Check Out Ariana’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana.

Hi Ariana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When the world was at a complete standstill in 2020 and everything seemed to be so uncertain day to day, I found ways to stay connected to my friends across the states through small care packages. I started making the gem socks as a gesture of love for my friends and sneakerhead girlies. My hope was that my friends would smile and feel good about what I made special for them. Then I began to notice people complimenting them and showing interest in wanting a pair of their own. This has now transcended to what I do now with Her Sneakers Her Way. Yes, they’re socks, but the most important piece is how you feel when you put them on and the compliments you receive when others see you wearing them!

It took me a good while, nearly a year, to actually launch this and make this a brand, well because of self doubt. I hesitated many times and I wanted to there be a philanthropic factor to it. In everything I do, there needs to be an intention. I asked myself, what is my “Why?”

With Her Sneakers Her Way, my goal was to blend two communities that I deeply love; sports and sneakers; adding in give-back factor to anything and everything, I would execute. I launched Her Sneakers Her Way in the summer of 2022.

Sports have been apart of my life from my childhood until now. Whether I was watching Lakers games with my dad or participating in everything from cheer to competitive swim to water polo to basketball, I loved every minute of it. As I became older, my love for sports never changed but I did not continue to play.

Additionally, I have always found sports and sneaker culture to be synonymous, specifically because I grew up in the early 90s and 2000s. This was the era of Retro Jordan’s and having the crispiest of Nike Air Force Ones wherever you went. Now I look back on my high school years, especially while playing basketball and I recognized that the girls teams did not get the same support or even equipment as the boys did, across several sports. And this became more apparent as I got into college, no longer being a participant, but just a fan and supporter.

The lack of support, exposure, and equality has been going on for years, yet soon after Kobe Bryant’s retirement in 2016, he began to be the model of what it looked like the RESPECT women in sports. Kobe was then sanctioned as the voice and champion of women’s athletics. What made it even more special was that he always had his daughters with him, especially GIanna. This created a spark across all sports and for many sports lovers. Fast forward to now, which has been the most exciting time for women’s basketball and sports, as a whole. Kobe Bryant was a major influence in how I decided to build my brand.

As a proud supporter, showing up as my authentic self and how I show my support has helped build and foster authentic connections and relationships for Her Sneakers Her Way. In the two years of creating my business, I have had multiple opportunities to partner with various sports platforms, programs at all levels, rising student athletes and even, notable corporate brands.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Let me just say, being a one woman team can be a challenge. Particularly, because I am still on the smaller scale of the business but, rapidly growing. Being the one to create the content for my social media page, taking the photos and videos, interacting and connecting with people, all helps me to not only stay aligned with my mission, but streamline everything as much as possible. Not to mention, the support I have obtained from family and friends has been nothing short of a blessing.

Additonally, I am surrounded by a close-knit group of women entrepeneurs and leaders who motivate me to keep going and move with confidence. I have fully embraced the journey and being able to lean on my circle for encouragement, feedback or even, guidance, has been an immense blessing.

I am very much a type A personality; highly proactive and a bit rigid; which typically works in my favor. Yet, I am learning to be flexible as I go. I will admit the business side of it, is tough for me. As I grow and new opportunities arise, I am pushed in a direction where I have to figure out the logistics, as it happens.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a creative. A lover of sports and sneakers. And, I have somehow put all of that together to establish Her Sneakers Her Way.

People know me for my gem socks; which are custom socks that are styled in different ways and embellished with colorful rhinestones that elevate your game, style or mood!

All gem socks are made to order. I do that mainly because of time, but also I take great pride in the process of actually making each pair by hand. Knowing who and, sometimes, what I am making them for, is important to me.

In addition, I truly enjoy the reactions I receive. The smiles, the comments and the boost of confidence they get when they are complimented while wearing them.

Most importantly, the connections I have made have been both reaffirming and rewarding. Prodigious women, like Dez Ale, founder of Her Game, who is making a profound mark for girls and women in the realm of basketball; but also has continuously brought me along and placed me in positions to grow and elevate. Overall, the experiences and opportunities, alone, have not only been refreshing and extremely motivating, but confirmation of my own gifts and skills. For that, I am immensely grateful for and proud of.

My intention with Her Sneakers Her Way is to uplift girls and women in every space and every level. Within sports and in the sneaker world, women, AGAIN, are the minority. The message to each of these ladies is to take up space, because you DO belong. No matter your skill or knowledge, you have something to contribute (to your team or the game). If you’re the captain or the anchor, the designer or the consumer, you are of value to that role. The gem socks are just an added touch to the greatness you already possess!

Her Sneakers Her Way is for everyone. The focus and intention is to amplify the space women should take up in this world. And if you support my brand then that means you strongly believe in that too.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Like I mentioned, showing up as your authentic self has been the one thing I will stand on. By doing this, my name has been shared in rooms I am not even present in. Opportunities I have dreamed of, have organically presented themselves. In my initial interactions, I make it a point to really connect with people and acknowledge them every time I see them. Lastly, I am highly intentional about showing gratitude. In whatever capacity you can, show others your appreciation for them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPV1wLwRZJ7SJRoJcebIeqtS69e3e4G05M4uNmT5XtX0As8w/viewform
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hersneakersherway

Image Credits
Clara Bourat @claraforever
Nikki Boutte @creativenlb5