Fresa’s Skate Shop, a safe space to share love and roller skating

Latinas are one of the fastest-growing groups of entrepreneurs in the US. That’s why we’re starting a new weekly feature profiling Latina small business owners in Southern Nevada. Have a suggestion for someone we should feature? Email us at [email protected].

For some people, roller skating is recreational. For Amanda Quintanilla, it’s  life-changing.

Quintanilla, 40, moved on from a devastating COVID-19-era job loss by lacing up a pair of roller skates. Soon, the mother of four was on a roll, turning her passion into her profession. She opened Fresa’s Roller Skate Shop in Downtown Las Vegas in August 2022, and never turned back.

“I found that roller skating made me happy and got me out of the depression I was in,” said Quintanilla. “So [I] decided to open a safe space where I can share the love and knowledge of roller skating.”

Located on a hip, urban stretch of Main Street in the 18b Arts District, Fresa’s Skate Shop is open to customers of all ages; “Anyone,” said Quintanilla, “who is looking to learn a new skill or to do something fun that gets them out of their house.”

The Latina-owned shop features a colorful retail storefront selling skates for all ages and levels of ability, gear and accessories. It also houses a unique mini-ramp, used for roller skating classes, competitions, parties or practice. 

Customers who aren’t ready to buy or those who simply want to skate can rent a pair of roller skates to roll around inside or downtown.

“Most importantly, we have monthly community events that are free and family friendly,” said Quintanilla.

Owning a small business has its challenges, but Quintanilla doesn’t mind because she is finally doing what she loves. She aims to help grow the local roller skating community and educate customers on the importance of shopping at small, local businesses.

 “The minute you purchase your first pair of skates, you become part of this culture and big community,” said Quintanilla. 

For more information or to buy merchandise visit the store’s website, https://fresasskateshop.com.