Check Out Breanna Simon’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanna Simon.

Hi Breanna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started out making videos tutorials for rollerskaters on YouTube when I was doing my PT after having shoulder surgery. (I tore my labrum playing roller derby). I was using a free program, on my Android cell phone, and was having a blast! It was a fun way to be creative and still feel connected to my community while I was on an injury recovery break from rollerskating.

I actually wrote three online articles as well for an international rollerskate magazine to help any other skaters going through something similar. That’s really been the point of what I do since the beginning- to empower and pass it on. Today, my channel has grown to an audience of 23.5k subscribers, my tutorials have helped so many people learn how to rollerskate and progress in their skating journey. I get messages all the time or mentions in comments from skaters who learned from something I’ve taught or shared.

In 2018, I began skating every day for a year out of this drive to improve at skating for my roller derby team. My skate name, “Simon Slays #55” comes from that era. I started sharing my progress on a skate Instagram I created just for my rollerskating journey, @simon_slays55, posting at least two times a day and connecting with other skaters all over. I ended up skating 400 days in a row, finding a passion for quad skating at skateparks, completing one full season of roller derby on a competitive team, then having the shoulder surgery.

I’d just moved to Tennessee from Indiana, knowing no one- I was the only rollerskater in my city and on my roller derby team at the time who did tricks at the skatepark. I started inviting skaters who’d see my posts on Instagram having fun doing that to come to the park with me- and that just kept growing! I ended up spending about three years as a volunteer- leader, hosting and organizing local meet-ups and fun events at the skatepark for this growing local group of rollerskaters looking to learn how to park skate.

I was involved in skatepark advocacy with the city and local organizations, meeting up with other local skaters all around my area, and investing and teaching skaters in person. The pandemic put a halt to in-person events in 2020, so I made the best of being safe while still connecting with my community by going full time create content on YouTube. It was actually the perfect timing for me to switch to sharing my knowledge and tips through videos online! One, I could reach anyone in the world, making me as a resource accessible to ANYONE who wanted to learn.

A lot of people got interested in rollerskating during that time because of Tiktok- people were stuck at home, looking for new activities to safely pick up on their own. I was thriving getting to teach all these new rollerskaters and introduce them to what I love in hopes of them discovering the joy of something so fun! Most of my content is informative, helpful drills, tips, and tutorials that break down skills step-by-step so it’s easy to understand.

Today, I create a lot of short-form content for Instagram as well. My audience exploded recently from 2k to 20k (in under a month!) after I started sharing a new style of skating I’m learning- along with writing about my mentality on confidence and stepping out of our comfort zones. People enjoy my energy and it’s so rewarding to get to just let your heart be free out in the world to share what brings you joy. Skating is such a passion for self-expression and creativity, and I love sharing it. It’s so amazing to see the positive impact you can have as an individual expand when you open up to be your authentic self in the world and simply offer some perspective that connects.

I love that connection. Truly at the heart of everything I do as a creator, I enjoy seeing the growth we can have together and individually on our own skate journeys. There are many forms you can use to create and share your knowledge, and I’m so grateful I’ve been able to make a positive impact in my community. My goal has always been to pass it on, to inspire and empower people to get out there, build their confidence, learn new skills, and have fun skating.

I’ve also been able to partner with some brands along the way, participate in some amazing opportunities, connect with wonderful people, and have experiences I could only dream of before becoming real. I couldn’t be happier because I’m free to do what I love, create, and pass on something positive and fun that’s impacting the world around me for good. It doesn’t get better than that!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I definitely experienced challenges. I did have difficult experiences, but that contrast only showed me a clear vision of what I didn’t want so I could be empowered to create what I did. It only made me more passionate about the importance of creating a safe learning space wherever I can for beginners where they could feel empowered and believe in themselves- and also feel inspired to even try and be able to have fun doing it.

If you see something missing or lacking and it matters to you- that’s a good sign to step up. Bring that value, hold that vision- especially if you can see and you believe it’s needed. Create it not just for yourself, but for others, too. Be confident about the value you are creating- if you believe in it, that passion will only catch on and spread. To make something real, you have to focus on what it is you want- and be willing to let go of what isn’t aligned with that.

For a simple example, I didn’t focus on how much it sucked that there weren’t enough rollerskating resources- I just began creating them so there would be more for anyone who may need them. I just began doing what I could, as I could- and that will always keep evolving as I continue to grow and learn and am able to share out of that with others. As long as you believe in the value, it’s worth putting out there for the world. You never know the impact you will make, but I think it’s worth the chance even if it’s one person who positively gets something out of it- in fact, even if that person was you.

Your own growth is worth it!

Everything that has happened in my skating journey and in my passion for “passing it on” has only directed me to a better path. I’ve learned lessons that shaped and grew me into the person I am today, and I’m proud of where I am now. There are specifics of some chapters I’d rather give the power to what that experience gave me, so I’m sorry if it’s a bit obscure-sounding. The difficulties and challenges we encounter are all there give us something we needed to grow, transform, let go of or learn from to direct us along our best path and into our truth. The darkest moments are pierced by the brightest illuminations. We emerge with the more personal power to overcome AND can take that and teach others to do the same.

I had to be perceptive, decisive, honest, intelligent, independent, use good judgment, not be swayed, stay level-headed, think objectively, and unveil the truth in situations I faced at times; it took learning how to be direct and assertive, going against the grain, embracing big changes, seizing moments and opportunities and just jumping in. There were a lot of lessons for me in learning how to stay true to what’s aligned with my truth- I was challenged in standing up for my convictions when I tend to err for whatever keeps the peace. I’ve learned how to create inner peace.

I chose to do that through being gentle, artistic, creative, maintaining my personal integrity and innocence, going deeper with my inner world, getting in touch with a deeper awakening of my self spirituality, doing healing work, looking my fears in the face to overcome them, letting go of negativity, deciding to “restart”, allowing myself to dream, going after those dreams to make them a reality, holding my vision of what I believed was possible and never giving up or losing sight of that, choosing my happiness, creating a safe space for myself where I could find balance, harmony, calm in a creative new beginning that renewed my emotional, creative self.

I can see this beautiful transformation to where I’ve only grown into a more confident, independent, joyful, courageous, attractive, passionate, outgoing person who is willing to be lead, organize, be an outgoing friend, and how on my own I’ve created this more stable life, despite a lot of change, transition- like moving and starting life in a new state multiple times. The best adventures always give you some challenge you can grow from!

As creative, one of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to cultivate our inner world and connect with ourselves. Most of the issues we experience in this world are out of disconnection- with ourselves first, and others second. Connection is key. Everything flows a lot nicer when we live out of connection- and confidence. We can be confident and secure in who we are and what we do -no matter what obstacles or challenges we face- if we stay connected to what’s within us.

Sometimes what ends up not working out for us actually is a blessing in disguise and redirecting us to exactly what’s best. There’s so many times that’s happened for me as a creator, I just trust it now! I get excited because I know if something I thought was a good opportunity isn’t “it”, then how much better for me is what’s coming? And 100% of the time, it’s always for my growth as well. It’s not just about accomplishing the things you want to it’s about what you gain in the process. That’s what takes you where you need to be. So I’ll always embrace the obstacles and challenges.

They teach me and build me up stronger so I can handle the big dreams I have so I’m ready to receive them. Everything happens in perfect timing, and there’s no rush because there’s always more to discover and do. No setback is forever, no failure is final, and you don’t have to be perfect at anything to be successful. Most things are not accomplished overnight, so it does take that commitment, dedication, and a passion bigger than just you to keep going after whatever vision it is that you want to pursue in life.

A mentality that’s served me well is I don’t focus on the negative things I don’t want and can’t control- I focus my energy, time, attention, and heart on the positive things I do want to create. I allow life to happen and I create the good I can right here. Soon enough that turns into something beautiful I’m proud of.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creating original video content (on YouTube and Instagram) for rollerskaters! All my ideas are inspired (and in the case of an idea inspired by someone else, I give them credit!). I’m recognized for being different because I take a more spiritual approach to leadership (like teaching perspective and going deeper than just ‘skills’). Even though I empower people to do this fun hobby, the work itself is helping people connect with their free, fun spirit- to enjoy their journey, find the answers within themselves as I have, prioritize self-care, and just offer guidance and wisdom.

Tutorials, tips, videos, writing, and whatever “work” I do always has the purpose ultimately of simply lighting the path so people can see to take the next steps. I have good advice, I care deeply, I’m deeply loving, kind, relaxed, compassionate, and emotionally strong- so within my community, I want to create a welcoming place where people feel emotionally secure to build their confidence, make their dreams reality, set their goals for the future, and know there’s more than enough for all of us to go around. Like when you win, I win, and vice-versa. We win together.

I have this vision of what community I want to create around me, and it’s one where we celebrate each other, no one is bragging or showing off, we all can feel on top of the world, be satisfied in our successes, and at the same time find satisfaction where we are. My special talent is being a natural-born visionary leader who takes action in creativity, love, joy, kindness, generosity, helping others, expanding and contributing to my community, sharing, being supportive, giving what I can, spreading positive energy, being playful, carefree, joyful, giving, sharing the wealth.

I’m known for my drills on YouTube for sure! My audience appreciated my attention to detail, the informative way I break things down so they can learn easily. People who’ve followed my journey over the years as a skater and creator have seen a lot of how I’ve had to flow with life. A lot has changed but through it all, I’ve stayed calm, patient, content, happy, and at peace with who I am, where I’m at, and where I want to go.

I just keep moving forward, gaining new perspectives, staying optimistic, honest, transitioning from one place to another, healing, overcoming, and staying committed to my goals. I’m always passionately growing, learning, practicing- but also just finding what brings the most harmony, freedom, and adventure into my life. I’ve worked hard and that’s paid off- so long as I’ve kept my perspective, stayed calm and grounded. That’s been a beautiful adventure for me to create along and share with the world around me!

I’m proud of focusing on what works for me, becoming clearer on what I want- and what I don’t want! It takes intuition and emotional strength to let go and walk away from what doesn’t serve you. Moving on by focusing your energy not on “winning” but by forgiving and focusing your energy on something more positive and constructive is hard but really important in finding your path as a creator. Not everything is going to align as you grow.

I’ve had to move on and handle things calmly. I’m proud of myself for being a peaceful, loving soul who’s been responsible, has integrity. I’ve kept a willingness to learn new skills, be patient with myself, gain new knowledge, share that knowledge, and I’ve been able to rely on my creativity, willpower, resourcefulness, personal power, logic, integrity, and drive to get me to where I wanted to be as life.

I’m a six f00t tall queer rollerskater with colorful hair so I do naturally stand out! I’ve faced shoulder surgery, conflicts, transitions, moving, and even a really touchy year of social anxiety when I first started off as a skater. I hope people see my endurance, how I never give up no matter what I go through or face. No one wants to face testing times of insecurity, feeling left out, loss, isolation- but those experiences can bring us to a place of deeper knowledge of ourselves and our strength. I feel like because I’ve endured, because I never gave up, I was able to create abundance on all levels and share my abundance with others.

I now have a secure and strong foundation and reaping the rewards of my creative achievements. I’m also adventurous- I’ve moved across the country twice, I’ve tried so many styles of skating, challenged my skills and commitment, I’m not afraid to take risks or action, get things done that I see a need for. I’ve courageously kept moving forward and embraced my own transformation, and my hope is that inspires others to do the same. I changed my environment, too.

Instead of staying attached to surroundings that give me an illusion of safety, I broke through a bunch of barriers -beliefs and thought patterns- that constricted me from who I really am and opened up to so many different worlds and perspectives than my own. People see that transformation, and I love to help them tap into that power inside them. Rollerskating is just one way to discover being empowered as far as you want to go. The world is full of so many ways, this is just the one I love to share.

I think most of all, I’m passionate and I genuinely care about my community. I’m enthusiastic about rollerskating because of the joy it has brought me! I am a positive, encouraging, uplifting person to be around, and I have so much to give. My content is original and creative, aesthetic and colorful- the energy is always so inviting. I value relationship over status, fun over performance, and embracing the whole journey from where you’re at rather than feeling some pressure that you’re not good enough. Create an experience you enjoy!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For mentors, my advice if you’re like me as a creative- is to seek out healing, fulfilling, joy-filled new relationships and friendships. Know there is so much potential for success that enters your life when you are open to new ideas and good feelings and you go with the flow. Keep your emotions open to the people who celebrate you, are happy with you, and who feel healing to be around. Get in touch with your emotions and creative side- and find people who are reassuring, supportive, nurturing, creative, lively; with who you feel harmony.

If you are at peace, that’s a good environment for your growth and for you to thrive in. Find places and people that are life-giving, where you can commit to cultivating your growth, creativity, passion, art, and create beautiful things out of love. The best places and people are filled with unconditional love, values that align with yours, and a shared vision. Obviously, that deeper connection is built over time, but if you mutually invest out of genuine support for each other’s paths, you can create amazing support systems.

The people closest to me have loyal, understanding, believe in me, encourage me, give me advice I trust, are safe to confide in, share anything with, and know I have their complete support and celebration at all times.

Professional connections are cool, but creative and artistic people draw from deep emotions and inspired ideas that take a lot of depth… so likewise, you should surround yourself with people who “get” that. I’ve never been great at transactional relationships or power plays- I value people as equals and like to connect humans to humans and get a better understanding of each other. Understanding ourselves and others through deepening relationships is the best way to partner well. You get so much out of that and it’s not measured or controlled, it’s free-flowing.

For networking, my advice would be wherever you go, just enjoy the moment, make the most of it- people love your positive energy! Radiate success, joy, light, optimism, openness, good energy, good luck, enthusiasm, speak your truth, be your happy self. If you have an interest, go places where people go who have that same interest- and try different ones!

I also want to say one of the best things you can do for finding a mentor is actually to get in touch with your own inner self. Get out of the busyness of life, retreat from the demands of the world, expending your energy, chronic stress, and go within. Get in touch with your inner self. Rest, recoup, reflect, care for yourself, health, step back and contemplate. If you’ve been thinking rigidly, stuck in patterns of thinking that aren’t constructive for you- spend some time to put those things to rest. Spend some time alone, go away for a while, recharge your batteries, focus on your own needs. You know what you need better than anyone else.

We often seek help outside ourselves- which if you need to, totally do! That’s why professionals and mentors and networks exist. If we’re ever experiencing a drift or block in our connection to ourselves, our creativity, our purpose- whatever it may be, we can also regain that connection by seeking some guidance through the process and trust it as we learn to honor the season of life we’re in, and most of all, keep calm, stay present, and accept support. We don’t choose isolation; we isolate out of fear. If you need to pull back, choose solitude to find silence away from the noise- whether that be in your head or your environment, or both.

Find some time to spend alone so you can observe your thoughts and emotions and connect with who you really are.

The best thing I have ever done for myself was to take the time to reset. Show up for yourself, then you can show up in your life as your fullest self. People will come into your life organically. Over and over in my life, significant people have come into my life at the right timing just to speak truth into my life when I needed to hear it most. Out of their own heart, passion, and perspective- they wanted to pass that wisdom and guidance on to me. I’m so grateful for people bold and brave enough to invest in others, they can change someone’s life with one sentence. One solution.

One piece of advice. If you meet someone like that, it’s a gift that may impact you forever! You don’t always need a specific mentor- I find people I look up to who inspire me to learn from everywhere in life, but most of all, I see myself and stay true to who I am. I see the vision of who I am choosing to become and the life or work or project I want to create and the impact I want to make- and I keep that clear insight. That directs me forward. That gives me the power to keep taking steps toward it. To me, the important guidance you can have on your path as independent people who have a vision and passion, who are blazing their own trail, who are creative and original, who are taking a path no one else is- is to learn to trust their own inner guidance.

My best advice is to take the opportunities you feel excited about! Seek them out, be adventurous, don’t wait on things to happen or come to you. Go to the places people like you hang out at if you’re a rollerskater, go to the rink or skatepark. Invite people who express interest to join you. Take free classes or training that spark your interest. There’s so much free advice on social media so you can learn anything by just searching and taking the time. Collaborate with people who have a shared vision! If you and someone connect or agree on a value or idea, that’s an amazing opportunity to partner together.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. And when things don’t align, don’t hang on too long to the disappointment of it- there’s a whole wide world out there of amazing options to explore and discover, so don’t get stuck on the ones that for whatever reason wasn’t “it” for you. Always keep hope that when something “falls through”, it’s just because something better for you is on the horizon and you’ll find it by moving forward. Even if you don’t know what that is! Things take shape over time, you don’t have to have it all figured out, just do the step in front of you. Maybe you only know one person- take the first step and connect with them.

Go to events! And most of all, stay authentic and true to yourself. Keep focused on your vision and the value you believe you’re creating out in the world through what you’re doing. Write down your ideas. Put your attention into creating all the positive things you want to see. If you think it’s cool, that’s a good enough reason to go for it; don’t let self-doubt dictate your decisions, confidence in yourself is so key. The more you take risks and trust yourself, the more rewarding it is to see just how things work out.

Stay positive and believe in yourself, because the possibilities of what you could accomplish and the impact you could make are infinite! Enjoy the process because it never ends, there’s always more- so you might as well find joy along the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simon_slays55/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonslays55/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHfAFue2-Nz-nx6Y-2-PNw/
• Other: https://simonslays55.wordpress.com/blog-2/