Check Out Forrest Cornwell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Forrest Cornwell.

Hi Forrest, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am the founder and owner of Sunset Chasers. I was raised in Oakland, California. I grew up playing ice hockey which is where my passion for extreme sports began. Hockey is a predominantly white and hyper-masculine sport and I played with very few people of color or LGBTQ people over the years. While playing hockey, my love for other forms of skating and extreme sports was born.

One thing that always stood out and bothered me was the lack of inclusivity within skate culture and the way people looked down on skaters. I also noticed the intense division between different skaters (i.e., skateboarders vs. roller skaters). I felt there was something wrong, that there shouldn’t be a division. I always believed that there would be a way to break down those stigmas and begin to paint a new narrative of what it means and what it looks like to be a skater.

Fueled by that dream and my desire to see more inclusivity and community in the skate culture, Sunset Chasers was born.

Sunset Chasers is based in Los Angeles and is a skate brand built on inclusivity. Inclusive to all genders, sexualities, sizes, ethnicities, skill levels, and skating types; quads skates, inline skates, aggressive skates, BMX biking, scootering, skateboarding, and other action sports alike. It’s also just for people who like to chase the sunset.

As a brand and community, I hope to show the joy, freedom, peace, and sense of belonging that skating provides not only for myself but also many others. I want people to remember how beautiful the world is once you take a second and enjoy the sunset.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Nothing worth trying is ever easy. There has definitely being a learning curve for creating a skate brand, but the biggest challenge has been getting traffic on my page and website. Marketing is an everyday struggle for any brand starting off. With the help of social media like TikTok and Instagram, we are beginning to build up our pages and grow this all-inclusive skate community. I couldn’t be happier about the momentum we’ve had, especially coming out of a pandemic.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
This is one of those questions I have trouble answering. I never want to put myself into a box, and I don’t ever want to feel like I’m gloating, but all in all, I’m an artist. I’m a photographer. I’m a videographer. An editor. A designer. A resin artist. Graffiti artist. Most importantly, I’m a curious kid allowing the wind to take me where I need to be. What sets me apart is I won’t let anything stop me from reaching my goals, including seeing this company reach its full potential.

I’m best known for my passionate mindset, my resilience to not give up on anything, and my stubbornness.

I’m very excited to have official Sunset Chasers representatives all over the world. I love seeing individual vibes, styles, and personalities. I can’t wait to watch the team and community grow. I’m so proud of how far this company has already gotten and very enthusiastic about where it’ll take me next.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is essential in anything worth doing. Starting this brand, especially in a pandemic, is not something I would suggest to everyone. The question you have to ask yourself is, “Is the fear of failing bigger than actually you succeeding in your dreams and getting what you want?” and if not, then might as well give it a shot. I’m very happy I took my shot with this brand.

I believe in this brand. I believe we need more all-inclusive representation from brands, especially in the skate community. I want to provide a space to showcase more positive examples of what it means to be a skater and begin to break down the stigmas. I hope to contribute to that in any way possible.

Contact Info:

• Email: sunsetchasers.la@gmail.com
• Website:www.SunsetChasers.LA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsetchasers.la/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunsetchasers.la

Image Credits:
Photography Credit: Sick of Being Famous Entertainment Group and @jayceealcala