Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Marin.
Christina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Orange County, CA. I became a licensed hairstylist directly after high school in 2009, and have been working as a stylist ever since. I’ve spent the past eleven years assisting, gaining experience and building clientele. As for today, I work for myself as an independent hairstylist in Downtown Santa Ana, specializing in vivid hair color. I use eco-friendly, cruelty-free/vegan products and color. I am constantly trying to find ways to be health/eco-conscious.
On my spare time, I enjoy traveling in between my sporadic schedule as much as possible to renew my surroundings. I find it very rewarding after spending over ten-hour days in the salon. I began riding motorcycles about three years ago, and it is the best release and most liberating feeling I’ve come to experience so far. It is my solace and sweet escape from reality. The feeling has consumed me and my life has since forever been changed.
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?
The road to where I am today has definitely been quite the experience. As a one-woman show, I’m funding the company from my full-time job as a hairstylist. Trying to find the balance between the two has been a little challenging, but I get plenty of support from those around me.
Also, Coming from a vegan mindset in the moto world is a rarity, I try my hardest to raise animal awareness in a way that anyone can understand and respect.
I’m constantly researching for different materials to work with to create the most perfect vegan moto attire. Because I’m a small business, it’s not easy to get access to these materials because they only sell in larger amounts. I don’t have any sewing experience, so I’m currently in search of someone who can create a prototype for what it is I’m looking for.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with She Wolf Moto Co. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Being a woman in a male dominant community, and only riding with men in the beginning, I had a hard time finding the proper gear that suited my style. It wasn’t until the California Moto Market hosted by Caitlin Maher that I had found my niche. An entire women’s moto community and a plethora of small, woman-owned businesses that make gear/merchandise. I was so fascinated by the atmosphere that I had been inspired to create my own. Although I supported the many women who had already been established, there was still something missing for me. Vegan gear.
Established in 2018, I created an all Women’s Vegan Motorcycle company in which I named She Wolf Moto Co. It has a spooky aesthetic, with a musical influence and a love for animals. I launched the company with a tee that read: ‘Support Your Local She Wolf’. Which meant that you were supporting a community of equality, unity and animal rights. You don’t have to ride to be/support a She Wolf, and any gender, nongender, race, age, blood type, Sex, or species are accepted.
Throughout the existence of the company, I’ve collaborated with local tattoo artists that have helped design my logo and merch, with a percentage of the proceeds donated to animal charities. The rest of the funding goes back into the business in hopes to eventually create vegan motorcycle gear that is stylish, fitted to a woman’s cut, sustainable, and eco-friendly. I am constantly researching materials and ways to make it happen.
Some of the shirts include sayings like: “Ride Hogs Pet Dogs”, with a Chihuahua in between the wording, made to look like a Motörhead tee, and another saying “Brap out of Hell”, a take On Meatloafs “Bat out of Hell” with a bat winged wheel. I‘m happy I’ve created a platform where everyone is welcome and where we can all collaborate as artists. I feel that our style is unique in the moto world because of it.
Since I created an Instagram handle, I’ve connected with like-minded individuals who ride, love horror, and support animals. The community has been nothing short of uplifting and supportive.
Many thanks to these artists for their time and talent:
Tokyo Hiro
Goonies Ulloa
Stacey Newmyer
Howlin’ Wolf Tattoo
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I hope to eventually get started on the gear this year and move forward In that category. I get direct messages/emails constantly about the best vegan alternatives and my goal is to be able to point them in the right direction, my very own website. Until then, I’m happy to give the best advice as to where to find what they are looking for. I am also trying to become more environmentally friendly by only printing as tee’s are ordered and by printing on mostly vintage/dead stock to reduce the overproduction of product.
Pricing:
- Ride Hogs Pet Dogs Tee-$25
- She Wolf Moto Co. logo sweater-$35
- Beanies-$20
- Kickstart My Heart tee-$26
Contact Info:
- Website: Shewolfmotoco.bigcartel.com
- Phone: 7146976462
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @Shewolfmotoco
Image Credit:
Pete Sosa
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