Story Kicks & Phasion

So I went to Sneaker Pimps ATL before I really gave the STORY much thought or energy outside of my mind. I went with the impression I would see lots of people rocking lots of kicks, vendors selling lots of stuff and Big Boi (of the hip-hop duo, Outcast)do his thing on stage. What I got was, over charged for an event that wasn’t very well organized or promoted in and around the city. They also allowed an artist to come on stage with fake Jordan’ s on his feet after they burned some poor kids fake kicks that he got “from his drug dealer.” Overall it wasn’t a very good experience.
A few weeks later, Sneaker Pimps goes to DC. Now this show was promoted with a purpose and it showed. The people at the event posted pictures everywhere and really got me hype about the possibilities of the upcoming show in Philly. I mean they had every local artist from Phila-Dei to Wale perform and The Clipse headlined the show. I heard the vendors were on their game and made sure the head designers of owners were in attendance and available to speak with. It was an awesome show and the people who blogged and posted pic’s about it showed they’re happiness.
So, the next week I make my plans to drive to Philly from Atlanta to go to this show, still with no real pressure to open my Story anytime soon. In the mean time, my in-laws visit from Philly. Now everybody that has in-laws knows that they are very nosey and always ask about what you want to do with your future. His question gets even more prevalent when you’re not working. (I lost my job in June.) So MS. Leslie asks me and I answer, “Well I want to open my STORY.” And she says, what’s stopping you? So I think real hard because the answer to this question has to end this conversation because I have a long ride ahead of me. I say, “Well I need funding and a place to open it.” She says; well tell me about your STORY.” I give the normal man answer and say, “what do you mean?” She says; tell me the reason you want to open a STORY, what type of STORY and stuff like that.” Considering that this woman has known me for a while now, beating around the bush won’t work with her… So I answer.
“Well STORY is a mid to high end sneaker and accessory story. We’ll sell everything from Jordan Brand and Tier 0 Nikes and Nike SB’s to brands like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vitton. We’ll also carry independent and upstart brands to keep my community connection. We’ll a retail storefront as well as an ecommerce website. In addition to all that, we’ll also have consignment services to give collectors and others who are trying to sell merchandise an avenue to do so.” Then she asks, “Why STORY?” So, I said, “Because, every pair has a STORY. Designers don’t just design things for the fun of it; engineers don’t just engineer new products for just because they can. They do things for a reason. Whether that reason is to make things more efficient, better for the environment, or even just to make it fit better, there was a reason and that reason is their STORY.” She fell in love with the idea! She told me about a “faith walk” she had done before and said I should do the same. So I started my business plan and set the date for my grand opening.
I decided to use Sneaker Pimps Philly as an opportunity to network. I went and was completely amazed at all the people that were in attendance. There were different vendors from all over the country showing off their designs and accessories. The show was awesome, The Clipse and J. Cole ripped it. And the Opening acts were pretty good too. Shout out to Indy 5 and Ab Liva for showing that Philly has talent!!! Dave Jeff (the host) was rocking a pair of LBJ VII’s Chicago, they are sick!!! I met a bunch of contacts and potential vendors. Overall it was a great night.
That’s it for now, I’ll get back at you’ll next week. Thanks for following The Story of Story. Look for more to come!!!


(STORY=Store) Just to let you know...