We recently connected with Adria Green and have shared our conversation below.

Adria, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

One of the kindest things that anyone has done for me was when my students and youth leaders that I get the privilege to pastor, created a “money tree” for me.

There’s this common misconception that pastors make a lot of money. And…nah fam. I’m a YOUTH pastor…let that sink in. Lol! So, it’s difficult for me to keep up with the sneaker culture because I can’t afford to indulge and purchase a lot of new releases that I may desire…which definitely affects my content.

But last year, they created a money tree for me of about $200! So, I was able to pay a bill with that money. It helped way more than they know. My eyes started sweating a little bit when they presented it to me. Lol! But seriously, it was a very moving moment for me that I’ll NEVER forget. It was a gentle reminder that God really does provide even when you have no idea how or where it’s going to come from.

Adria, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been in ministry as a youth pastor for 3 years now. I grew up in church so the thought of being in ministry has ALWAYS been a part of the plan.…I just never thought I’d actually be a pastor, let alone working with young people. I got into sneakers through sheer interest and admiration at a young age.

I would sit and daydream about sneakers as I watched other kids walk down the halls and the cafeteria, wishing that I could experience the joy of having “cool shoes” like them. My mom and grandmother did NOT believe in buying expensive sneakers. Plus, I was a girl…so they kept me in sandals and cute flats…but NOT sneakers. So when I got older, and I could afford to purchase sneakers myself, I became obsessed! Not to mention, through my prior occupation, God allowed me to find a way to “marry” the two…so that’s what I did. It was through that, that SneakHERhead was birthed and I’ve been pushing the “Savior and Sneakers” ever since.

I basically use sneakers to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ! It’s the BEST of BOTH worlds! My main goal has always been to make the Bible relatable and understandable. And now, I also get to do this for the next generation as a youth pastor. The Bible, let alone having a relationship with Christ isn’t sexy these days…I get it. If anything, since the pandemic, we’ve seen a huge decline and lack of interest when it comes to the Lord. Using something as simple as a sneaker, to share the “Good News,” as well as to help make the Word of God make sense, REALLY helps and makes a difference. Especially with youth and young adults.

The thing that I’m most proud of is the fact that I own the term “SneakHERhead.” There’s plenty of sneaker heads out there…but being a woman makes all the difference and brings a new, unique, fresh perspective on a male-dominated industry. When I first started out back in 2018, there weren’t that many female sneakerheads. But NOW, there’s A LOT more. And it’s been pretty cool to see the evolution and metamorphosis of this industry. My hope and prayer is that I get my “big break’” and this takes off somehow. All I want is to do is spread this great Gospel on a global scale.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

This is an interesting question, simply because I’m STILL learning this, in REAL TIME. A lesson that I’m learning is that what I have, matters. It’s no secret, I’m a plus-size woman. And practically every industry has certain beauty standards…unfortunately, because of my size/weight, I don’t meet those standards. So, I’ve literally watched tons of women get opportunities and exposure because THEY meet the industry standard of beauty. So, this sneaker journey has been a difficult one to navigate because it can get discouraging at times. I’m constantly having to encourage myself and refrain from throwing in the towel OFTEN. The main thing that KEEPS me going is remembering my “why” and also understanding that while I may not be “them,’ I can STILL be used by Him (the Lord).

Long story longer…I’ve had to unlearn how I see myself, and be confident in knowing that what God has given me, and what I have to offer, despite the fact that I don’t meet society and industry standards, I’m still necessary.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I try not to set goals. I know that sounds crazy…but hear me out…or “read” me out at least (Lol).

The thing about goals is, they’re surface. I definitely prefer the term “mission” because to me, it typically indicates something DEEPER, impactful and more meaningful. My mission is simply to spread my love for the Gospel in a unique way, on a global scale, using my interest and passion for sneakers.

My “why” is Him. If it weren’t for Christ I wouldn’t have gotten this far with all of this. I honestly would have quit a long time ago! But DOPE sneakers KEEP coming out, and the Word reaches beyond time, space, and stratospheres, so I STILL have a mission to do. I owe it to Him, not to throw away what He gave me, even if what He gave me never gets the exposure or “big break” that I feel, it deserves.      

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sneakherhead.com
• Instagram: @asneakherhead
• Facebook: Adria Green (TheeAdria Renee Green)
• Twitter: @theeDOPE_estRED
• Youtube: @asneakherhead (SneakHER Head)
• Spill: @theedopeest
• Thread: @theedopeestred
• TikTok: @thesneakherhead

Image Credits
-Kimbra Young: Vibe Social -Karl Wesley: RAS Films LLC -BWill Images -Eye Catching Photography