Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Lamar (Sk8luv33, Sk8luv33films).
Hi Terry, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
(Sk8luv33, Sk8luv33films) My story begins with me being re-introduced to roller skating around the end of 2018. I went threw a divorce during that time which brought a lot of confusion about where do I go from here? What’s next? Why did this have to happen to me? Many internal questioning and going back and forth.
At this time, for some reason, all I could think about was roller skating and getting my mind out of my current situation. Now keep in mind I grew up skating when I was little but not in my adult years. I am a skate baby, meaning my mother and father are roller skaters who met each other at the skating rink.
I bought my first pair of Riedell 111 skates at 33 and started my roller skate journey. Like any other new beginner skater, I went through my phase of finding the right skate setup for me from changing out cushions to the wheels on the skates. I would also say that it didn’t take long for me to get sucked into the very active culture/lifestyle of roller skating in Atlanta, GA. Eventually, I found that the Chicago Style of roller skating (JB) is my favorite so I reached out to Phyllis Brown to teach me. At this time is where I learned that people from various backgrounds and circumstances brought them to roller skating.
From the year 2019 – 2020, I decided to actually capture the story of the roller skate sessions I was attending. I watched other videographers before me like Sk8vidzz & SkateLyfe Tv and I picked a lane the was suited for me. I decided to choose the journalist-style route. I film everyone; old, young, skilled, or beginners it does not matter. I want to show the world the roller skating has a place in everyone’s life, no matter where you are in life.
The pandemic caused a shift in my finances due to losing my IT career job. This added to the stress level but I managed and maintained what I had because of the CARE ACT and the stimulus checks which helped many people in the same situation. The world around us shutdown and it felt like the whole was put on pause. The same happened for the city of Atlanta, GA but it didn’t shutdown completely. I decided to filmed throughout the pandemic being that I felt that the world needed to see some form of excitement and relief for mental health. From this point on, my platform grew organically but fast. At one point, I started gaining a 1000 followers a week.
Now today, I’ve experienced a lot of positive things. I was featured in and filmed parts of The Brick Tv – Roll Call ATL documentary. I was featured in Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancing in the Country” roller skate music video. I was a part of an ATL short film documentary which was produced by SMIRNOFF. I also was able to be an additional videographer along with Tyra G. (TGDShotIt) for BOOSIE, the rapper Skate & Prom Party. Macy Gray reached out to me to help kick off her “Disco Skate Challenge” for her group – Macy Gray The California Jet Club – The Disco Song.
I’ve also had many viral videos on my Instagram platform from regular skaters to celebrity skaters like USHER which hit “Hot 97”, “987 Kiss Bham”, “the shade room”, “Baller Alert”, “Revolt Tv”, “the Jasmine Brand”, “RnB Music”, and “Black Culture News”. I have a successful skate night at Sparkles Smyrna called “Diggin’ in the Crates” created by me (Sk8luv33, Terry Lamar) & Phyllis Brown (Chi-Force), this session is every Tuesday from 6pm to 7pm for stepping and skate lessons and the session is from 7pm to 11pm.
It is amazing what we able to experience with the times of the internet and social media. The internet and social media has given so many entrepreneurs opportunities beyond what they could imagine. The one thing I’ve learned from the pandemic is to treasure the time given to you because tomorrow is not promised.
I have been on this journey for almost three years now, and it feels like I’m just getting started in doing what I’m doing for the community and my brand. I have built some grand relationships, rapport with the community and my social media followers.
With some of the recent accomplishments, I have decided that the next steps to the corporate and entertainment industry. I feel that roller skating does not have a strong presence there so I will be participating, partnering and producing in various skate projects, films with skating, and etc. I believe roller skating deserves a place in these arenas like any other sport. In Atlanta, Ga, roller skating is more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.
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?
No, I have been a 9 to 5 person all of my life. When I lost my IT Job which paid well, I prayed and asked God for my next steps. Should I go back to the workforce and find another job or give this entrepreneurship journey a chance again. I tried back in 2011 but was not successful.
God gave me peace and confirmation that picking up where I left off previous of pursuing a career is music and video production is the way to go.
Some of the hard challenges is figuring out how to pay significant bills while starting a chasing your dreams. There were many times where I wanted to just play it safe by having a back plan of going back into the workforce. When I think about going back to the 9 to 5 life, another opportunity comes and allows me to do what I need to do for myself.
On this road, there’s no cushion or backup plan. It’s all or nothing. Put God first always and he will direct/show you the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a skate videographer who travels various skate sessions in the surrounding cities of Atlanta, GA.
I am known for capturing the overall vibe of the roller skating session
I am known for capturing everyone no matter the skillset, looks or shape.
I believe one of the things that set me apart from others is that I always try to get a smile out of the skaters by smiling myself or breaking the ice with a joke or etc. I always let them know it’s just me, Sk8luv33 – a regular person.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Willie Mae Roanoke & Gloria Stokes – I thank God for blessing me with two of the greatest grandmothers in the world. They have sown many seeds in my life and are a critical part of my life. I don’t know where I would be without them. Rest in heaven.
Phyllis Brown – She is a true friend and a great skater. She also helped me in many ways with conversations and teachings. She is the reason why “Diggin’ in the Cates” JB Tuesdays is a success, which is her creative incite and vision.
Denise Dance Legz – She is a true friend and a great skater. We’ve had many conversations about where God is taking us on our individual entrepreneurship journeys. Encouraging one another.
Avery Johnson & Rick Morris – Are my true friends and mentors. They have helped me understand many things and concepts of business and in life.
Alexander Booker (AJ) – My best friend for over 30 years. He’s always believed in me and my abilities. He has always been around as a true friend through the many tough times in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Sk8luv33
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sk8luv33/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sk8luv33.fb/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sk8luv33
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Sk8luv33
Image Credits
Daunte Frazier (Portrait), Roll Call ATL – The Brick Tv, Co director / co producers: Terrell Ferguson and Nathan Levine-Heaney
