Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arrogant Cass. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Arrogant , appreciate you joining us today. Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?

Being a young female entrepreneur in a mostly male-dominated industry is like being a fish swimming against the current. It’s challenging, but it forces me to think outside the box and find creative solutions to make my event stand out. It’s similar to a puzzle where the pieces don’t quite fit together, so I have to come up with innovative ways to make them work.

To test my theory, I decided to add a fashion show for upcoming designers to showcase their garments. It’s like finding a missing piece of the puzzle, creating a safe space for these designers to display their talent and gain recognition. Additionally, I added a live hair demo for barbers and hairstylists to expand their clientele. This is like finding another missing piece, providing a platform for hairstylists to showcase their skills and attract new customers.

While some may question the connection between hair, clothes, and sneakers, the answer is simple. All these elements shape the culture. Just like how each puzzle piece contributes to the final picture, your hair and outfit play a crucial role in completing your overall look. If they’re not on point, you won’t feel confident enough to rock your favorite sneakers. It’s about understanding the importance of every aspect that contributes to the overall experience and embracing it to create a unique event.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My introduction to sneaker culture began in my early years when my older cousin, Steven, would take me on shoe hunts and engage in conversations about upcoming releases and bits of Streetwear. Growing up taller and bigger than other kids, I sought ways to fit in, and one of those ways was through my footwear. Steven, who understood what it was like to have big feet, guided me toward shoes that wouldn’t make my feet look disproportionate but rather garnered compliments and showcased my shoe game. He kept me informed about upcoming drops and even rewarded me with shoes for excelling in school.

After pursuing various business ventures, I decided to organize sneaker events during my sophomore year of high school. Recognizing the absence of such events in the Akron area, I believed there were fellow sneakerheads like myself who would eagerly support and participate. Little did I know the challenges that lay ahead. Initially, I struggled to comprehend why some individuals with clothing brands and sneaker businesses wouldn’t seize the opportunity to attend an event that could enhance their networking, profitability, and clientele. This taught me the valuable lesson that not everyone, including friends and family, would wholeheartedly support my endeavors, and that was okay.

Another lesson I learned was the importance of money management and proper bookkeeping skills. Initially, I would impulsively spend money on personal items instead of reinvesting in my business to generate more revenue and maintain a financial safety net. Additionally, I had to recognize the significance of valuing my own worth. At first, I would offer deals and discounts, but I realized this undermined my own profitability and failed to garner genuine interest. Establishing clear policies and procedures was necessary to convey that this was a serious business venture, not a fleeting pursuit.

Despite moments of doubt and the absence of a supportive team, I am proud of myself for persevering. The comments and criticisms from haters and doubters may sting, but they won’t break me.Instead, they fuel my determination to prove my rightful place in this industry. Witnessing the growth of my Instagram account, starting with a mere few hundred followers and now reaching 24k, has been incredibly rewarding. It validates the hard work I have invested in my sneaker brand. I had to realize that I’am a visionary and sometimes my ideas may sound unorthodox or outlandish to people but once everything comes together they’ll understand. While I have many more milestones to achieve, I take pride in being a pillar within my community and showing others that a girl can thrive in the sneaker realm.

To further expand and accomplish my goals, I am actively seeking talented individuals to collaborate with. If you are a videographer, photographer, or possess expertise in marketing and advertising, I encourage you to reach out. As a small business, finding budget-friendly resources can be challenging, but together we can build a strong portfolio and support each other’s growth. My direct messages are always open for questions, as I value engaging with my followers and supporters.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

When I founded SneakGeekz in 2019, I had a modest $150 to my name. Initially, I expected my parents to support me financially, as they had in my previous business ventures. However, when I presented the idea to them, my mom expressed her lack of knowledge and interest in the sneaker industry, which was disheartening. My dad had a similar reaction, as they both struggled to understand the concept. This left me feeling uncertain about how to proceed with just $150 in hand.

Finding a venue within my limited budget posed a challenge. The most affordable option I found was priced at around $600, which seemed unattainable. However, I recalled my time playing AAU basketball for Ladies First here in Akron. We would host events at Mason Park, an elementary school with a gym that was open to local use. I approached them with my idea, and fortunately, they granted me permission. They required a security deposit of $100, which my aunt kindly provided by writing a check that wouldn’t be cashed, serving as a temporary hold.

With only $150 remaining, I had to be resourceful. Thankfully, I managed to stretch that amount, and it seemed that God intervened in favor of my event. This inaugural event became a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement and serving as a stepping stone for future success. Now, I prioritize budgeting for upcoming events and actively seek grants throughout the year to assist with necessary expenses. I have also recently explored the idea of securing sponsors, although this process has proven challenging. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic and eagerly look forward to collaborating with brands that align with the event’s purpose and values, and that I am proud to associate my name with, ensuring they understand the essence of the event.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Maintaining strong relationships with my vendors has been a top priority for me since the inception of SneakGeekz. It is essential to me that they not only view our partnership as a business transaction, but also as a lifelong friendship. Unfortunately, this level of connection is not always common in the industry. That’s why I take pride in running SneakGeekz as a family-oriented business, deeply involved in the community.

Even if a vendor doesn’t participate in future events, I make it a point to stay connected and support their endeavors. I continue to repost their work and consider them as my go-to option when I require their particular products or services. This loyalty stems from the fact that they have been loyal to me, and I want to reciprocate that loyalty by assisting them in any way I can. Whenever an opportunity arises, I make sure to inform them and provide resources that may benefit their business.

Building strong relationships with vendors is not only beneficial for mutual support, but also for learning and growth. Being in business is challenging, and it can be even more difficult to find trustworthy partners who won’t take advantage of you. By creating an open and supportive environment, we can exchange knowledge and experiences, benefiting both parties. These connections extend beyond business, as I have been invited to vendors’ personal events such as baby showers. It brings me immense joy to be seen as not just another business acquaintance, but as a true friend.

I prioritize transparency and communication with my vendors, keeping them updated on the latest developments and milestones. It is important to me that they feel included and aware of what is happening within SneakGeekz. I value their opinions and insights, and believe that maintaining this level of connection fosters a strong and supportive network.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://330sneakgeekz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiK6pWbyumCAxWHCjQIHcmwCpAQFnoECBcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F330sneakgeekz%2F%3Fhl%3Den&usg=AOvVaw1to3EM825e3OakogECQdw8&opi=89978449
• Youtube: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiK6pWbyumCAxWHCjQIHcmwCpAQFnoECBIQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUCjZrwTnv8Joh7yDyE7Q5r_A&usg=AOvVaw26Nb1ELBoRzbYX5L4AatDl&opi=89978449

Image Credits
Balloon Outfit: JJ’s Clubhouse Sneaker Photo: Backroom Kicks Female Barber: Geek for hair Clothing Brand: Eli Designer Brand