My journey creating Inclusive women's snowboarding gear

Hi! I’m Mikayla, the founder of Nexarina, and I’m thrilled to have you here.


What started as my personal frustration, turned into something so much bigger—a mission to revolutionize snowboarding and skiing gear for women. 


This isn’t just about creating better products; it’s about ensuring that every woman feels confident, capable, and comfortable both on and off the slopes.

Founder mikayla in Nexarina hoodie

Starting Small, Dreaming Big

I’ve always the mountains, but as a 5'0" woman, finding snow gear that actually fits has been an uphill battle. Sound familiar? For years, I wore jackets and pants that didn’t quite work—sleeves too long, waists that didn’t cinch, and pants that felt bulky and unflattering.


The struggle was more than an annoyance. Ill-fitting gear held me back from performing my best and even made me feel out of place on the mountain. I’d look around at other women, seeing the same struggles written across their faces: tugging at jackets, rolling up pants, or layering in ways that just didn’t work.


That’s when I realized: this isn’t just my problem. It’s our problem.

The Moment of Clarity

Frustration was the breaking point for me. After years of struggling with snow gear that didn’t fit—sleeves too long, waists too loose, and pants that bunched awkwardly—I realized something had to change. I was tired of feeling like an afterthought in an industry that didn’t cater to women like me. That’s when I knew I had to create a solution—not just for myself, but for every woman who’s faced the same challenges on the slopes.

Building Nexarina: By Women, For Women

Creating Nexarina has been one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It started with listening—talking to other women in snowboarding and skiing about their struggles. The stories were so similar: gear that didn’t fit, designs that weren’t functional, and options that overlooked the diversity of women’s bodies.


I took all of that feedback and set out to make gear that solves real problems. Nexarina is about more than just looking good (although that’s important too!). It’s about gear that moves with you, keeps you warm without bulk, and gives you the confidence to take on any mountain.


To make this vision a reality, I partnered with top-tier materials like Primaloft insulation , known for its incredible warmth and water resistance, and eVent fabrics , which are breathable and durable. And I didn’t stop at functionality—I wanted inclusivity, offering sizes and fits for every woman, from petite to tall, in styles that make you feel like you belong.

Why This Matters for You

This journey isn’t just about me—it’s about you. I’ve been in your shoes: frustrated, overlooked, and stuck wearing gear that feels like an afterthought. Nexarina exists to make sure no woman has to feel that way again.


When you step onto the mountain, you should feel unstoppable. You should have gear that works as hard as you do, whether you’re carving fresh powder, mastering your first run, or just soaking in the joy of being out there.


That’s the heart of Nexarina: building gear that empowers women to own their space on the slopes.

What’s Next: Join the Movement

We’re gearing up to launch pre-orders on May 1 , and I couldn’t be more excited to share what we’ve created. Signing up for our pre-order list means you’ll get:

  • Early access to our gear before anyone else.
  • Sneak peeks at our designs and the thought process behind them.
  • Exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes looks at what we’re building.
Nexarina black snowboarding outfit

This isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement to redefine women’s snow sports gear and make the mountains more inclusive for everyone.


I’d love for you to be part of this journey. Together, we can change the way women experience snowboarding and skiing, one perfect fit at a time.

Mikayla Balfour