 Our
Founder
Before SwellWomen
Me-Shell Barnas is not new to empowering women. She was involved in
the snowboarding industry for 8 years and was a professional snowboarder
for 6 years.
She was the spokesperson and helped to build Pure Snowboards, the first
company to focus exclusively on snowboards for women. Me-Shell also
worked with Tech 9 bindings in developing women-specific bindings called
Derringer and was a constant voice in creative design for the women's
line of clothing at 686 Enterprises.
As well as being featured as a professional snowboarder in national
publications, she also wrote for women's magazines including W.I.G and
Fresh and Tasty. Me-Shell was involved in Boarding for Breast Cancer
as both a writer and participant.
Me-Shell enjoying a heli-trip in New Zealand
SwellWomen snowboarding trips coming soon!!!
After years in the snowboarding industry, Me-Shell turned her attention
to education and she taught elementary school at Redondo Beach for three
and a half years. It was there in California coastal waters that she
fell in love with surfing. She likens surfing to be "the exhilaration
you feel when you are riding fresh powder on a blue bird day."
A job in the music industry, another passion of Me-Shell's, brought
her to the fast-paced city of New York where she soon increased her
attendance at yoga classes from once a week to five times a week. Two
years later, Me-Shell set out on a trip around the world which included
earning a certification as a registered yoga teacher at a accredited
yoga school in Costa Rica.
Six months into her trip, Me-Shell's plans took a surprising turn for
the best when she applied for and got a job as assistant director at
Maui Surfer Girls. The two-month contract turned out to be an unforeseen
gift as she saw the opportunity for a wellness program for women on
Maui.
The here and now:
When Me-Shell should have been on her return flight to the mainland
after the expiration of her contract with Maui Surfer Girls, she was
instead falling in love with the beautiful state of Hawaii.
Me-Shell is now working on creating an unforgettable 'Experience'
for SwellWomen, SwellMates and SwellCo-Ed. She also enjoys teaching
private yoga classes and private surf lessons and, of course, soul
surfing as much as possible. She enjoys her new life in Maui. |
