We were lucky to catch up with Ane Gyllstrøm recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ane, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I have a number of acquaintances in various active environments. Some in snowboard, some skate or surf. I’ve always loved gathering people and organizing hangouts, but I got tired of sending different messages to all these people every time I wanted to do hang out – so, I created a group message on Facebook.

The group grew bigger and bigger and friendships across these different groups grew stronger. A void was filling and I understood there was something there worth digging deeper into. I started an Instagram profile dedicated to unite girls, and so @grlshred_ was born.

Ane, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always been interested in people. Well, that is in fact an understatement. I love people. Ever since I was a kid, I always started something new, and it was important to me that everyone was welcome to join in. The more the merrier.

I have also been into the creative sides of stuff, for instance photo, events and drawing. Bringing all these aspects of my life into one and see it grow has been a motivation in itself.

I am born with passion. Sometimes I have passion for the strangest of things, but I love that it drives me to always want to work and be better and stronger. I love to work and see results of it – not in the form of money, but the fact it brings something positive to my surroundings.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In the beginning of creating Grlshred I was met with a lot of scepsism, as you do when something is new and unknown. The perception others had of Grlshred was yet another instagram account trying to get followers and beg for money. I was questioned a lot, by the people around me in the board community, by other brands with girl focus, by boys – but, especially by girls. That hurt and it made me question my own motivation. It felt hopeless, all I wanted was to create an inspiring safe space, but being met by negativity by the same girls I wanted to motivate was though. Luckily I am stubborn and I stood by my concept, slowly showing what Grlshred really was.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

It all started from my own wallet. I bought stickers, beach flag and other materials and started branding everything and everyone. I made sure that my brand was visible, everywhere. I made deals with bigger brands and used my own social media platforms to market Grlshred in any way. Slowly people begun to recognize the logo and understand the concept. More brands took interest in us, making it possible to arrange events and produce merch.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.grlshred.com
• Instagram: grlshred_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grlshred
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anegyll/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@grlshred6769
• Other: My personal accounts are: @anegyll

Image Credits
Grlshred, Even Brekke, Karen Schmidt,