Mel learned to roller skate as an adult and has now been skating for nearly 10 years. In that time she has played derby, skated ramps and found a love for roller dance. She loves to learn new combinations and often seeks people out to stretch her skills and help them improve. She also would love to learn more artistic skating too. Mel loves that skating has no age limit. Every time she skates, she improves. Mel was proud the first time she managed a 360 spin, and the first time she did crazy legs. A few years on and my movements are so much smoother! A good shoot the duck is always a fun trick.

 

Mel co-founded and co-owns Roller Girl Gang in the UK and she is really proud of their company. They are a community interest company (CIC) so they hold social issues as part of their core values. Roller Girl Gang up 3 years ago from nothing. The very first class was an outdoor one because they couldn't afford to hire a room! Now Roller Girl Gang has classes at multiple venues and a regular pop-up shop at a wonderful venue, The Corn Exchange in Leeds.

 

Mel skates for herself and doesn't always have a camera set up, but she has been lucky enough to be snapped by some amazing photographers.

Roll for your soul. Sometimes, it's nice to skate on your own, listening to music. Most of the time, Mel prefers to skate with friends, the majority of whom she met through roller skating. Roller skating should always be fun. Mel plays and creates a lot, particularly at the skatepark. She doesn't like heights and finds it very daunting, so playing keeps everything fun!

 

Photo above by Katie McMillan

Mel (pictured left) skating with her best friend and business partner Len. Photo by - Carla Mundy