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Girls Who Rip: Gretchen Powers

Gretchen Powers is a photographer, filmmaker, and multi-sport athlete based in Kailua, Hawaii. This is a woman of many talents! She's also a prolific creator and owns an online store selling her knit goods, photo prints, and jewelry. Follow her at @gpowersfilm and meet her when she takes over our Stories this weekend!

What do you consider to be your main sport/passion and how did you get started in it?

I'm the definition of a multi-sport athlete who is moderately okay at most things. As far as outdoor activities I love the most I'd say rock climbing, cross country skiing and kayaking.

What is your day job, and how do you manage work/fun balance?

I'm a photographer and filmmaker and owner of an online store where I sell my knit goods, photo prints and beaded jewelry Powers Provisions. Luckily I have a ton of fun doing both of these jobs but the biggest thing I try to remember is to leave my camera behind every once in a while and get out on adventures just for fun.

What five words would your best friends use to describe you?

Bold, adventurous, creative, loyal, active.

Do you have a daily routine or practice that's important to you, and if so, why?

I love my morning routine. I get up, make a cuppa tea (chai or earl grey) grab my knitting or a book and give myself a few minutes to wake up and get into the day before I head out for a run/bike/workout before it gets too hot. When I lived in Alaska I didn't have to make much of an exercise schedule around the heat of the day but here in Hawaii I really need to prioritize things in the morning.

Sensi offers more tips on establishing a productive routine here: A work from home routine to help you thrive.

What motivates you?

I always want to be the best version of myself regardless of what I'm doing whether work or play. I also believe in being kind and accepting of folks regardless of their background, lifestyle, etc...

What do you fear most and how do you overcome it?

I'm very afraid of heights and the water/ all the creatures that live in it so I love rock climbing and am getting into snorkling... basically I just take my fears and try to face them head on in a reasonably safe way... the more I do it the better it gets and the less scared I am.

What’s one of your 2020 goals?

Being as present as possible and practicing gratitude for the things I have while not dwelling too much on what we've lost.

What do you do to make your lifestyle more eco-friendly?

I try to ride my bike and walk as much as possible, shop local and avoid big box stores. When it's happening I love to get my fruits and veggies from the local farmer's market and we use a bunch of beeswax wraps and reusable towels in our kitchen instead of plastic wrap and paper towels. I do love a good bit of online retail therapy but I try to make sure I'm shopping from eco-conscious, sustainable shops like Sensi Graves Swim!

What’s your favorite mantra?

Be where your feet are.

How do you cross train in your down time?

I've spent a lot of the summer in quarantine here in Hawaii and have been using the sweat app and Down Dog app for at home workouts and yoga ... balancing the two of them without being able to leave the house has led to me still feeling strong and has kept my mental health in a good place as well.

What are you currently struggling with?

Maintaining motivation in learning how to be antiracist. Balancing what it looks like to be an intersectional activist. Fighting for equality and equal representation within the outdoor industry of not only BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks but also people of varying abilities, sizes, ages...

What are your favorite books?

I'm a huge historical fiction fan and love The Huntress by Kate Quinn and The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. Also a big fan of Glennon Doyle's Untamed and all Mary Oliver poetry. For more book recommendations, click here for our latest five faves.

What's something you're really proud of doing or accomplishing?

Starting my own online mercantile - Powers Provisions three years ago this fall! Powers Provisions believes in supporting artists, cultivating community with other makers, and inspiring folks to get out and explore their surroundings with a cuppa tea or whiskey in hand. We believe in investing in high quality goods that will last a long time. We care about where we source our materials from and try to shop as small and local as possible for beads, yarns, metals and such that I use to craft my hats and jewelry. See more @powersprovisions