Neighbors Skate Shop: Skateboarding, Community, and Creativity in Leimert Park
By Matthew Becerra
A History Rooted in Representation
Nestled in the heart of Leimert Park, Neighbors Skate Shop isn’t just a shop — it’s a testament to community, creativity, and culture. Founded by Tré in 2019, the shop has quickly become a hub for local skaters and a beacon of representation for a neighborhood that has long been underrepresented in the skateboarding world.
“When I was growing up in Leimert in the late '90s, skateboarding was alien,” Tré shared. “We didn’t have anything like this here. It was just a small group of kids, and we had to leave the neighborhood to find places to skate. Eventually, I didn’t want to leave anymore.”
Tré’s vision for Neighbors Skate Shop was born out of a desire to create something for his community. After years of working as a photographer and creative director, he decided it was time to focus on his own project. The brand officially launched in February 2019, with the shop opening its doors on April 3, 2021.
“Before we opened, it was just us putting up stickers and wearing T-shirts nobody could buy,” Tré recalled. “We built this exclusive but inclusive vibe that represented our neighborhood and gave it a voice.”
Decks That Tell Stories
At Neighbors, skateboards are more than decks — they’re canvases for storytelling. Tré shared the significance behind several decks, each with its own narrative.
The First Deck: A Tribute to Family
“The first graphic we ever made had my grandma on it,” Tré said. “When I stayed at her house, everyone who visited had to be greeted by this picture of her. Putting it on a skateboard was like inviting the world to see her the same way. Opening the shop in Leimert Park felt like a full-circle moment.”
Lauren Halsey Collaboration: Art Meets Community
A project with artist Lauren Halsey and Nike brought together art and community. “We had creative freedom with her art, and we designed a ‘day and night’ perspective,” Tré explained. “We made a bunch of these boards and gave them out to kids even before the shop opened. It was such a cool project.”
Denim Tears Collaboration: Breaking Barriers
The Denim Tears collaboration stands out as a milestone for Neighbors Skate Shop. Tremaine Emory, the creative mind behind Denim Tears, teamed up with Neighbors to create a deck that transcends the boundaries of traditional skate culture.
“Tremaine came through, and we made this happen,” Tré said. “Collaborating with Denim Tears is something that just doesn’t happen in skateboarding. It was a huge deal for us.”
The deck’s design reflects the intersection of fashion, culture, and skateboarding, emphasizing how Neighbors is carving its own lane within the industry.
Gregory Young Memorial Deck: A Heartfelt Tribute
One of the shop’s most emotional projects featured artwork by Gregory Young, a homeless artist Tré met near the 110 freeway. “Gregory created amazing pieces with just Sharpie markers on Xerox paper,” Tré said. “We worked together on a skateboard graphic, but sadly, he passed away before he could see it. This project really hit home for me. RIP Gregory Young.”
Welcome Basket Deck: A Warm Greeting
When the shop officially opened in 2021, it launched with a deck featuring a welcome basket graphic. “When you move to a neighborhood, your neighbors give you a welcome basket. I wanted to bring that idea to the skate shop,” Tré said. “This graphic was a hit. We even made a commercial for it — it was fire.”
Street Name Deck: A Tribute to Leimert Park
This deck features street signs representing the neighborhood that shaped Tré’s life. “I grew up skating on all these streets,” Tré shared. “It’s a tribute to the people and places I’ve known my whole life. There’s even an Easter egg with ‘365,’ symbolizing a year spent on the block in Leimert Park. This one really hit home.”
Skate Shop Day Deck: Neighborly and Protective
For Skate Shop Day in 2022, Neighbors released a deck featuring artwork by Ty Francis. “Ty chose a dog for the graphic,” Tré said. “It felt very neighborly and protective, which was perfect for the shop’s vibe.”
Louisiana Chicken Deck: An L.A. Staple
Another standout deck pays homage to a local staple: Louisiana chicken. “Everyone in L.A. has their favorite spot, and they’ll argue about which one is best,” Tré laughed. “This graphic is for the memories — getting that under-$10 combo after skating, just trying to get by.”
A Skateboarding Renaissance in Leimert
Beyond the decks, Neighbors Skate Shop has become a cultural hub in Leimert Park. From collaborations with brands like Denim Tears to gaining attention through billboards and stickers plastered around the globe, the shop’s impact has been immense.
“It felt like we were creating our own Fairfax,” Tré said, referencing the famed streetwear destination. “But this was ours, rooted in Leimert Park.”
For Tré, the journey from stickers to storefront has been about more than skateboarding. It’s about community. “This shop represents a neighborhood that speaks for so many people,” he said. “It’s cool to see how far we’ve come, but this is just the beginning.”
As Neighbors continues to grow, its decks, collaborations, and community focus ensure that its legacy will skate far beyond the streets of Leimert Park.
