TIckle Me Not was Founded by siblings Christian Clark (16) and Raelyn Strehlow (13) during the Covid lock downs of 2020. During that summer Christain, Raelyn, and their Dad; Matthew"Unspoken Notion" Clark (Known for his DJ'ing and music production career & brand Simplicity 26 Records), drummed up the idea for the brand after Christian & Realyn were inspired by the 2019 X-Games. During these games they got to experience the Half-Pipe competition front row. They met the Legendary Animal Chin, Clay Kreiner, and many other legendary Pro Skaters. Their Dad being an avid skateboarder since 1988 and having experiences & networks in the skateboard community agreed to represent the brand as a skater. They also were able to secure a small angel investor to get the brand started. When the school season began in the fall of 2020; Christian & Raelyns' parents decided to home school and make developing this brand as part of that curriculum. Thus the slogan "Challenge Accepted"; which was the name of the collection that was first released.
They first designed a prototype skateboard, their Dad helped with the graphic, and they sought out a company to manufacture their decks to their specs. They found a small family company of 5 people in California that was able to meet their criteria. They wanted Tickle Me Not to not just be a typical skateboard brand. They wanted to showcase art. Art that would also help their boards double as wall art and/or wall lamps, and be skate-able. They wanted a family brand that was professional quality at prices everyone could afford.
In late 2020 an indie film project their Dad was acting in approached them about making boards for their fund raising campaign. During this time Actor Nicholas Brendon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, NCIS); who was also an actor a part of this project agreed to do 2 exclusive art pieces for them to use as part of their "Challenge Accepted" series. During this time Christian & Realyn were scouting skateshops to sell their boards in. They met a talented local artist out of Duluth, MN, who goes by "Rose 1". After some studying on business, brand building, marketing, and sales, and tieing this all together; They launched their first series in the spring of 2021. During that spring/summer they sponsored and hosted multiple skateboarding events and contest at their local skatepark helping other locals raise money to upgrade their local skatepark. This Skate & Snow in Fargo, ND agreed to be the exclusive skate shop to their brand til they are ready to expand. The following years they focused on pushing the brand in person and learning more about the business.
In 2024 their Dad Matt, was booked for an indie horror / comedy film called "Skate to Hell". The TIckle Me Not deck known as the "Viking Deck" by Rose 1 was used in the film. While on set Matt met Joseph Poliquin (Five Nights at Freddy's, Project Power, The Purge). Joeseph Poliquin is also an avid skateboarder and loved the deck. During this time Matt and Joseph were looking for a way to promote the film when it is released in 2026 and Matt invited Joseph to be the 2nd team skater. Joseph agreed and thus the planning for the current Art Contest was born.
Later in 2024 as Christian was learning web page design to build this website he had an idea for a hat that was inspired by his dads DJ hat. In 2025 Matt was booked for another indie Horror / Comedy filmed called "Desert Fiends 2" and Christians hat design was worn by his dad in scenes with Robert Lasardo, James Debello, & Eric Roberts to name a few. That film is set for release in 2027. When Skate to Hell is released Christian and Raelyn are hoping to have their next collection complete and available for sale. That collection is called "Half-Pipe Dreams" as a way to reflect to that day at the X-Games Half-Pipe contest that inspired this dream.
The funding for this brand started with an angel investor; now it is being funded by Christian with the money he makes with his job at a local fast food restaurant. Once Raelyn turns 14 she is planning on working at the same place. The Restaurant has already agreed to welcome her on board. They love seeing this initiative and motivation. They find it inspiring. The goal is for this brand to be a fully functioning business with employees, hosting of regular events at area skate parks, helping other indie films with fundraising, and being able to sponsor and help others grow.
If you are inspired by their story and would like to help be a part of their legacy they are open to donations, angel investors, along with fans who will rep their brand. They have set up a crowd funding campaign via GoFundMe for those who would like to help them raise funds to build their brand and promote outdoor activities. If you are media and would like to write about their story they would love a sit down. Fell free to contact them via e-mail.
