hey, my name is Anderson do Santos, but I’m better known as "Mindú," a nickname that came from "amendoim" (peanut). I’ve been involved in skateboarding since 1990, when I first started skating on the streets of Duque de Caxias, a city in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro. Skateboarding has always been more than just a sport for me; it’s a lifestyle, a form of expression, and a connection to my community.

In 1994, with a simple VHS camera and a VCR, I decided to start documenting the local skate scene. My goal was to capture the raw energy and unique styles of the skaters in Duque de Caxias, giving visibility to the local talent. These videos, which began as a way to share our skate culture, soon led to the creation of JUAREZ SKATEBOARD, a brand born out of a sense of unity and the “do it yourself” spirit that defines skateboarding.

JUAREZ SKATEBOARD wasn’t just about selling products; it was about creating a movement, a crew of people passionate about skateboarding and street culture. For several years, we produced videos, zines, and clothing that reflected the essence of the local skate scene. However, after a while, life took me in different directions, and the brand went on hiatus.

In 2021, after the pandemic, I felt it was the right time to bring JUAREZ SKATEBOARD back. Skateboarding had grown, but I believed there was still space for a brand that represented authenticity, creativity, and the grassroots culture of the sport. With a renewed focus on creating skate films, zines, and streetwear, I relaunched the brand, keeping the same core values of supporting both amateur and professional skaters, while promoting creativity in every aspect of skate culture.

Today, JUAREZ SKATEBOARD remains a platform for creativity, individuality, and self-expression. Our brand continues to celebrate the resilience and energy of street skateboarding, and our goal is to inspire the next generation of skaters. Whether through our videos, our clothing, or our involvement in the local scene, JUAREZ SKATEBOARD is about more than just skateboarding—it’s about freedom, passion, and the community that this culture represents.

My experience as a skater in my youth and my passion for this sport led me to explore urban culture, capturing through my lens the energy of local and global skaters’ tricks in the streets of Rio de Janeiro. I believe that each video can convey the energy and emotion that skateboarding provides, as well as showcase the diversity and talent of the skaters in our region. I am always seeking new perspectives and experiences that can enrich my work, sharing the essence of this incredible sport with other skate enthusiasts.

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