We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jalen Willis. Check out our conversation below.
Jalen , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Ideally I wake up doom scroll for like 20 mins, then first thing I do is make or get coffee. After that steam sauna for 10 minutes straight to a 5 min cold plunge, shower, make some breakfast then figure out what the move is for the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jalen Willis a skateboarder from Lorain, Ohio. I moved to LA when I was 19 one year after I graduated from Amherst High school in 2015. After moving to LA I got to travel around the world to skate and film for video parts, for skate contest and still continue to do all these things 9 years later. The past 3 years I got into a position where I can come back to Ohio and host numerous skate contest and events alongside Jarod Pierce and all the brands I either skate for or brands that are willing to help out.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Earliest memory I can think of is when I used to play basketball at the Ymca on a team and I was cooking the kids in my first game so they moved me up age groups to play with the bigger kids. Hit multiple game winning shots, went to the Cavs camp for like 4-5 years was also moved up in age groups based on skill and got to play 2 mini quarters on the Cavs court before one of the home games. That taught me hard work and dedication can take you far if you stay disciplined with anything you want in life. Nothing in life comes easy and you have to keep pushing towards your goals in life no matter what.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In late 2019 I had a knee surgery that took me out like a year and a half. Had to relearn how to walk and that was the only time I felt down and thought that I wouldn’t be able to skate how I used to anymore. I made sure I found reliable professional physical therapists that deal with athletes and not just regular people. They definitely put me to work but through all that it helped me realize the importance of keeping up and maintaining your body so you can do what you want for as long as possible.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
For skating the most important thing you can do is film video parts. Thats the culture I grew up in, I love skating contest and all that but personally you have to be able to do both. You can do tons of things at the skatepark but if you cant do it in the streets its not as valid.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I wouldn’t stop anything at all. It would only make me go harder and do absolutely anything and everything I could do with that time. Always told myself you can relax when you’re old and can’t get out and do what you love anymore. If I had to stop anything is waisting any kind of time. Put out as many video parts, put on many more events and contest for my community because at the end of the day thats what legacy your leaving the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jalenwillis
- Youtube: Jalenwillis1227
- Other: tiktok : jalenwillis96
