A Peek in the Sneaker Culture - A Sneakerhead's Paradise
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nazr El-Scari, Founder, and CEO of A Sneakerhead's Paradise, located in Boston, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
A Sneakerhead's Paradise is a personal sneaker acquisition platform that removes the hassle of searching and purchasing the sneakers you want, within your budget, without competing with others. Our customers are individuals who recognize that sneakers aren't just functional. They are a piece of culture that fixates itself at the intersection of fashion, sports, and music. It shows knowledge of pop culture and is a mechanism of connecting with others by showcasing an individual's personality as a cornerstone of their outfit.
Tell us about yourself
I fell in love with sneakers because they allow me to outwardly express my inner identity and are a means to connect with all types of people. I first got into sneaker reselling after working at another start-up app company, where I earned a ton of disposable income. I originally collected sneakers just for me, then learned quickly that people were willing to pay more for sneakers I had already worn than what I paid for them. As I learned more about reselling, I became frustrated with many areas of friction within the market. This inspired me to create A Sneakerhead's Paradise. What motivates me each day to run this business is that I love being an entrepreneur. There is nothing else I'd rather be doing through all the ups and downs. I was always drawn to fashion but never thought I was creative enough to create my own. However, with A Sneakerhead's Paradise, my daily activities are entrenched in the fashion world, and I love being able to wake up every day to do this.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been to continue to grow and create my company while being a full-time student as well as finding success during the pandemic. I took a big leap of faith right before the beginning of the pandemic, and it showed me I was capable of sticking through anything the world threw at me. It taught me that entrepreneurship was truly my path.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner in the late nights with no rewards. People hardly see what it takes behind the scenes to get to a place of success. There is a lot of work that goes unnoticed and is unappreciated. That is why loving what you do is paramount because when there are no cheers and you're sitting at your computer in the middle of the night trying to figure out a problem, you have to have the faith to believe it will work out. Maybe it won't be today or tomorrow, but at some point, it will. This level of patience and belief is what crushes a lot of aspiring entrepreneurs, but if you make it through, all those nights become worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start something in an industry you love, and the money will follow.
- Your network is your net worth. Create a community with various backgrounds and perspectives to encourage diverse thinking around your idea.
- Never give up. The most straightforward piece of advice yet the hardest. You must believe in yourself in the face of one million no's because it's not about who doesn't believe but about who does.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Our mission at A Sneakerhead's Paradise is to create a community that facilitates the discovery and exploration of one's individuality through fashion by simplifying the process of securing sought-after sneakers.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.aspsneakers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspsneakers/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asneakerheadsparadise/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aspsneakers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asp-the-shoe-plug/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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