Back Alley Bodega

So today we have the story of our homie Skater Ankit Duggal who runs the brand Back Alley Bodega(BAB). He is from the capital city of India, Delhi. Following is our story and the journey which we have been sharing through skateboarding for past few years.

Our story with Ankit:
Vaibhav(Piso) - I have known Ankit for roughly more than a year now, we have become more of a family rather than collaboration. Ankit has been doing so much for skateboarding & contributing towards the growth of skatescene in Goa & in India.

I first met Ankit at our annual event SLG Open 2023. BAB was one of the brands who supported SLG Open in 2023 as well as in 2024. I saw Ankit full heartedly supporting the scene in whatever way he could for SLG. We spoke a little, thought of doing something for the community by joining hands. We did do quite a few things together, but I still didn't know him much as a person, and why is he doing all this? . We never really got much time to interact and know each other.

One fine day when I saw his genuineness and involvement with the skate scene in India, I just couldn't stop asking him - 'Hey Ankit, listen man! I'm very grateful and happy that you are supporting the scene. I really appreciate it, but why bro? Why are you doing all this.? You very well know you are not going to recover all this if you are thinking from sponsorship/or brand point of view. Piso does this because this is what we are, we breath and bleed skateboarding, why are you doing this? 

He just answered in one line - 'Hey Vaibhav, this is something personal :). This is between me and skateboarding. When I needed support during tough times , skateboarding was the support, it healed me. Now when skateboarding needs support, I am full in. This has nothing to do with my brand or any returns whatsoever'

That was it, I knew this is the brand Piso would like to work with :)

Ankit's Story:
So we asked Ankit about how Back Alley Bodega was formed? What is the story and journey behind his brand. This is what Ankit had to say about it!

Ankit (Founder BAB) - Hi guys I'm Ankit, the founder of Back Alley Bodega, a brand born from my lifelong passion for creativity and self-expression. Having worked in various creative fields such as film, music, and advertising, I decided to channel my passions into creating a unique fashion label. Our brand's core values are rooted in self-expression and creativity, qualities I believe are essential in the streetwear scene. Instead of focusing on competitors, we want to craft our own path and establish Back Alley Bodega as an independent fashion label.

When, Why & How?:
BAB was an amalgamation of all my passions and interests as well as my need for a creative outlet. I have always been into alternative culture and always been a bit of a rebel. BAB was envisioned as that, as an Indie punk band. I took my passions for fabrics, design, sneakers and streetwear and put them together into a unified vision. BAB was the embodiment of my passions, my interests, and my creative yearnings. I've always been drawn to alternative culture, a bit of a rebel in my own right. It was only natural that BAB emerged as an indie punk band, perfectly encapsulating my vision. By fusing my love for fabrics, design, sneakers, and streetwear, I created a unified and cohesive concept that stands as a testament to my creative spirit.

Story behind the name Back Alley Bodega:
I spent some time in Brooklyn, New York and was heavily influenced by the street culture there and often times found myself in or outside a Bodega. The name came from the idea of creating a place off the beaten path where you would find things you wouldn’t anywhere else.

Why you support skateboarding? why not some other sport/opportunity?
I can honestly say that skateboarding has played a pivotal role in improving my mental health and providing me with stability during a turbulent period in my life. The skatepark is a unique and accepting environment where individuals from all walks of life gather to share their passion for skateboarding. It's a place where differences are celebrated, and camaraderie, friendship, and support are abundant. I am continually impressed by the supportive nature of the skateboarding community and their unwavering determination to overcome challenges and keep pushing forward. The act of skating on a board may seem simple, but it has the profound ability to bring clarity and perspective to one's life. Furthermore, the skateboarding community is a diverse and authentic group that embraces acceptance and individuality. These characteristics inspire me and reinforce my respect for the skateboarding community.

What do you want to do with this brand?, The vision:
My vision is to establish a brand that resonates deeply with people. I aspire to create a brand that people feel connected to, beyond just a product purchase. I envision a community and a culture that celebrates authenticity, creativity, and self-expression. In this community, customers feel a sense of belonging and shared values, fostering a loyal and engaged brand following.

Peace out (Ankit Duggal). 

So thats a wrap up about the story of homegrown brand Back Alley Bodega. We(Piso x BAB) have couple of exciting things lined up. We will soon be announcing it and letting you guys know what all is cooking! Till then keep skating, keep pushing.

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