pros. I like how etnies has girl sports and that girls can do stuff that guys can do.

Haha, awesome. At etnies we don’t just “allow girl sports”; we love and support girls who do what they enjoy, regardless. That being said, are you an etnies girl?

I’m myself. I may be a bit self-conscious, but I tell myself to go for it. I’m creative, artistic, energetic, active and fun-spirited.

All very important! What do you do for fun?

I play outside with my neighborhood friends and skate with them, watch TV, go on the computer, play Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk's Proving Ground.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from my friends, brother and other skaters. When I see other skaters, I just love to see that they are really good and that I could probably be at the same level as they are.

What’s your biggest accomplishment?

Skating again and actually trying. When I was little I did have a board but I just rode on it and did no tricks.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten, who gave it to you, and when and why?

I sometimes get advice from friends but I usually give out the advice. One [piece] of my advice is “Never let anything get in the way of what you love, it makes you lose focus on what’s next in life.” That advice is towards skaters because they tend to get really stressed out.

What’s really important to you (and why)?

My family, friends and skateboarding are really important to me. Their part of my life and they keep me focused on skating. Ryan Sheckler is also important to me too because he is a great skater and he pushes himself to where it hurts. He sets goals for himself and he goes for it even if it doesn’t work. I love how I can find people who are important to me so I can tell myself to go for it because my family and friends are supportive and watching.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?

I have a lot of goals I wish to accomplish. I want to start my own skateboard company in Aliso Viejo, CA. I really want to meet Ryan Sheckler. There is one thing that bugs me, which would be the girl fans. Ever since Life of Ryan appeared, lots of girls think he’s hot and they go to competitions to see him. I feel like they shouldn’t just see Ryan as a hot guy but a great skater and a great guy. I just don’t like how there are more girls at competitions just to see Ryan Sheckler, the kid from San Clemente.

Lisa's favorite things

Place: Southern California
Animal: all animals but spiders and different insects
Color: black, blue, red, pink, white
Hangout: Aliso Viejo Town center and LS&S
City: Aliso Viejo
Song: Stop and Star by One Republic, Your Guardian Angel by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Band: One Republic, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Chris Brown, Paramore, and 102.7 KIIS FM
Book: I don’t have a favorite but I read some books
Movie: Tony Hawk's Secret Skatepark Tour 3, Grind, Our Life, Bring It On (all of them)
TV show: Life of Ryan, Friends, Chuck, Family Guy, Newport Harbor and Disney Channel shows
Sport: Skateboarding, Motocross, Snowboarding and Surfing (I want to do those last three)
Game: Dance Dance Revolution, Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground and Guitar Hero 1, 2 and 3, Caddo
Food: Fast food restaurants, Wahoo’s and other types of food
Candy: Kit Kat bars, Gum and Smarties
Holiday: Christmas
Smell: Chocolate chip cookies and Food
Hobby: playing outside with my neighbors
Guilty pleasure: I watch TV too much and I love McDonalds
Athlete: Ryan Sheckler, Andrew Reynolds, David Loy, Justin Figueroa (Figgy), Shaun Stulz, The Girls on the etnies girl team
Hero: My family and Friends
etnies shoe: Sheckler 2s

Wanna be our next Girl Of The Month?
You could be next! Just leave a comment telling us why you're an etnies Girl, your name, age and a link to your Web site or MySpace page. OR send a paragraph describing why you should be our next etnies Girl, along with your name, age, address, phone number and a photo of yourself, to:

etnies Girl of the Month
c/o Sole Technology, Inc.
25422 Trabuco Rd., Suite 105 #235
Lake Forest, CA 92609

December's Girl of the Month is a competitive surfer, Marketing & Fashion Merchandising major and a "down-to-earth girl who just loves life." Read on to find out why Lauren Ngan is our kind of gal.

etnies: Tell us about yourself...
Lauren: Hi! I am Lauren Ngan. I am currently nineteen years old and live in Dana Point, California. I am a freshman at Cal State Long Beach majoring in Marketing and Fashion Merchandising.

e: What are your interests?
L: Surfing, friends, photography, scrabble, sushi and Golden Spoon

e: Any talents you'd like to share?
L: I’d say I’m pretty creative and athletic.

e: How'd you get into surfing?
L: My mom was a huge influence. My mom was all into surfing before I even pursued it. She was the one who took me out on a board at Doheny and made me surf. When I first started surfing, I hated it. But she kept pushing me to surf and now it has become my life. I love her. Without her, I wouldn’t have this blessing in my life.

e: Tell us about your competitions.
L: I started competing about 3 years ago. When I was a junior in high school, I started out doing high school contests for the Dana Hills High School Surf Team and local events at San O’ and Doheny. By my senior year in high school, I was doing the WSA season all over the coast of California as well as coalition events for the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association. I was doing every contest that I was given the opportunity to do. The summer I graduated, I decided to pursue my first pro contest, which turned out to be a success. Since then, I have just been doing coalition events, local events and some pro/am events.

e: What's your favorite thing about competing?
L: I like competing because it gives me a challenge. It gives me motivation to do well and improve my surfing.

e: And what do you like about etnies ?
L: I love a company that promotes all girls sports. Girls can do just as much as any guy. Girls just have to give it a try.

e: Why are you an etnies girl?
L: I am who I am. I am probably the happiest girl you will ever meet. I’m an outgoing, down-to-earth girl who just loves life.

e: What do you do for fun?
L: I surf all the time. It’s probably my favorite pastime. I love just hanging out with my friends watching a movie and going to golden spoon.

e: What inspires you?
L: I find inspiration in people who are totally amped on surfing. You can just see it on their face how happy they are. I find it inspiring.

e: What's your biggest accomplishment so far?
L: Placing in my first pro event last summer.

e: Why do you love surfing so much?
L: Surfing is a passion to me that words cannot express. I love being able to do something independent and excel in it.

e: What’s really important to you ?
L: My family and friends are really important to me. They support me 100% in whatever I do. They are always there through the good and the bad. I love them and I am so blessed to have them in my life.

e: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?
L: I’ve got big dreams and my goal in life is to make them happen.

Lauren's Favorite Things

Place: Hawaii
Animal: star fish, they don’t bite.
Color: yellow
Hangout: San O’ and Doheny
City: Dana Point
Song: American Girl by Tom Petty
Band: Tom Petty, The Weepies, The Shins, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Joshua Radin
Book: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Movie: Hook
TV show: Ugly Betty
Sport: Surfing
Game: Scrabble
Food: Sushi
Candy: gummy bears
Holiday: 4th of July
Smell: my grandma’s cooking
Hobby: dancing
Guilty pleasure: I go to Golden Spoon everyday. It’s probably bad for me but it’s just so good!
Athlete: Kassia Meador
Hero: My mom
etnies shoe: Toddsy Sandal