Our Team

Makayla

Jenn

Rachel

Kyla

Olga

Makayla

Graphic Designer in Bismarck, North Dakota

Makayla is a graphic designer that has been working in the sign industry in North Dakota for 10 years. Specializing in custom designs, she provides professional design and guidance while working to create a recognizable and successful brand for local companies. She was introduced to GRRRL Clothing through Instagram, as she is always on the lookout for high quality workout clothing. GRRRL ran an open public design contest in 2016 and Makayla decided to submit her design, consequently winning the contest. Since then she has had a great working relationship with the CEO of GRRRL, Kortney Olson, together developing fresh designs for some of the greatest activewear in the industry. Finding her power and confidence through weightlifting, GRRRL’s message resonates strongly with Makayla. Being able to share that message of empowerment through design is why she is grateful to be involved with GRRRL Clothing. Makayla is married, a stepmom of 3 boys, likes to spend her free time weightlifting and hanging with friends, family and her two furry dog children.

Jenn

How did you find grrrl?

A few years back, I decided to change careers and work for a start-up. I found GRRRL through a job post on a socmed platform and everything is “her-story” from there.

What attracts you to be involved with us?

From the moment I interviewed, it was a match. I was lucky to find the start-up life I was looking for back then and GRRRL is a brand that represents positivity, inclusivity, and empowerment. And, we don’t just talk about it – our team embodies these values and we pay it forward. How awesome is #grrrlstrong?

Dogs or cats?

Oh, impossible! Dogs and cats are both so wonderful and fluffy in their own ways – love them both 

Any other message to share with the world?

Just keep showing up and try to be your best version! We are all on this beautiful planet for a reason – our individual actions affect others, whether we know it or not, directly or indirectly.

Rachel

Head of Inclusion and Anti Racism Education

How did you find grrrl?

I learned about GRRRL while watching UFC – Holly Holmes was wearing GRRRL gear and I was really intrigued! So I went to Google and saw KO crushing watermelons with her rad thighs as well as looked into the mission of GRRRL. I became an instant fan! It was so refreshing to find a place that catered to ALL athletes that identify as women, including the variety of body sizes we have.

What attracts you to be involved with us?

Being involved with GRRRL is such good work. There are very few spaces where women identifying people can be seen as their full selves without the pressure of conforming to a specific body type, of which is often unattainable. Moreover, there’s a message behind the movement – we are not just a clothing brand, but rather a reprieve from the clothing industry and the biases that permeate it silently.

Dogs or cats?

I dig dogs and cats. Dogs are super hype to see you and everything is a party for them. But cats are low maintenance and can be affectionate….when they feel like it.

Any other message to share with the world?

Change isn’t on the horizon anymore – it’s here. Welcome to the revolution. 

Kyla

How did you find grrrl?

I’d heard about grrrl through my mom when I was younger, in 2018 my mom took me and my sister to GRRRL Live and I absolutely fell in love with everything, Kortney ended up being my role model growing up, I even got a pair of Kush leggings that I adore and have been wearing to roller derby practice ever since! But I was impacted the most by Kortney’s private session with the Next Gen women, that truly created my first impression of GRRRL and what it’s all about. My mom ended up working a bit with Kortney to make a local app, and later on invited us to try on samples of the Goddess Genes. When I got my first car at 16, Kortney had offered me a job in customer service, and the rest from there is history!

What attracts you to be involved with us?

What attracts me the most to GRRRL is the message we spread, what we’re truly about, and the overwhelming positivity that comes with it all. As well as the absolute determination for representation, we truly are here for every grrrrl! Everything about GRRRL resonates with me, GRRRL continues to bring me peace and happiness in my life, talking to/helping women through customer service brings me lots of joy as well! The GRRRL team truly is a family, it’s so magical! 

Dogs or cats?

I have 2 goofy huskies, a kitty, and 3 hamsters. I personally prefer dogs over cats just because I never had one growing up (mom’s allergic) and now adore my huskies, but my childhood cats definitely have always been there for me when I needed them growing up and are great support animals! I might have to say I’m a hamster grrrl though, they’re pretty dang cute.

Any other message to share with the world?

I have been playing roller derby since I was 9 years old, stopped only due to covid shutting the sport down in 2020. I love EDM music and raves, and I LOVE animals. I wanted to be a vet before I realized college ain’t for me, now I just collect animals and take care of them like they’re my children lol.

Olga

How did you find grrrl?

I was referred by Gino Payne , videographer 

What attracts you to be involved with us?

Kind , inspiring, very welcomed people . Love to be around them, always feel protected and happy. 

Dogs or cats?

Dog

Any other message to share with the world?

Love will save the world