Ep.06 Soy Sauce Nation w/ AK & Nirvana Ortanez
Get to know AK and Nirvana Ortanez, the founders of Soy Sauce Nation, an Asian snowboard community focused on bringing more inclusivity into snowboarding and beyond. Recapping the first ever Soy Sauce Nation'als event that went down in June 2021 at Timberline, Kim, AK and Nirvana reflect on their own unique relationships to race, identity, snowboarding, working in the action sports industry and how it all informed being part of the SSN community.
About AK:
AK has worked in the snowboard industry for over 14 years. He was adopted from South Korea and grew up just outside of Baltimore Maryland. His journey in the snowboard industry started by working at a snowboard shop, then becoming a sales rep in the Mid-Atlantic for multiple skate/snow and lifestyle brands. He now spends his time working as the Vice President of Sales for the family owned snowboard company Crab Grab and is the Co-Founder of Soy Sauce Nation, an Asian snowboard community focused on bringing more inclusivity into snowboarding and beyond.
About Nirvana Ortanez:
Nirvana Ortanez is a digital creator and marketeer rooted from being a professional snowboarder. From taking photos and filming for snowboard projects she has produced content within the snowboarding industry and community. Originally from the coast of California, Nirvana also grew up with a love and appreciation for surfing. She now finds herself working at the convergence of the snow and surf world with the ROXY marketing team. Co-founding Soy Sauce Nation, she advocates for diversity within the snowboarding community and beyond. Nirvana seeks to make the outdoors equitable, welcoming, and accessible.
About the Show:
Squeezing the Juice is a podcast and webinar series hosted by Kim Woozy & Ashley Masters featuring conversations with experts in skateboarding, fitness, nutrition, physical and mental health, creative culture and business. Our goal is to inspire, educate and empower our community by sharing our collective experiences, stories and backgrounds. Discover how to be the best version of you...with us!