Today I’m thrilled to spend time with Elise Crigar. She’s a designer, skater, surfer, social media strategist and fierce advocate for women in action sports. We talk about her journey from college to an incredible recent career move, the power of social media and staying true to your goals. I’m beyond impressed and honored to know this woman.

She’s set to take on the world, truly the definition of goals. There is a fierce focus that I adore with her. Grace and grit, and I’m confident that the world is ready for her and she’s ready to literally makes some serious waves out there.

You can find Elise at: www.elisecrigar.net and on insta Elise Crigar

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Shelly Bond is the preeminently cool former v-p and executive editor of DC Entertainment’s Vertigo imprint, moving on to oversee Black Crown, a new creator-owned comics and graphic novel imprint. She’s spearheaded an incredible comic anthology of Warrior Women titled "Femme Magnifique" and has launched a new Kickstarter campaign to publish her latest creation "Hey Amateur".

Last episode we spent time with Cindy Whitehead, stylist, skater and all around phenomenal human being. I can’t say enough about what an inspiration she is to live life all in. Well as a result, she has brought more energy to this experience connecting me with Shelly.

We chat about being a woman in a historically male genre, and how comics are a unique sensory experience for the reader. She believes that comics have a moral imperative and incredible opportunity to create a space for inclusion and embracing our differences. Also? If you didn’t know, now you do. A thought bubble is NOT the same as a word balloon. After over 25 years in the comic industry, Shelly is truly a force to be reckoned with. We agree that kindness is indeed contagious, and it up to us to continue being a force of positivity and change.

I love her advice to Show up, Lead by Example, Be Respectful, and be Fearless.

Please check out her Kickstarter and be part of making Hey Amateur happen.

I’m fascinated, now further educated and truly grateful for the connection. There’s so much more to learn from her, so let’s jump in. Without further ado please enjoy Shelly Bond.

“Live life balls to the wall. Do epic sh*t. Take every dare that comes your way. You can sleep when you’re dead.” This is the personal motto of Cindy Whitehead, founder of Girl Is NOT A 4 Letter Word.

Sharing time with this epic human being is a privilege I don't take lightly. Cindy conquered the male dominated profession of pro vert skateboarding in the 70’s, and quickly became one of the top ranked professional female vert skateboarders in the U.S. for pool riding and half-pipe. She has founded a super rad platform for female skaters, Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word, encouraging their fierce spirit through grants, apparel, books, and community. 

We chat about shenanigans, how to chase dreams all in, using your voice to uplift and empower and stepping into your power with no apologies. She's my hero. 

Dive in, enjoy, get inspired and do some "epic sh*t."

Meet Jasmyne Bell. She’s spending the summer interning with us, and not so secretly I’m hoping she’ll stick around for a long time. She’s a writer, fan of cosmic bowling, Asian food and 80’s movies. Like Davyn, who you met in our last episode, she’s a coffee lover too. Seems to be a theme around here.

We were chatting about a post she’s writing for us about coming of age films over generations and how their messages continue to resonate decades later. This lead to exploring and defining what the differences are between Gen X, Gen Z and Millennials. It begged a greater conversation that we chose to share here, and hope that you will not only enjoy, but will participate in. Have thoughts? Message us directly through the Anchor app, we’ll follow up on the next podcast. 

I could go on, but I’d rather you hear her thoughts on the influence of social media on GenZ, the hypocrisy and irony of Gen X parents and how really we are all ultimately wanting to be seen and loved for who we are inside. Let’s dive in. 

Today I’m spending time with Davyn Matte, my favorite fashionista, blogger, intern for Metiza, fellow coffee lover and super fan of The Bold Type. Davyn has a Degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, and also spends time on many a side hustle. 

That’s what we are talking about today. How to turn dreams into reality, how to really go for that side hustle and remember you are worth it. You’re not alone in questioning what the heck you’re doing, but don’t forget to search for those mentors, icons and lean into your sisterhood for support.  We’re your front row, cheering you on, you’re never alone. 

Straight from our favorite coffee shop Echo, cappuccinos in hand, it’s my honor to share my time with Davyn and a few dogs… 

The Matté Edit

Mentors & Inspiration: Sophia Amoroso, Emily Weiss, Lauryn Evarts

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Today I’m spending time with Sarah Braddock, a brilliant human being that has spent this school year interning for Metiza, sharing her incredible insight on everything from social justice, to her vegan lifestyle, to diving deep into self discovery and spirituality.

She’s truly one of my favorite human beings ever. Having just finished her sophomore year at the University of Miami, we decided to dive into that tricky transition from high school to college. She shares some priceless words of wisdom from her own experience, not to forewarn, but to support you as you start your own journey into your next life chapter. That’s what the Metiza community does, we’re here to learn and support each other through all of life’s challenges and triumphs. I hope you enjoy.

Welcome to our first episode of the Metiza Podcast. My name is Paige Bird, and I’m the co-founder and editor in chief of Metiza, an online magazine and community created to empower young women. Our hope is to encourage a sense of purpose, confidence and love of your authentic self through sharing your experiences with each other.