Rink Ready: Roller Skating Journey Journal
An informative and interactive read with journal prompts that encourage you to tell your story an be introspective about your own personal Roller Skating Journey.
RINK READY explores some history behind ROLLERCADE DETROIT and some Michigan Roller Skating History along with basic Roller Skating information and tips.
This Journal can be helpful with achieving Roller Skating Goals, increased mindfulness as a Roller Skater, enhance your Roller Skating vocabulary, deepen your emotional connection to Roller Skating and improved confidence through self discovery.
Available in Blackout Edition and Pink Edition. Hardcover and Softcover.
Expanding Rink Ready: How a Roller Skating Journal Found New Life Through Community Partnerships
Two years ago, Janine Folks wrote and published Rink Ready: The Roller Skating Journey Journal, a guided journal designed specifically for beginner and returning roller skaters. The journal includes prompts, tips, and reflections to help skaters navigate the excitement and challenges of getting back on wheels. What makes it unique is its historical grounding—it features a brief history of Detroit’s vibrant roller skating scene, including the legendary Rollercade and its roots during the Jim Crow era, when roller skating served as recreation in Black communities.
Initially, the journal was created as a passion project and educational resource. It addressed common issues many skaters face, such as balance, confidence, equipment choices, and motivation. However, despite its thoughtful design and meaningful content, sales were underwhelming. It became clear that while the journal had value, it needed a broader platform and deeper connection to its audience. Rather than give up, Janine saw an opportunity to expand the journal’s reach and purpose.
Janine partnered with a local skate club and a community-based organization to create customized editions of the journal, complete with unique covers and added content that reflects their specific missions and stories. One edition was created in collaboration with a skate club (Detroit Stylin Skate Club); another was developed with a scholarship fund dedicated to supporting college students (Chuck Burch Scholarship Fund). These editions feature added stories, reflections, and branding tailored to each group. This shift in approach sparked new interest. The journal also serves as a fundraising tool for these organizations. They now have a product that promotes their cause while inspiring new skaters. It’s a win-win: readers receive a meaningful resource, and the organizations gain a creative way to engage supporters and raise funds.
By expanding the scope of Rink Ready, Janine discovered that community collaboration can breathe new life into a project. What began as a personal endeavor became a shared journey. Rink Ready is now making its way across the globe.
Rink Ready Kids
Sheba's Jam
Rink Ready Kids is a coloring book with purpose. The coloring pages are accompanied by an inspirational story for children learning to Roller Skate for the first time.
In Sheba's Jam, a Minister turned Roller Derby Girl shares her journey into the world of Women's Flat Track Roller Derby and draws parallels to life as a Theology enthusiast. Learn how so many principles in the game apply to life and Janine takes you inside her thoughts on this journey through the amazing world of Roller Derby.
Sheba’s Jam was inspired by lessons learned and things observed during a two season stint with a women's roller derby league. An avid roller skater since age 1, derby was a way for Janine Folks to exercise her Roller Skating skills as well as push self-perceived limitations and grow as a person.
Since 1955, Janine's family owned a roller rink in Detroit, MI - RollerCade Detroit. Janine grew up Roller Skating but never before faced the physical and mental challenges and growth that came with Roller Derby. What she shares in this short book is just a glimpse of her self discoveries.
Janine played Roller Derby in her 40's (2013 - 2015). Sheba’s Jam explores the merging minds of a Chaplain/Minister who has studied the Bible and a derby girl skater. As a student of the Holy Bible, Janine draws parallels to demonstrate that many principles are universal.
