Here’s the story of how a self-professed sneakerhead turned her passion into a business.
Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone.
I definitely never thought it was for me. As a kid whenever I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always give a generic answer i.e. doctor, lawyer, teacher, whatever, just to be left alone. Truthfully, I really didn’t know. I knew whatever it was it wasn’t going to be the typical, everyday occupation. Typical has never been my style. My whole life, I’ve been a little different. My mother would just tell people “she’s the artsy type” to describe my interests and whatever current phase I was experiencing to other people. It wasn’t until middle school I discovered something other than music that I loved: Sneakers.
A friend showed me an Eastbay magazine one day and I was hooked. This was basically a catalog full of sneakers, some I’d never even heard of. I was in heaven. I took the card from the back and signed up for my own subscription. When my first issue came I flipped through it for at least an hour. Looking at the prices I knew I probably wouldn’t ever get anything from it but it didn’t hurt to look.
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Growing up with four older siblings sometimes dwindled the chances for getting certain things. My mother had a set price limit when it came to buying. I knew most of the shoes in the magazine were over my normal $50 limit. The sneakers I really liked, I would sit and draw pictures of them and put up in my room. There were occasions I could convince my father to buy me the occasional pair of Jordan’s or Air Max but I really loved the shoes that were different and I didn’t see everyone else wearing. Larry Bird’s Converse Weapons, Reebok Kamikazes, and Adidas Mutombo’s were just a few.
I discovered that the sneaker culture was a whole different world. There were people out there who loved sneakers just as much or even more than I did. Conventions were held and people would spend hundreds and even thousands on a single pair. The entire thing was incredible to me. So, as I got older I would splurge every once in a while on a nice pair. Being that I spent my hard earned money on them, I made sure to take care of my shoes. At least once a month I would get some soap and water and a toothbrush and sit and clean them all. I never thought I would turn all of that into a business one day.
Fast forward to 2016, I looked at the number of shoes I’d acquired over the years and wondered what to do with them. Some were old but still classics that I didn’t want to part with. So, I decided to take some time and clean them all up to make them wearable again. In the midst of that, I had that magical aha moment. From that point, I started to research the best products, and methods to really take care of any shoes. Even though I was already grown up at this point, I finally knew what I wanted to do. I was going to start my own sneaker business.
In April of 2018, K’s Kicks was officially born. A year of research and planning finally put into action. I currently offer multiple sneaker services. They include cleaning, paint touch-ups, restorations and customizing all at reasonable prices and quick turnarounds. I have been pleased with the support and business I have received after only seven months of being in business. I’ve seen everything from separated soles to those that looked like they’d been stuck between a rock and a hard place.
No matter the condition I care for each pair like they were my own. I never feel like I’m working because I love what I do. Putting life back into your soles is the goal at K’s Kicks. Next up will be K’s Kickstop where I will begin selling, buying and trading sneakers. That and many new things are in store for the future and I’m looking forward to jumping feet first into all the possibilities.
This was a good article. Awesome LC comrades. Living your dreams!
Passion drives us to achieve is what I have always believed in. Happy to know about yours & your success & happiness.
What a great idea. Over the years I’ve often thought I came up with a good idea only to find out after googling it, that it had already been done. You’re filling a need which is the purpose of any good business! Maybe you can sell sneaker cleaning kits fro people who want to do it on their own? Congrats!
That’s a great business idea! I’m hard on my sneakers and not so good at cleaning them up.
What a great idea for a business. Well done for making your passion profitable.
What a fantastic and inspiring story! Transforming some you love into a career is the best thing a person can do. And like you said, when you are doing something you love it doesn’t feel like work at all! Congrats on your success, this was a great read!!
Isn’t it amazing when we finally figure out what we want to be “when we grow up” even if we’re already grown? I love that you found a way to turn your passion into a profitable business, and I wish you all the best with K’s Kicks, and all the related ventures you dream up and turn into reality.
Isn’t amazing that you are actually getting to do what you love everyday and it is supporting you! It’s an amazing feeling and I love that you are working with your passions, and you’re not giving up! There will be some crazy times but I’m so sure you are going to continue to be amazing.
I never really thought of turning a love of shoes into a job! But that’s awesome you did exactly that. I love the time and care you put into it all. A wise person once said, find something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s exactly what you’ve done!
I love this! So cool when you can turn your passion into a business! I can see how bringing new life back to a pair of kicks would be really satisfying!
What an inspiring story! That’s so awesome you were able to turn your passion into a working business!
There’s nothing like making money off of your passion. Great and inspiring post
Woww! What an innovative business, never had any idea that one can refurbish old sneakers! I love sneakers too, not as much as you though! Very nice post!
It feels good to read stories describing how one has turned their passion into a business. It is clear that you have enjoyed setting up and running your sneakers business. All the best
What a unique field! It’s awesome that you’re able to make money doing something you are passionate about.
Such a great and inspirational post! I believe that the things you love doing can propel you to success!
i love this! congartulations! it´s a great example for us all ! follow your dream
This is awesome, I always think of ideas and Google it to see they’ve already been done! well done you 🙂
I’ve never been a part of the sneaker culture but my god, my husband is! And now my teenage son! It’s a love affair for sure!