Meet Ashley Galvan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Galvan.

Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Austin 11 years ago to work in the live music industry. I was able to attain my dream job at my favorite music venue after graduating college and life was GOOD. Unfortunately, when covid hit our industry got hit pretty bad and I was furloughed. Collecting unemployment wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be though. It gave me the opportunity to focus on myself and start my healing journey. Instead of being in the pit or crowd surfing at a show, I pushed myself to pursue my dreams of learning how to rollerskate! It was the BEST thing I could have done. I practiced every single day for a few months and was diligent about my regiment. I always skated for at least an hour and never stopped looking for inspiration to learn new tricks! By the time I knew it, I was getting noticed for my efforts online and met my local skate community.

Meeting the people in my skate community changed my life. I am a completely different person because of skating. I used to run away from my problems and numb myself by going out every night before the pandemic, but after that was taken away from me I was able to see clearly. I was forced to face my problems head-on and work through the trauma that held me back. I was able to finally shed the skin I needed to in order to grow into my authentic self. Evolving into the woman I am is hard work… but 100% worth it. Currently, I am back in therapy, on an incredible skate team, and sponsored by multiple skate companies. I am truly blessed and honored for the support I’ve attained in the past two years. I couldn’t have done it without my skate community and the drive I have to be the best version of myself every single day. It’s so rewarding to finally know my worth and love myself unconditionally.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve faced challenges during my journey of evolving and growing into who I am today, but they helped push me out of my comfort zone. I struggle with anxiety and depression and let me tell ya… it comes in some pretty heavy ways. Some days I hate everything and some days I feel like I can do anything I put my mind to. Luckily with therapy, educating myself on mental health issues, and skating I’ve been able to overcome a lot. I’ve also been able to completely change my outlook on life with a positive mindset. Of course, there is such a thing as toxic positivity and I am fully aware of the negative impact that brings, but even on my darkest days, I let myself feel whatever it is I am going through and let it pass. The next day I reach out to a friend to body double me or make a skate date. It helps me get productive and out of the house if necessary. I also find journaling very helpful. Sometimes you just gotta vent it out… and paper can be the best way. No judgment, no feedback, no guilt, just you, your pen and paper.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
These days I strive to live the life I know I deserve. I love creating inspiring and funny content online. As far as inspiring content, I love hyping my audience with inspirational messages from my heart and soul. I also skate so people love seeing someone’s trial and error in the process of learning something new and that’s what I do. I love encouraging people to live their best life and try something new… even if it intimidates you at first. I create silly stoner videos, because LOL. I love laughing and my favorite thing is to make others laugh. It brings me so much joy to be a light in others’ lives. It’s my life purpose… to be a light.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I give so much love and credit to my support. Not only. my close friends and family, but my worldwide skate community and every single person that follows me on my socials. They pick me up when I am down. They encourage me every single day. They always send me love and appreciation, even when I least expect it. It fills my energy bar to the max and keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @metalasfuck
• Other: TikTok: @metalaf

Image Credits
Skating action shots Camo pants pics | Adidas pants in air | Black and white pic | Cherry blossom portrait – @photo.jay White tank with metal hands – @natashaaustrich