Today we’d like to introduce you to Randy Gonzalez.
Randy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Southern California, I was raised with the mantra of my idols; Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and The Rock. Culture was an important aspect in my humble upbringing, as a lonely child I was very introverted with a huge heart for creativity.
18 years later, I started FREEYOURSNEAKER—an initiative to promote and share the work of many sole-proprietorships across the world, specifically the work of customs sneaker artists. What began as a passion project, unveiled a whole different world in which talented individuals spend an endless amount of hours on projects. Many times not getting the recognition or the monetary compensation off their work to live comfortably.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with any brand, the toughest part is to gain credibility and trust. The internet is a very complex and dangerous place. If you focus too much on the numbers you can get lost in a spiral of stress. If you focus solely on content, you can lose track of what gains traffic—ultimately, balance is key. When I started reaching out to artists, I would send out approximately 50 messages and only five would reach back. The internet is also very trend based if you’re late the party you can’t take advantage of the exposure.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with FREEYOURSNEAKER – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
FREEYOURSNEAKER is a promotional brand/community that is primarily based off the Instagram platform, with some occasional content on our website. To really understand what FYS is you need to dissect the name firstly. It’s not just based off sneakers, to free oneself is to be enlightened and create self-expression. Whether it’s using a shoe as a canvas or painting a mural, it’s about being yourself. In short form, FYS promotes the work of artists across the world on a daily basis.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is the daily grind to continue and improve oneself. At the moment, my daily criteria is to continue to pursue my career and develop my brand. Be there for the people who support me the most, and appreciate the moments created. If you jump to the end of success and become self-proclaimed “successful”, I believe you can become stagnant. Life is a marathon not a race.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.freeyoursneaker.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freeyoursneaker/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freeyoursneaker
- Other: https://www.reddit.com/r/freeyoursneaker/
Image Credit:
@dmcustomsneakers, @arts_undefined, @colle.la, @ghost.art
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