Young entrepreneur launches U.P.-inspired skate and streetwear

What’s happening: Sixteen-year-old Aidryk Bartenan will unveil a new line of Upper Peninsula-inspired designs in skate and streetwear at a pop-up event Saturday at Provisions MQT in Marquette. Aidryk launched his company, Blade Skate Co., earlier this year, selling custom board designs, streetwear and original artwork.

About Blade Skate Co.: Aidryk, who lives in De Pere, Wisconsin, creates skate and streetwear that reflect his style and creativity. Aidryk has been an artist his whole life and has been an aspiring clothing designer for a couple of years, before kicking it into gear and launching Blade. He makes many of the T-shirts at home in the basement and he has an online store through a third-party printer. His skatedecks are also printed and shipped via a third party. Both are featured on his linktree: linktr.ee/bladeskateco.

U.P. ties: The family has deep family roots in the U.P. Aidryk’s mother is from Negaunee and his family lived there when he was younger. His paternal grandparents grew up in Ishpeming and his family visits the area regularly.

What they’re saying: “Blade Skate Co. is a skate-inspired streetwear project I launched in 2025 to bring together the things I’ve always loved: art, design, and skateboarding,” Aidryk said. “It’s about creating clothing and skate deck designs in a way that reflects my style and creativity. Blade is just my way of making things I’d want to wear and skate, and I hope others will too.”

Event details: The pop-up event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 20, at Provisions MQT, 401 S Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette.