For 30 years, Venue Skateboards has been part of the Richmond story—a skate shop that’s never been just a skate shop. Since 1994, it’s been a meeting place, a community hub, and a home for skaters from all over the city.
Kim and Maury Blankenship didn’t set out to change the world; they just wanted to create a space for skaters in a town that didn’t have one. Decades later, Venue has evolved, but its core remains the same—a testament to the DIY spirit and the tight-knit community that skateboarding fosters.
In December, there was a meet-up to celebrate, and local photographer Cristian Espinoza was there to grab some photos. They were also kind enough to answer a few questions we sent their way.
What was going through your mind when you and Kim first decided to open the shop?
Kim opened the shop because there wasn’t a shop in Richmond at the time, and then I came into the picture. We slowly refined it into what it is now.
You opened back in 1994 as Backdoor. How did Venue go from Backdoor to what it is now?
There was another Back Door in North Carolina, so when we moved locations, we decided to change the name to Dominion to distinguish ourselves from the other shop. The change from Dominion to Venue came about because we had to move locations again, and we wanted to kind of rebrand or refresh as we were combining Dominion and Hospitality (another store we had) into one store.
What has been the most rewarding part of running a skate shop for 30 years in Richmond?
The people. Being involved with the skate community in Richmond for 30 years has been great.
Venue is more than a skate shop—it’s a community hub. Was that always part of the plan? Maybe it was just a necessity?
The shop has always been a meeting place and a big part of the community. We always wanted everyone to feel comfortable hanging out in the shop. I can remember different parents complaining at times about people hanging out in the store, but we felt like that is what made the shop what it was. The skateboarders were always the most important part of the whole thing.
Is there a moment or memory from the past 30 years that really hits you as “Yeah, this is what it’s all about”?
Every time we do an event and see everyone come together—whether it’s a demo, contest, or video premiere—definitely qualifies as one of those moments. But the 30-year event really brought that home. To see everyone come together and all the past history was super gratifying and really made everything worth it.
Who are some of the skaters from Richmond or the Venue family you’re most proud of supporting?
All of them. (Seriously, all of them are part of the Venue family forever.) But to name a few—Gilbert Crockett, Caleb McNeely, Bobby Stewart, Ty Beall, and Jon Rowe—for being able to be industry-recognizable outside of Richmond, VA, on an amateur or professional level.
How’s the Richmond skate scene changed since the ’90s?
There are a lot more parks in and around Richmond than ever before, and skateboarding is more acceptable now.
Richmond has that gritty DIY energy. What do you think makes skating here different from other cities?
I think every city has its fair share of gritty spots. The cobblestone and different elements of the city present certain problems, but you can be creative and work around them.
Skating’s blown up in so many ways. What’s your take on where the culture is now, locally and worldwide?
The corporate brands are a lot more accepted now, and some of the smaller skater-owned brands can’t compete as well—especially in the shoe market. As far as board brands, though, the smaller skater-owned companies are still thriving.
30 years deserves respect. What keeps you going to the shop every day?
It never gets old coming into the shop, talking to people every day, and making sure they have a good local shop to support the scene.
Photos by Cristian Espinoza
