https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world.atom Redneck buddy - Welcome to our world! 2023-06-21T11:12:20+01:00 Redneck buddy https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/cancer-horoscope 2023-06-21T11:12:20+01:00 2023-06-21T11:12:22+01:00 Cancer Horoscope Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/your-first-pole-dancing-class 2023-06-21T10:33:48+01:00 2023-06-21T10:33:50+01:00 Your First Pole Dancing Class Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/top-10-gift-ideas-for-pole-dancers-2022 2023-06-21T10:33:02+01:00 2023-06-21T10:33:03+01:00 Top 10 Gift Ideas for Pole Dancers 2022 Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/get-stronger-for-pole-dancing 2023-06-21T10:32:20+01:00 2023-06-21T10:32:22+01:00 Get stronger for pole dancing Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/christmas-gift-guide-2022 2023-06-21T10:29:37+01:00 2023-06-21T10:29:39+01:00 Christmas Gift Guide 2022 Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/taurus-horoscope 2023-06-21T10:28:36+01:00 2023-06-21T10:28:37+01:00 Taurus Horoscope Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/aries-horoscope 2023-06-21T10:27:55+01:00 2023-06-21T10:27:56+01:00 Aries Horoscope Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/pisces-horoscope 2023-06-21T10:24:22+01:00 2023-06-21T10:24:23+01:00 Pisces Horoscope Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/gemini-horoscope 2023-06-21T10:20:14+01:00 2023-06-21T10:20:15+01:00 Gemini Horoscope Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/kheanna-walker 2022-07-18T18:04:09+01:00 2022-07-18T18:11:22+01:00 Kheanna Walker Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/pj-trick-challenge-july 2022-06-30T17:22:01+01:00 2022-06-30T17:30:06+01:00 PJ Trick Challenge: July Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/top-5-kneepads-for-pole-dancing 2022-06-22T16:07:01+01:00 2022-06-23T07:07:22+01:00 Top 5 kneepads for pole dancing Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/pj-trick-challenge-june 2022-05-31T18:02:23+01:00 2022-06-01T09:53:45+01:00 PJ Trick Challenge: June Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/momo-power 2022-05-03T11:46:52+01:00 2022-05-03T11:47:29+01:00 Momo Power Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/bendy-gio 2022-05-01T22:23:23+01:00 2022-05-01T22:23:23+01:00 Bendy Gio Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/pj-trick-challenge-may 2022-04-30T17:41:07+01:00 2022-04-30T18:01:50+01:00 PJ Trick Challenge: May Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/jazzy-k 2022-04-29T11:39:53+01:00 2022-04-29T11:51:38+01:00 Jazzy K Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/pj-trick-challenge-april 2022-03-31T09:51:04+01:00 2022-03-31T10:00:28+01:00 PJ Trick Challenge: April Shopify API https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/pj-trick-challenge-march-1 2022-03-02T09:34:31+00:00 2022-03-02T09:34:31+00:00 PJ Trick Challenge: March Kheanna Walker
Happy first of the month! We are BACK for another trick challenge for March: Martini! This is a CLASSIC pole trick, but have no fear. We have included different entries and variations for different levels.
Up for grabs: a £50 PJ voucher! 

How to enter

✨ You must be following @pole_junkie

✨ Please wear your PJ kit if you have one

✨ Post a photo or video of you doing the selected trick (extra points for camera ENGAGEMENT + overall creativity!)

✨ Tag 2 friends who should enter the challenge in your caption 

✨ Send your entry to @pole_junkie via DM. The DM must contain #pjtrickchallenge (very important!)

So, let's dive straight into it, shall we? 

Beginner Entry

1. If you're a beginner, you can start from the floor. Hold the pole with both your hands at eye level. 

2. Open your hips as you raise the same leg as your top arm. Hook the leg and squeeze the pole behind your knee.

3. Push off the floor with your outside foot to go into a controlled, backwards spin. Remember to keep your arms straight, shoulders engaged and hips pushed back. Raise your outside leg and so that both your knees meet. At this point, your inside leg should still be hooked onto the pole and your outside leg should be straight and engaged.

4. Now, you can release your inside arm and place the pole in the elbow pit as you hold onto the shin of your outside leg. Et voila! You are in a Martini Sit!

INTERMEDIATE ENTRY

1. Start in an outside leg hang, but keep your hands on the pole. Keep your inside arm where it is and pull down as you reach for the pole above your knee with the outside arm. This is called an Outside Leg Hang Pull Up. 

 

2. Reach your inside arm underneath your outside arm. 

 

3. Swing your inside leg to come in front of the pole and extend it. Make sure your knees are glued to each other. Keep squeezing the pole in your inside knee pit. 

 

4. Now, you can release your inside arm and place the pole in the elbow pit as you hold onto the shin of your outside leg.

PROGRESSION: DIRTY MARTINI

Want a juicy progression? Try this one.

1. When you are about to enter your martini, thread your inside arm under your inside leg and grab onto your outside quad. The pole should still be pushing into your inside elbow pit. 

2. Once the pole is secured in your inside elbow pit, you can release your outside arm and straighten your top leg! There you have it: Dirty Martini 🍸

 Entries close midnight March 31st & winner gets announced on April 1st 👑

Best of luck! We can't wait to see all of your creative entries 💖

 

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https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/pj-trick-challenge-february 2022-01-31T22:01:30+00:00 2022-01-31T22:01:30+00:00 PJ Trick Challenge: February = Fallen Star 💫 Kheanna Walker Happy February Queens! 

Who’s ready for a new #PJTrickChallenge?

Up for grabs: a £50 PJ voucher 👑

For the month of February, we’ve chosen… *drumroll please* … FALLEN STAR 💫 This trick is Intermediate, however we’ve also offered some different variations you can do depending on your level! 

Let’s break it down, shall we? 

1. Enter a straddle invert.

2. Hook the outside leg and squeeze the pole behind your knee by engaging your hamstring.

3. Release the outside hand and grab onto the pole a couple inches below your head. Option to hold onto the pole with your thumb pointing up or down. Keep your inside leg engaged as you squeeze the glute. This is the beginner variation. You can keep your outside leg hooked! 

4. For intermediate polers, you can do the original Fallen Star. Unhook your outside leg and enter a straddle. Your contact points are: your outside hand pushing into the pole, the back of your inside shoulder and inner thigh of your inside leg. Squeeze your quads and point through your ankles as you hold your straddle.

5. Advanced polers, you can do the meat hook variations where you bring your outside leg to the same side as your inside leg. Your contact points are: your outside hand pushing into the pole, the back of your inside shoulder and the quad of your inside leg. Option to keep your legs together or go into an active split! 

There you have it: 4 different variations you can do for the Fallen Star 💫

Entries close February 28th and winner gets announced March 1st! GOOD LUCK.

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https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/pj-trick-challenge 2022-01-06T11:43:36+00:00 2022-01-06T11:49:27+00:00 Introducing the PJ Trick Challenge 🏆 Kheanna Walker

Happy new year! We hope you are well and rested and ready to tackle your 2022 pole goals! Introducing the PJ Trick Challenge 🏆 This is a NEW challenge for polers to get pumped up and motivated every month of the year! At the beginning of every month, we will select a trick for you to try! The trick's name will starts with the same letter as the current month.

Up for grabs: a £50 PJ voucher 🔥

How to enter:

You must be following @pole_junkie

Please wear your PJ kit if you have one

Post a photo or video of you doing the selected trick (extra points for creativity!)

Tag 2 friends who should enter the challenge

Use the hashtag #pjtrickchallenge

Entries close midnight GMT on January 28th. We will choose our fave entry and the winner will get announced on February 1st 👑

*** 

For January, we’ve selected Janeiro 🙌 This trick is Advanced (we will make sure to diversify the tricks throughout the year so that everyone has a chance to enter). 

Here is an in-depth breakdown of how to do the Janeiro:

1. Start in a layback. Squeeze your inner thighs into the pole as much as you can. Engage your quads to keep you knees in and point your toes.

 

2. Twist towards the pole and squeeze it in your inside armpit. Extend your outside arm and push it into the pole. You should be in a brass monkey/flag hold. 

 

3. Press your inside quadricep onto your inside bicep + tricep. Keep your outside foot pushing onto the pole to give you more stability. 

 

4. Once you feel ready, release your outside foot and pull your outside leg backwards while engaging the glutes. Keep your legs separated. Once you feel stable, you can release your outside hand from the pole. You can keep your legs straight or bend both knees to enter a fang-like shape!

 

There you have it! Let us know if you have any questions and remember to share this challenge with your advanced pole friends to get them involved!

Best of luck to our PJ babes 💖

 

 

 

 

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https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/my-top-4-moods-of-2021 2021-12-03T08:27:05+00:00 2021-12-03T08:43:59+00:00 Our Top 4 Moods of 2021 ✨ Kheanna Walker Hey Queens 👑

I cannot believe we are already wrapping up 2021. What a year it has been! To celebrate the end of another lap around the sun, I want to share some ICONIC looks the PJ team has specially curated to suit different moods. So let's begin, shall we? 

1. Go-Getter 💪

The Go-Getter is a sporty/athletic mood. It's for when you're ready to push your body to the limit AND look good while you're at it. Firstly, can we take a moment to appreciate these fabulous ocean blue shades? What a vibe! This gorgeous Peace Top by RAD is super supportive and can withstand any type of inversion, tumble or flip. It features a scoop neck design and adjustable straps which can be unhooked and worn straight or crossed over the back - we love options! Style it with the matching Peace Shorts for a clean look. This set is made from soft, shiny ribbed fabric that is both stretchy and sturdy. Lastly, throw on these legendary Glitterati Boots to add some sparkle to you mood baby ✨

2. Avant-Garde ✖️

HOT DAMN. Ngl, this mood might be my fave. This look is for when you are in the mood to make a statement. When you're feeling that cool and edgy energy and you're ready to put it on display. I can totally picture this while doing a wicked choreo with lots of kips, goo-ey transitions and fluid twists & turns. This Buckle Front Top by Exo Wear is everything and more. It incorporates a long sleeve design with a front cut-out and buckle detailing. If you're like me and you're in need of more support for your bust, you can wear a black bandeau or bralette underneath. Style this top with the Buckle Up Bottoms in Dragon by Creatures of XIX. More buckles baby! Finish the look with the Faith Renaissance Boots by Hella Heels which will perfectly match the black and white shorts!

3. Feelin' Cute 💁‍♀️

OH YES! It's time for the PASTEL TONES. This look is for when you're feelin' so damn cute that you won't delete later. I hope you understood that joke 😂 You gotta love the Tanna Top. It's Shark's best-selling top for a reason: it makes anyone look hot AF in it. The halter neck design and cut-out detail at the cleavage are just so flattering, you will definitely be feelin' yourself. Wear it with the Wildbird Shorts in Ribbed Blanc by ChantayThese sexy garter shorts will instantly boost your confidence and make your booty POP 🍑 Layer the Queen Garter Belt in Sweet Blue over the shorts. The sweet pastel blue will contrast the baby pink top so nicely. This accessory has adjustable straps to ensure you have the perfect fit. Last but not least, put on a pair of Patent Baby Pink Pleasers to finish the look 💗

4. Neon Queen 👑

If you know me by now, you'd know that I'M OBSESSED with bright colours... and nothing beats NEON. This look is suitable for any pole class or a high-energy performance. Imagine wearing this while doing a sweet, dynamic static combo to a happy, electronic tune! I'm already dreaming about my next video! Style the Vento Neon Reversible Top by Rolling with the Miami High Waist Shorts by Paradise Chick - the blue is a perfect match! Throw over the Fluro Body Harness by Rolling. Finish the look by flashing a pair of Rhylie Stilettos with some Neon Pink Ankle Cuffs and prepare to be amazed by this eye-catching look! 

And there you have it: our top 4 moods of 2021. Do you have a fave? Let me know in the comments! Happy holidays everyone 🎄

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https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/pj-combo-challenge-november-advanced-spin 2021-11-02T09:00:02+00:00 2021-11-02T09:00:02+00:00 PJ Combo Challenge: November (Advanced Spin) Kheanna Walker Hey polers! Kheanna here <3 We are BACK with another awesome PJ Combo Challenge for you. This one is Advanced Spin! Before attempting, make sure your body is fully warm and give your shoulders an extra stretch because they will need it 😜

Up for grabs: a £50 PJ voucher for you to TREAT YOSELF 👑


HOW IT WORKS:

At the start of every month, we will be posting a combo (either spin, static or a flow sequence) for you to try! At the end of each month we will reshare our fave post and gift the winner with their prize!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

you must be following @pole_junkie

tag 2 pole besties to participate in the challenge

tag us in your post

use the hashtag #pjcombochallenge so we can see all your amazing work!

make sure you are dressed in your PJ kit to be featured

 

Let's break it down, shall we? 

1. Start with a spinning invert.

2. Hook your outside leg, release your outside arm but keep holding the pole with your inside arm. 

3. Thread your outside arm behind your back and hold onto the pole THUMB POINTING UP (this is where the shoulder stretching comes into play).

4. Unhook your outside leg and bring your legs into a straddle and hold this pretty shape for a few seconds.

5. Now, for the harder part. After your straddle, keep your legs straight as you lift them up higher towards the pole. Sickle your inside foot and push the inside of that foot into pole. This is now a contact point so you want to feel comfortable with this shape before continuing. 

6. Bend your outside leg and arch your back. Try to touch your head with your toes!

7. Return to your straddle and hook your outside leg. Release your outside arm from behind your back, crunch up and reach for the pole above your hooked knee. Your inside arm is still holding onto the pole. 

8. Swing your bottom leg and hook the pole behind the knee as you enter a genie. Now you can easily let go of the pole with your outside arm!

9. Congrats, you've made it to the final transition. From this genie shape, we are transitioning into a Superman variation (some people call this Side Superman or Butt Superman). Unhook your top knee from the pole and straighten your leg as you rotate your chest to the floor (like a Superman). Push the inner thigh of your top leg into the pole and engage your glute to raise the leg as high as you can. Your bottom leg should still be hooked firmly. Hold this cute position for a few seconds and smile for the camera 📸

There you have it! Don't forget to tag 2 friends to participate in the challenge and remember to wear your PJ kit while you film yourself 🖤

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https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/are-you-ready-to-smoove-towards-a-better-period 2021-10-08T15:18:02+01:00 2021-10-08T15:18:02+01:00 Are you ready to Smoove towards a better period? Redneck buddy Hey there! I’m Camila, I joined the PJ team in May 2021 and, alongside with picking and packing your lovely PJ purchases, I am cofounder of a nonprofit called Neighborhood Feminists based in Amsterdam. 

We focus on local, direct-impact projects to help grow and strengthen our communities. Currently we have two projects tackling the issue of period poverty: Dignity Kits, which are kits containing basic toiletries and menstrual products for people living in difficult situations, and Menstruation Stations, cabinets stocked full of period products for anyone to use and take. If you want to learn more visit our website and social media channels or feel free to reach out!

Are you ready to Smoove towards a better period?

With the launch of The Enviro Co’s Smoove period shorts we thought it was a good time to talk about zero waste periods. Luckily, this is one of my favourite topics. I’ve been managing my period with reusable products for almost 10 years now and today I’d like to share my experience and help you make a smooth and easy transition to a more sustainable period. So let’s debunk some misconceptions and myths!

Reusable products are less effective

Not really. I can count with the fingers on one hand the amount of times my products have failed me. You may need to plan a bit more than when using disposable products (for example, carrying a wet bag and wipes can make a huge difference!) but reusable menstrual products can get the job done as well as any of their single use counterparts. When it comes to the Smoove shorts they have FOUR layers of fabric specifically designed to be absorbent and breathable, I’m pretty sure these shorts can handle a training session, even on those heavy flow days (btw, I’m proud of you for moving on those days!). With any new menstrual product, I’d still advise a trial run at home, as this will give you a better idea of how you feel and how this product works for you and it’s also a good way to feel more confident when you wear them to the studio!

Cleaning reusable menstrual products takes too much time and effort

Yes and no. It’s definitely easier to use and dispose of tampons and pads than it is to clean and sterilise your reusables. But once you get used to it, the extra minute it takes to rinse or soak your period shorts won’t even bother you. Just remember to use cold water to avoid stains and then wash as you do all your pole clothes (that is, with love and care).

Reusable period products are dirty/gross and ugly

Isn’t it crazy that a biological process that half the population goes through every month is still somewhat of a taboo? People still have trouble talking openly about periods, which contributes to the shame a lot of us may feel. This makes us keep our questions to ourselves and we internalise ideas about our own bodies as dirty or gross. Nothing is further from the truth! and honestly your skin will love soft and breathable fabrics over the plasticky feel of disposable pads. As long as you follow the instructions for using and cleaning your period shorts, you can be sure you will have a healthy and happy period!

You may worry about the Smoove shorts looking bulky, after all four layers of fabric sounds like a lot, but trust me neither you nor anyone else will notice them! Just look at our flat lays and get inspired to create fierce outfits every day of the month!

 

You must go 100% zero waste

No! Changing our habits is hard. Nowadays I think we hold back for fear of not doing enough or not doing things perfectly, but the truth remains that “slow and steady wins the race”. There’s no need to pressure yourself into ditching all disposable menstrual products in one day! Try a few things, test something for a day or even a few hours. Every little bit helps! And before you know it you might surprise yourself with a whole new way to manage that time of the month.

Last but not least, everyone’s period is different and you know your body the best so take your time, be patient and remember that when it comes to periods there’s no “one solution fits all”. That’s why it’s so cool that now we have so many different Earth-friendly options to choose from.

Let’s normalise talking about periods and help our planet (and wallets) one LESS single use product at a time!

Picture credit: https://bluegracemke.com/ 

Author: Camila Montecinos D.
https://bluegracemke.com/neighborhoodfeminists/

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https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/pj-combo-challenge-october 2021-10-01T11:03:27+01:00 2021-10-01T17:09:30+01:00 PJ COMBO CHALLENGE: October (Beginner-Intermediate Flow) Kheanna Walker Who's ready for a new October challenge? Here is a fun and dynamic flow sequence that combines both tricks, dance & movement. Up for grabs: a £50 PJ voucher for you to TREAT YOSELF 👑

How this monthly challenge works:

At the start of every month, we will be posting a combo (either spin, static or a flow sequence) for you to try! At the end of each month we will reshare our fave post and gift the winner with their prize!

How to participate:

you must be following @pole_junkie

✨ tag 2 pole friends to enter the challenge

tag pole_junkie in your post 

use the hashtag #pjcombochallenge so we can see all your amazing work!

make sure you are dressed in your PJ kit to be featured

 

Here's the sequence broken down.

1. Start with a pole walk. Remember to keep your inside are nice and extended, pulling down through your shoulder and lats. 

 

2. Reverse grab: Step on your inside foot, and sweep your outside leg in a circular motion (inwards to outwards) to propel your body in front of the pole. Option to straddle your legs nice and wide for the camera 😉 Use your outside arm to push the pole (thumb down). This gives you additional power and momentum to complete the reverse grab.  

 

3. Half pirouette: Pivot on your outside foot as you enter a half pirouette. Remember that you want your back up against the pole and your top hand in a twisted grip. Keep your inside leg in a bent position (in dance terminology, it's called "passé). Then place both your feet on the floor (toes in front of hips). 

 

4. Squat down: Slowly bend your knees into a squatted position. Add your own style and sass!

5. Legs together and roll up. Once you're in your sexy squat, move the same leg as your bottom arm to the side of your top arm. Now you're in a seated, chair-like position. From here, perform a reverse body roll as you stand up. Thinking of lifting your hips/pelvis first, then your chest, then your neck. The crown of your head should be the last thing to come up. This creates a more flow-y and sexy effect. 

 

6. Reverse Spin: Now that you're in a standing position, it's time to go into the Reverse Spin. Your inside arm is still your top hand, so don't take it off pole. Turn toward the pole, push your outside arm into the pole chest height. You are now in a half bracket hold. From here, you need to stick your butt out, arch your back and spin your body backwards. Catch the pole behind your knees and spin down to the floor. See photo below for the end position. 

 

 7. Windmill legs into prone position: Nice! Now that you've made it safely to the floor, straighten your bent legs and lean back to place your elbows and forearms on the ground. This way, you can use your core and active flex to pull your legs towards your face as you windmill them to the other side of the pole.

 

8. Speed bump push-up: Once you're lying down in a prone position with your legs straight, push your hips up to towards the ceiling as you arch your back. Use your arms to push your body up into a kneeling position.  

9. Lunge to tuck spin: Congrats Queen! You've made it to the final step! Kneeling on the floor, place your hands in a full bracket hold (aka split grip). Step your inside leg into a forward lunge. Swing your outside leg forward to give you momentum as pull your body in towards the pole horizontally. The pole should be across your torso as you spiral around it in a tuck spin. Land on your feet (extra points if you land on your toes!) 

Thanks for participating in the #PJComboChallenge 🏆

See you next month!

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https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/meet-the-women-behind-the-magic 2021-08-06T00:16:34+01:00 2021-08-06T00:16:34+01:00 Meet the Women Behind the Magic: Heather & Kirsten, the founders of Redneck buddy Kheanna Walker

Hey everyone, Kheanna here 💖 You may or may not know this, but I'm a sucker for success stories. There's nothing more inspiring and motivational! Last month, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the founders of Redneck buddy, Kirsten & Heather. In this interview, we delve into their journey of bringing their vision of Redneck buddy to life. These boss babes are incredibly inspirational, and I hope their story helps you in the next step of your journey. Enjoy!

How did you two meet?

Kirsten: We met at a finance careers event and I recognised Heather’s name because I was on the board of our University Pole Club and Heather was a member. We got chatting and started the general pole dancers conversation of “what’s your favourite move?” etc and by the time we’d left that night after a few wines, we’d decided we were going to perform together in the university pole show which was coming up in a couple of months.

 

How did you come up with the idea of starting Redneck buddy?

Heather: Over a good cup of coffee. We’d graduated from University and were both working in our grad jobs. Kirsten was trying to order some polewear from the USA and she was moaning about how much customs she’d had to pay.  

Kirsten: We didn’t know sizes and you couldn’t really return stuff either. I’d done a group order with a couple of friends so I knew people wanted this stuff, it just wasn’t easily accessible.

Heather: We just sort of had this Eureka moment. I mean, I claim I said it and Kirsten claims she said it *both laugh together*

Kirsten: I’d thought about it before.

Heather: I had too!

Kirsten: I just knew you’d be the person I could do it with *both laugh*

Heather: … and then we were like, “someone should take this on. Wait, we should take this on!” And it just snowballed from there. We finished our coffee and ordered another one out of excitement. Then, full of caffeine, we went for this big walk where we were talking about who we could get in touch with, how we could start doing it...

Kirsten: Like how much we’d need to invest, how could we get funding for it, etc. And then we went back to my flat and sent an email to the first supplier the same day.

Heather: So that was in October and then I think by November, we’d made our initial investment which was every penny we had. We borrowed some more and just got going from there and started making the website - something neither of us had experience with.

Kirsten: It was fun. Every night after work, we were with each other working on it:   brainstorming name ideas, items to stock, events we’d attend to get our name out there. I think I’ve still got the endless mind map diagrams now. We were so excited about what we were building.

Heather: A lot of wine was consumed in those few months. 

 

Do you think that when you put all your eggs in one basket, it resonates with that quote “pressure makes diamonds”? Like you just need to make it happen because at this point, you’ve used up all your savings, you’ve borrowed money and it’s pretty much like sink or swim. Is that how it felt for you both? 

Heather: Completely. For the first 9 months, we still worked full-time in our own jobs so we were finishing our day, then responding to customer emails, packing orders, dropping them off…    

Kirsten: It wasn’t even just at the end of the day, I remember doing post office runs on my lunch break and sneakily responding to customers during work. When we quit our jobs and finally took that leap, we had to make it work because we had no income. It was a pretty scary step to take but Heather pushed the idea and she was right - we had to put our all into it to see if we could make it work.

Heather: I think there’s a real difference between time and energy. If you’re working all these hours and doing this full-time job as well, you don’t have the energy to feel creative about how you can progress things beyond that. I certainly felt a switch: it was 9 months after we’d launched the website,  I left my full-time job and I just suddenly had so much more to put into it. I’m so glad that we did that - It was the right move. Everything has happened at the right time. It would have been too difficult to start it and not have something else for income because otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to pay my rent. It was just one of those things we had to go with when it felt like the right moment. It was a risk but a worthwhile one. 

 

When did you decide it was time to grow your team and start hiring employees?

Heather: Again, I would say it was when we realised our energy to push the business forward was running out because we were tied down to still stopping at the same time everyday to make sure we were picking and packing the orders, replying to all the customer service emails, etc. We were getting to a point where in order for us to grow, we need to feel creative enough to do it. We took our time though, our first hire was almost two years after we started setting up the website. 

Kirsten: Sharon, who works with us on our branding, had said to us early on that we needed to think more about working on the brand than working in the brand. It’s easy to get wrapped up in keeping the cogs going…

 

You stock a variety of different brands from all over the world. What do you look for in these brands you want to work with?

Kirsten: We want something that’s different. Sustainability is very important to us and a lot of our brands are now choosing to use sustainable fabrics which is great to see.

We also look for brands that cater to a large size range and that use diverse models in their campaigns. That’s something that we really love to see and it’s important to keep pushing the industry in a positive direction. 

 

It’s clear that one of the brand’s missions is to take better care of the planet. What are some things that you’ve implemented in the business to ensure you are staying environmentally conscious? 

Kirsten: The biggest change we made was replacing our plastic mailbags with fully sustainable, compostable paper mailbags.

Heather: I  was taking a reusable bag to do my own shopping everyday, and then I was thinking, “why am I shipping out all of our orders in thick plastic mailbags when I’m so conscious about saving one?” 

We also asked all of our brands to send items without plastic wrapping. Our smaller brands were able to immediately remove this from their packing process, while some of the larger brands were less capable of doing so but many are now moving towards a compostable version. 

Kirsten: We also offset ourselves and our employees’ carbon footprint by donating to Ecologi monthly to plant trees.

 

What is your favourite part about working in the pole industry?

Kirsten: For me, it’s working in an industry that I am really passionate about. The industry has grown so much in the last 6 years and is so much more accessible now. It’s also great to see brands becoming more diverse - something we really champion and push for.

Heather: The industry and community are really inspiring. There’s a lot of activism, it’s a very vocal group of people, and I’m constantly inspired by how much change can be made by the pole community, which then can be reflected by the industry. 

 

What are the pros and cons of being your own boss? 

Heather: One of the major pros for me is working with my best friend. 

Kirsten: Aww same babes!

Heather: Sometimes I think that I would be unemployable, especially now, because I love being decisive and driven and just be able to make a change like that *snaps fingers*. For me, that is definitely one of the pros as well as seeing immediate results - I suppose good and bad. Being at the top of the chain, if we have an idea or decide to do something, we can just do it and see if it works or not. 

Kirsten: If we’ve done a big campaign, and we see that play out and be a success, it’s such a great feeling. For instance, after a successful Black Friday campaign, we’ll both be like, “Yes! That was amazing!”. It’s that feeling… even if you’re really tired and you’ve worked every hour - that feeling is worth it. 

 

What about the cons?

Kirsten: Burnout life. *both laugh*

It’s very difficult to switch off. We’ve just opened our second warehouse in the Netherlands because of Brexit which was a massive undertaking. We set what some people suggested was an unrealistic time frame so we were working crazy hours to get it up and running in time. 

Heather: For me it’s not having someone above us to turn to for support. Kirsten and I are in the same boat - we support each other but we don’t know all the answers. We have to learn how to do everything. Maybe we could do with a mentor! Please apply within… 

 

Do you ever experience moments of self-doubt? If so, how do you overcome them?

Heather: If we use the Netherlands set up as an example for that, there were definitely days where I was thinking, “I don’t know how to do this, what on earth was I playing at thinking I could do this? I don’t know how to open up a business overseas.” It was intense. Probably a bit of imposter syndrome going on there. 

The best way to combat that was creating really detailed lists of everything we needed to do. You should see the Trello board I made. It was a thing of beauty! 

Kirsten: It’s all in the planning. Really breaking it down into small manageable tasks so you can just tick things off so we could feel like we were actually getting somewhere, rather than it just being this mammoth task that we didn’t even know where to start. 

  

Do you feel that your Maths degree has helped you when it comes to organization?

Kirsten: We haven’t found a use for our algebra skills yet but I think having a mathematical brain makes you good at problem solving. 

Heather: Yeah. Research, problem solving, very good lists... 

Kirsten: Again using the Netherlands set up as example, we took Heather’s massive Trello list and attacked it. Assigned ownership of tasks and set deadlines so it felt more manageable.

Heather: I moved into the warehouse in my van for two months while Kirsten took care of things in the UK and supported the set up remotely. We were a good team and hit our targets - I’m proud of us for doing that.

If you speak to anyone in team Redneck buddy, they will say that I am one of the most impatient people they know... *laughs* I need things to be done yesterday! I ask nicely, but it’s good to have a deadline that is achievable and break it into bite-sized pieces. That’s how we work with our staff as well. 

 

What are your tips for maintaining a healthy work relationship?

Kirsten: Good Communication is so important. Being the sounding board for each other’s ideas and being open and honest with one another. Recently, we really narrowed down our own responsibilities and job roles so we each have areas we’re in charge of and I think that’s been really important and good for us. 

Heather: I can be guilty for sure of trying to have my finger in every pie that we have. 

 Kirsten: *laughs* I’m the same as well though. 

Heather: It’s good to take ownership of some, and let Kirsten take ownership of others because we physically can’t do it all now. 

Kirsten: Also delegating to our team. While I think it’s important to care about the fine details of our business, it’s also important to be able to delegate those details so we can focus on the bigger picture and driving Redneck buddy forward.

Heather: I would also say, the ability to have difficult conversations and be open. I think it’s important we can come to each other and say, “I’m struggling with this”, and then knowing we can work on it as a team. 

 

You are both so inspiring to young female entrepreneurs. What advice do you have for people who are wanting to start their own businesses but don’t know where to start? 

Kirsten: Find your niche. People thought we were crazy when we launched a polewear company because it’s perceived to be a small niche industry. It is, but it’s much easier to focus on the niche with a well defined target market than trying to start a broader ‘gym wear’ line where you are competing with so many well established brands.

Heather: Self-belief as well. I never doubted that Redneck buddy wouldn’t work. Our market research was that we couldn't find it. We had a problem and we solved it by starting the business. I think that if you’re considering starting your own business, if it’s solving a problem of something that you want that you can’t quite get - go for it. 

 

What are your hopes for the future of Redneck buddy? 

Kirsten: I’d love to take a holiday *both laugh* 

To continue to grow the business and become more than just a clothing company. We want to be able to give back in a way - we have a few things in the pipeline that we’ll be bringing into fruition. 

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https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/and-so-as-i-cycle-to-pole-class-in-a-skirt-i-made-and-my-creatures-tee-i-wondered-had-my-queer-fantasy-become-a-reality 2021-06-25T18:27:57+01:00 2022-06-23T16:02:16+01:00 And so, as I cycle to pole class in a skirt I made and my Creatures Tee - I wondered, had my Queer fantasy become a reality? Sam Wood Without sounding too much like an Instagram infographic, exercise really is a way to feel mentally and physically empowered!

 

The spaces dedicated to sports and exercise are rarely spaces that we as Queer people feel welcome, safe or comfortable in. Spaces for fitness tend to be dominated by the gender binary: male and female changing rooms; male and female classes; separate sports; idealised body types, the list goes on. It’s obvious that the pressures of gender are not exclusively felt by the Queer community, but there is no denying that we have a very exclusive relationship with these spaces. The locker rooms of our adult lives transport us right back to the locker rooms of our teenage self’s worst nightmare. Many people will never feel as uncomfortable as a Queer teen in a high school gym class! 

 

Now don’t get me wrong, I had a gym membership for about a year between 2019 and 2020. I know…I overcame the gym fear, but like the rest of us in the world I soon had to find new ways of staying active when lockdown hit in 2020. As someone who loves my own company, I found that I was having a much better time and seeing better results by exercising at home. Simultaneously, the isolation gave me, and I know a lot of other Queer folk too, time for self-discovery and reflection. Being alone for long periods of time, in the same place, and only interacting with the internet manifested in a very Queer reality. I was engrossed in books, films, Instagram profiles, YouTubers etc. all of whom/which were Queer. I found myself exploring my Queerness through art practice and exercise, two things I would never have put together. From that I understood my body and mind to be the non-binary entity I had always known it as but never fully embraced. I managed to put on some muscle, improve my running times and flexibility whilst also identifying my true gender expression - can I class this as a PB? However, after many months of isolation the routine became so boring that I was craving something new.

**cue my introduction to pole class**

Having worked at Redneck buddy for about 4 months at this point, pole was still a very new sport for me and I had never been to a class before. Part of me worried about going along and all of those teenage anxieties started to bubble to the surface of my mid twenties mind - will it ever end? Anyway, after a couple of weeks of hyping myself up I finally went along to Kheanna’s static pole class for beginner’s and it’s safe to say that I was instantly obsessed!

 

I don’t think I have the word count to explain the science and ontology behind the impact that pole dancing can have on your mindset. But, it feels something like when you perform to your millions of fans who join you in the shower every day to see you lip sync your face off to all of your favourite songs. Except - there are real people around and everyone is cheering each other on! Never before had I been in an environment that seemed to blend physicality with self expression in such a beautiful and fun way. I was able to relax here and have a good time. There was no pressure to perform in a certain way. I could enjoy the way my body moved around the pole without thinking twice about expressing femininity. It gave me a new space to physically embody the powerful multiplicity that exists as my Queerness. The pole community, like all communities, has its own challenges surrounding inclusivity and representation. However, within the Łódź’s pole community and other poler’s/collectives which I had begun to follow, it is so clear to see the celebration and amplification of different identities. Everyone is welcome and encouraged. Pole is reclaiming physicality, reclaiming space for exercise whilst creating a new one for the two to live together with self expression.  

 

As a celebration of the intersection between the pole and Queer community, I decided to put together some fun looks influenced by some of my personal Queer faves!

 

Madam Satã (aka João Francisco de Santos)

www.makingqueerhistory.com

 

Orville Peck

 

www.orvillepeck.com

 

Gianni Versace

www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-1997-couture/atelier-versace

 

To see my work you can visit my website or Instagram which are linked below. I also release a monthly newsletter called the Queer Stories Newsletter which looks into Queer dress history and you can subscribe to this via my website!

Sam Wood
He/They

e-Commerce at Redneck buddy
Designer and Researcher, Sam Wood Studio

Instagram: @samwoodstudio
Website: samwood.studio

 

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https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/5-bendy-poses 2021-05-21T14:38:22+01:00 2021-05-21T14:38:22+01:00 5 Bendy Poses for Your Next Pole Shoot Kheanna Walker With many studios getting the go ahead to reopen their doors, our fave pole photographers are FINALLY able to start taking bookings! Got a photoshoot booked and looking for some inspo? I’ve come up with 5 bendy poses that are perfect for shoots which range from floor poses, to handstands, to pole tricks. Enjoy and comment your favourite below!

1. Iguana Split 

Contact points: Hands, neck & shoulder 

I love this trick because it looks and feels impressive - it requires a lot of core strength as well as active flexibility in your hips. For shoots, I like to get into it from a layback so I’m a little higher up the pole and I recommend having the camera angled front and centered! Click here to see how I get into it!

Outfit: Tanna Top & Boston Shorts - Snake (both Shark) & Adore-1020 7inch Boots - Patent White (Pleaser USA)

 

2. Butterfly Handstand

Pole contact points: chest & back of calf

Floor contact points: Hands on floor 

It’s always nice to diversify your shots with a handstand pose and this one is perfect for intermediates. For this extra flexi version, arch your back and try to get your back foot as close to your head as you can! In terms of angles, make sure the camera is capturing you side-on. Watch this tutorial to see how I get into it! 



Outfit: InstaBaddie Top - Black (Creatures of XIX), Land Bottoms - Fuchsia (Pole Addict) & Flamingo-1020PK 8inch Biker Style Boots - Matte Black (Pleaser USA) 


3. Shoulderstand Fang

Floor contact points: Arm, shoulder, ear/face & palm of hand 

For anyone looking for a cool floor pose, this one's for you! I love this trick because it requires a good amount of strength and flexibility. When setting up for this floor pose, you want the camera to be capturing you side-on so you can show off your back bend. Since your head is already turned sideways, look at the camera to add a dramatic effect. Check out this tutorial to see how to get into it 🔥 



Outfit: Vashkelita Bodysuit - Royal Blue (Shark), InstaBaddie Leggings - Black (Creatures of XIX) & Candy Cobra 8inch Boots (Hella Heels)


4. Standing Split 

This pose is perfect for giving your hand grip a break during photoshoots and is one of my favourite poses. It's also perfect for promoting a flexibility class or workshop. Having the camera capture you side-on is ideal for showcasing your epic split or oversplit. Make sure your legs are super warmed up before attempting this - especially your hamstrings and hip flexors!

My tips for making your standing split look the best it can:

  • Grab your leg from behind the calf with your opposite hand 
  • Arch your back and push your pelvis forward
  • Look up


  • Outfit: Cherry Top - Green Fern (Shark) & Adore-1020 7inch Boots - Patent White (Pleaser USA)

     
    5. Batwing 

    Contact points: Back, elbow pit & forearms

    Last but certainly not least, my ultimate fave trick: Batwing! How gorgeous is it? I’ve been doing this one for years and I never get sick of it. My favourite entry is from an Allegra. When executing this trick, have the camera front and center to capture it at its best. Don't forget to tighten your core, open your hips and engage your legs to give your best active middle split! 

    Click here to see how I get into it from Allegra:



    Bottoms: Bibiana Bottoms - Pink (Bandurska)

    And there you have it! Hopefully these tricks will be useful to you in the near future! Thanks for taking the time to read this and feel free to share this with any of your pole besties. Train safe everyone <3]]>
    https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/12-tips 2021-04-19T12:30:00+01:00 2021-04-19T12:33:44+01:00 12 Tips for Becoming a More Rounded Poledancer Kheanna Walker After 6 years of poledancing, there are many things I wish I’d known as a baby pole dancer. Here are my top tips for being a more rounded poler from the beginning:

    1. Diversify your training and set intentions. 

      This helps focus your training and make you feel much more accomplished. I personally find it more valuable to try different styles and aspects of poledance because the more you explore, the more skills you will acquire and the more you will learn about yourself as a dancer, athlete and artist. But, it’s great to have a specialty as well - it’s just a matter of finding the right balance between mastery and exploration. It’s also good to set intentions before your training sessions. Decide in advance what you want to work on. For example: “Today I’m going to focus on: dance/floorwork/spin/static/handstands, etc. 

    1. Work on the tricks you hate doing and train both sides.

      It will make you stronger, more balanced and will callous your mind. If you don’t, you will become more dependent on your comfort tricks and your favourable side, which can stunt your growth. Training only one side can also lead to injury from overuse and who wants to be a lopsided pole dancer anyways?

    1. Training your mind is half the battle. 

      Sometimes forcing yourself to go train can be the hardest part - it’s hard to look past this and remember that once you’ve warmed up and entered the zone it will all be worth it. Find what motivates you - whether it's blasting cheesy pop or listening to a podcast. 
    1. Goal setting, consistency and patience is key.

      Tricks won’t come right away - you need to keep working towards them. Sometimes this will become so frustrating, you’ll want to quit but with the right training and conditioning - you will get there. This discipline is something you will carry with you to other aspects of life, and it’s a beautiful thing.

    1. Change your relationship with failure.

      Failure is good! This is where you identify your weaknesses and can make plans on how to improve yourself. Look at it as a source of motivation on how to get better. You can’t succeed without failure. And don’t delete your fail videos because they make for great content 🤪

      1. The more you learn, the better you will become.

        Take as many classes, workshops and certifications as you can. Learning from different instructors from studios in different communities or countries will help you understand pole better and can allow you to formulate your own style. But don’t feel the need to rush that part - it will come to you organically. With so many pole dancers teaching online, there has never been a better time to learn from one of your idols! Doing different certifications will be helpful to your pole education and can help you get teaching jobs more easily too. 

      1. FILM EVERYTHING! 

        Watching yourself back  with a critical eye is the best way to improve. Some days, it will feel like you absolutely nailed that combo, and then you playback the video and notice your knees are bent in your Ayesha, your transition was sloppy and your toes are not as pointed as they could be. Make some space on your phone before every session or if you’re due for an upgrade, buy a phone with lots of storage! (you’ll thank me later) More importantly, you want to document your journey to see how far you’ve come!

      1. Get Inspired!

        Save other poledancers’ Instagram content for inspiration - just make sure you credit/tag them if you post something you learned from them. Compartmentalize the content into folders and refer back to them for inspiration such as: Handstand/Balances, Floorwork, Photo Ideas, Static Flow etc. This way it’s easier to navigate the sea of saved content.

      1. Compete and perform as much as you can!

        It will help you overcome your fears and it’s FUN AF. Performing is incredibly scary and sometimes even uncomfortable... but the internal reward is unbelievable! 

      1. Make a wicked pole music playlist right away and keep adding to it 🔥 

        As you already know, music is everything when it comes to dance. Keep those tracks that make you want to flow and boogie all in one place - because you will forget them! You will also evolve throughout your pole journey and will start dancing to new genres of music that you never thought you’d have a taste for (dancing to dubstep will become a thing). Keeping track of your music taste evolution will also make for some great nostalgic moments and epic throwbacks. Feel free to follow my pole playlist on Spotify: pole luv

      https://bluegracemke.com/playlist/4G5bJCU5GmpzXAbhkikh9F?si=jATpacgXRBG2EfeUKW6zNg

      1. Not everybody will agree with you being a poledancer and that’s okay.

        Even in 6 years, poledancing will still be stigmatized I’m afraid... but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. You can’t please everyone. If this is something you’re passionate about, just go for it. There will be haters with their weird judgments that will talk bad about you and leave negative comments on your posts… Who cares? The only person living your life is you - live it up and never feel sorry for pursuing your passion. You don’t need to conform to society’s expectations of what is an “acceptable” career choice. Screw that! 
      2. Dream big. 

        What’s on your mental vision board? Let your imagination run wild. What kinds of aspirations do you have? What would you like to see yourself doing in 5-10 years? Go for it and don’t hold back. The only thing that is stopping you is you.

       

       

      ]]>
      https://bluegracemke.com/blogs/welcome-to-our-world/spring-queen-looks 2021-04-07T14:38:46+01:00 2021-04-07T15:17:33+01:00 My Top 5 Spring Queen Looks 👑 Kheanna Walker Looking for some cute new outfits to launch you into Spring? Oh honey, you are in for A TREAT. I am all about bold and bright colours, so I have chosen 5 colourful outfits that will make you feel like a total Spring Queen 👑 In case you’re worried about sizing, I've popped my measurements down below and have included all the sizes I'm wearing for each outfit. Let’s jump in!

      Height: 163cm
      Bust: 86cm
      Bra: 34C
      Underbust: 73cm
      Waist: 70cm
      Hips: 90cm
      Shoulder to shoulder: 47cm
      Back width: 37cm

      1. Vashkelita Bodysuit - Lilac/Baby Pink (Shark)

      Size: XS

        There is a reason why the Vashkelita is a best-seller. I am a huge fan of the big circular cut-out that shows off your torso, as well as the high leg design which is a 10 /10. The crossed back design provides you with maximal support so that you can dance and do tricks with absolute ease. We even tried and tested this bodysuit last year to see if it holds everything in place and… you guessed it - it really does. See for yourself 👇🏾

        https://bluegracemke.com/tv/CC_KZCKl8Ue/?igshid=1wljg7wqd2cco
         

        2. Kimmy Top & High Waist Bottoms - Recycled Fuchsia

        Top: 10 / Bottoms: 8

        There is a reason why Lunalae is at the top of the polewear game, and that is because their products EXUDE quality. You will never put on their products and think to yourself, “this feels cheap” - it just doesn’t happen. This set is made of 100% recycled fabrics so you can look good while doing good ♻️ This is one of those sets that is so comfy, you won’t want to take it off - the material is soft, stretchy and durable. The scoop neck top comes with removable padding and is very supportive so it looks good no matter what size you are! I love the unique criss-cross back design and the high-waist bottoms feature everyone's fave scrunchbutt detail. This outfit is perfect for pole tricks, dancing or stretching.

        3. Harmony Set - Mulberry (Bandurska)

        Size: Medium 

        First of all, I'm LIVING for this Mulberry colour and glossy fabric 🔥 The Harmony Top is ultra strappy and glamorous. Not only does it give you fabulous coverage and support but it's also sexy AF. Here is a top that will allow you to invert without the fear of any mishaps - MY kind of top! The low-waisted bottoms are insanely cute and comfy - a perfect wardrobe staple with many pairing opportunities. In regards to sizing, the material is quite compressive so make sure to size up for this set!

        4. Halter Top & Minx High Waisted Shorts - Soul (AMBR)

        Size: Small

        I am a huge fan of AMBR Designs. I'm so obsessed with the soft & stretchy fabric which is made of 87% Recycled Polyester and 13% Spandex. AMBR always delivers colourful and unique prints to make their products stand out. Although the Halter Top has a deep V front, it’s still super supportive due to it’s T bar back design. I love the short’s high-waisted feature as well as the criss-cross detailing on the sides. Most of all, the print makes you feel like the Goddess of the Sea and I’m totally here for it 🌊

        5. Troublemaker Set - Pink (Riot) 

        Top: M / Bottoms: S

        If you are a strappy lover, the Troublemaker Set is for YOU. This set definitely does it’s name justice. I’m in love with the thick logo bands: they’re soft, stretchy and adjustable so you can find your perfect fit. The top’s harness is removable, so you get two different looks for the price of one! Sweet deal, right? The bottom’s thigh garters are super sexy, creating a modern touch of boudoir. They also make your booty POP, so they literally tick everything off the list 🍑 


        And that concludes my top 5 Spring Queen looks! Let me know what you think of them in the comments below, and don't forget to do your spring cleaning this weekend so you can make some space in that closet of yours 😉

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