Today we’d like to introduce you to Lawrence Clayton.
Hi Lawrence, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We got started in 2016 and I had an idea for a local board brand however I didn’t have any money a friend of mine let me borrow $350 to place my first order and from there it just kind of kept snowballing until we were able to order more and more and more sometime in between when I own this skate shop. I did take a break for two years so I would say ever since 2019 we have been consistent.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road lol however, I welcome the struggle because it definitely lets you know if you love this or not in which case I definitely do some of the struggles have included the cost of wood going up tariffs and what not and there’s just so many brands out there. All of that is perfectly fine though I am just happy to be able to be here and help positively influence our community.
We’ve been impressed with Ugly Skateboards , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sense apart for others would simply be our dedication to the influence and a positive manner on our local community and striving to keep our prices affordable a lot of skateboarders or at least skateboarders I grew up with struggles in the last thing I want to do is charge somebody $100 for one skateboard I remember as a kid or young teen needing to save a lunch money in order to be able to go skate so a huge part of our identity is having quality and affordable skateboards. As far as accomplishments and something to be proud of, I’m just proud of everyone who continues to push themselves creatively and physically and people. Who strive to have fun skateboarding and be a positive influence on others. Lastly, I make all of the products myself for the most part we do get our wood shipped in from Alabama. However, me and my friends do all of the art and then I apply the graphics to the skateboard shirts, etc., and it is a very fun and exhilarating process so everything from social media to photos videos, graphic design, screen, printing, etc., etc. we do it all in house
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
First and foremost, I am a huge nerd lol there are tons of media that I listened to throughout the day and I don’t even think there’s enough room on this page to write them all down however, I do like to continue to educate myself even if it’s not a fail, I’m in I do believe education is free and we have access to tons of it so I’d spend my time listening to a lot of history and religion podcast to have a better understanding of the world around me outside of that comedy and music are a huge influence. I love to laugh and make others live and just be in a positive mood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.UGLYSKATEBOARDS.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uglyskateboards?igsi=b2RhMjY2amN6OGZq&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BUiBeppFT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@uglyskateboards4457?si=0E8njI5SmsExDfEu
