Episode 13: Sleestak
The Art of Persistence in Tattooing, Skateboarding, Social Media, & Breaking Stereotypes
We got to wrap up 2024 with a guest that has been on our list of creators to one day to sit down for a long time, Sleestak. From head to toe tattoos to steezy skateboarding, Scott is constantly creating in his world of artistic pursuits and brand deals throughout North America. We initially sat down to get his story of how he started to see the world with a colorful view, and turned his artistic lifestyle into his full time job with brands like Converse, Birkenstock, Levi’s, and Coal Headwear - BUT we end up getting into what really drives Scott at a much deeper level, from a personal hardship with his grandfather being an Auschwitz survivor after 6 years inside. We get to see how Scott’s pushed through always showing up no matter what he’s doing even with ADHD, the ride or die woman that keeps him accomplishing the details in the background, and a dash of imposter syndrome and panic attacks in the world of being an influencer. Welcome to a very fun video episode!
Sleestak takes us back to his childhood growing up in Toronto. As a son of Polish and Swedish parents, Scott grew up with a unique family history that led him to push back on rules and a typical way of life, forming a different path from the traditional corporate trajectory he was surrounded by. We discuss Scott’s family background and his creative pursuits that started early through art and skateboarding that quickly led to sponsorships in the skateboarding community. The conversation covers themes of the impact of persistence and never allowing anyone to change you or tell you what to do with the evolution of his artistic style. After many years of working his way up the scene as a tattoo apprentice in Toronto, Scott opened his own tattoo studio in Squamish, BC called Grateful.
We got into the scoop of Scott meeting his now wife Laura, at a house party when he was 16. They had a fun night, which led to a fun decade. Travelling the world together, starting their own businesses, becoming dog parents, and taking on every challenge and opportunity in support of each other. Want to know how they do all that? Don’t worry I asked all the juicy questions. This love story is proof that not only does it take a village, but that your partner could end up with face tattoos one day! These two are a great example of endless support, and determination to achieve their goals and dreams together while still keeping things FUN. Getting married in the bush, signing their marriage license on the hood of a car near the river, and keeping an active lifestyle as the Sea to Sky is an adult playground for all sorts of activities.
We dive into stories of Scott’s being in lavish experiences at Tahoe, sitting backstage with Post Malone, and dining with the Hadid’s at New York Fashion Week. He shares a pivotal moment in his life after working his way successfully in Chef school at George Brown, one of Canada’s best culinary schools, to quitting to become a full time artist.
Scott touches on his need to push past self criticism, his ability to ignore judgement from others on social media, and how he’s managed to become a successful influencer by constantly annoying his favourite brands, which has paid off well. We close with really fun questions like ways Scott gives back to the local Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) , flying sky high in a RedBull stunt plane, what animal he would be, and how many tattoos he actually has. Go check it out if you haven’t yet!!
To contact Scott, you can reach him via: sleestak.art@gmail.com
Follow Scott: @x.sleestak.x
Thanks to our sponsors:
This episode is sponsored by Bryan Pudney. If you’re interested in living in Tofino, contact him at bpudney@rennie.com or shoot him a text at +1 778 558 2414.
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