Laika was born in 2018, fueled by a mix of frustration and creative rebellion. After a bad experience with a certain well-known skate brand (whose name conveniently rhymes with latrine), I decided to take matters into my own hands—literally. It started with a few sticker designs that I handed out to friends at school, but soon evolved into a full-fledged creative project inspired by my love for skate culture and Russian streetwear. Influences like Gosha Rubchinskiy and Yulia Makarova shaped the aesthetic, while my passion for design, video, and art gave Laika its own unique identity. Along the way, I had two collaborations, made countless memories, and left my mark—literally. If you ever wander the halls of Niles North High School, you might still spot a Laika sticker holding strong, a small relic of the brand’s DIY spirit.