We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Royce Woolridge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Royce below.

Royce , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Growing up with a passion for basketball, which led me to play in college and professionally in Europe, I experienced a pivotal shift during my time overseas. Europe’s rich cultural tapestry exposed me to a broader perspective on life, highlighting the fusion of art, intellect, and sports.

My journey as a coach and trainer for young athletes has been deeply rewarding. I’ve noticed a tendency among them to narrowly define themselves by their sports identity. My goal has been to broaden their horizons, encouraging them to explore diverse interests like music, art, and fashion, alongside sports. This holistic approach to development is a cornerstone of my coaching philosophy.

Skateboarding entered my life unexpectedly, a gift from my girlfriend during a transitional phase. Initially challenging, it quickly became a new passion, reigniting the drive I felt in basketball. This experience, marked by persistence and self-belief, allowed me to connect with and inspire the youth to embrace new challenges and believe in their potential.

The concept of Gnar Buckets was born from a desire to create a brand that resonates with the blend of gritty, underground cultures of skateboarding and basketball. It’s not just about sports; it’s about a lifestyle that values hard work, uniqueness, and resilience.
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The name came to me randomely – a moment of clarity in the shower, where the name ‘Gnar Buckets’ encapsulated this vision of blending the raw, unfiltered essence of street basketball and skateboarding, appealing to those who are often misunderstood yet relentless in their pursuits.

In essence, Gnar Buckets is a manifestation of my life experiences and the lessons I’ve learned and imparted as an athlete, coach, and mentor. It’s a tribute to the unorthodox, the hardworking, and those daring to be authentically themselves

Royce , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey began with a deep-rooted passion for basketball, playing through college and professionally in Europe. Living in Europe broadened my perspectives, introducing me to a diverse array of artistic and intellectual experiences.

Beyond basketball, I ventured into skateboarding, which added a new dimension to my understanding of sports as a conduit for personal growth.

Gnar Buckets blends the worlds of basketball and skateboarding into unique, culturally resonant merchandise. Our offerings include apparel and accessories that embody the spirit of both sports.
Our brand thrives on the infusion of street and athletic aesthetics, creating products that resonate with a diverse audience.

We address a gap in the market for those who identify with the underground, gritty aspects of basketball and skateboarding cultures. Our products offer a unique identity to our clientele, who often feel underserved by mainstream sports

The integration of basketball and skateboarding cultures in a genuine and non-cliché manner sets us apart. Rooted in real-life experiences and a journey of self-discovery, our brand promotes authenticity, resilience, and the courage to embrace one’s uniqueness.

I am most proud of how Gnar Buckets inspires and empowers the youth, encouraging them to explore and embrace diverse passions beyond conventional boundaries. Potential clients, followers, and fans should know that Gnar Buckets is more than a brand; it’s a movement that celebrates the unorthodox, champions hard work, and stands for the bold and the fearless. We are committed to creating a positive impact, not just through our products but also by fostering a community that supports and uplifts each other.

In summary, Gnar Buckets is not just a brand; it’s a reflection of a journey filled with passion, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the power of sports and arts to shape lives. Our mission is to empower individuals to find their unique path and to celebrate the beauty of the unconventional.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One pivotal lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the misconception that doubt is a sign of weakness or a signal to quit. Throughout my journey, both as an athlete and as the founder of Gnar Buckets, I’ve encountered numerous challenges that often seeded doubt in my mind. Initially, like many, I perceived these moments of doubt as indicators that maybe I wasn’t on the right path or that I was destined to fail.

However, I’ve come to realize that doubt is not only natural but also an essential part of growth. It’s a reminder that we’re pushing beyond our comfort zones, venturing into the unknown, and that’s where real growth happens. This realization became the backbone of our brand motto: ‘Doubt Always Deceives.’

The backstory to this unlearning process is rooted in my experiences in both basketball and skateboarding. In both sports, and particularly in the early days of skateboarding, I faced numerous setbacks and moments of self-doubt. There were times when progress seemed almost impossible. Yet, it was in these moments, when things got incredibly tough, that I learned the most about myself and my capabilities.

This lesson has been transformative. It taught me that the presence of doubt doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path; often, it means you’re exactly where you need to be, on the verge of a breakthrough. It’s a reminder to stay persistent, to embrace the grind, and to keep moving forward, even when the end goal seems distant.

In essence, unlearning the negative connotation of doubt has been a liberating and empowering experience. It’s a lesson I strive to impart through Gnar Buckets, encouraging our community to persevere through their doubts and challenges, because on the other side of that doubt often lies success and self-fulfillment.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

A defining moment of resilience in my journey unfolded during my college basketball days at Washington State. That year was particularly challenging for me. I had lost much of my confidence due to a combination of factors, including being assigned a new position by the coaches and being restricted from playing to my strengths as a scorer, something I had excelled at since high school.

As the season progressed, my struggle intensified. I found myself questioning my abilities and my identity as a basketball player. It was a period of deep self-doubt, which is something I often share with the kids I coach now, to illustrate the mental battles athletes face.

However, a turning point came during a game against Oregon, who were ranked #8 in the country at the time. I remember feeling a mix of frustration and determination as I stepped onto the court. It was then that I made a pivotal decision – to trust in my skills and play my game, regardless of the potential outcome. I told myself, ‘Every time you get the ball, make a play. Whether you miss the shot or turn it over, believe in your game and give yourself a chance.’

That game, I scored 36 points, reigniting not just my confidence but also my passion for the game. This performance marked the beginning of a remarkable run for the rest of the season. It was a powerful lesson in believing in oneself, even when circumstances seem to conspire against you.

This experience was more than just a personal victory; it became a cornerstone of my approach to coaching and mentoring young athletes. It illustrates the essence of resilience – the ability to confront self-doubt, embrace your capabilities, and turn a challenging situation into a defining moment of growth and triumph.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.gnarbuckets.com
• Instagram: @gnarbucketsofficial
• Facebook: Gnar Buckets
• Youtube: @gnarbuckets
• Other: Tik tok: @gnarbucketsofficial

Image Credits
@marcustookthat