We were lucky to catch up with Kiyana Merritt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiyana, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

As a sophomore in undergraduate school I desired to land an internship that would give me a full scope of the social work experience. As I entered the emerging leaders program at glide memorial foundation in 2013 I did not know it would change me for the better professionally & personally. Located in the one of the toughest neighborhoods in SF called the tenderloin, glide memorial services provided basic living necessities for all people. As a social work intern I was placed in the “walk-in center” where people in need in the community could simply walk-in and receive emergency services such as temporary shelter, hygiene kits, immigration support etc. Everyday was different with new stories & hearts to mend.

One of Glide’s organizational values is Unconditional Love and it really stuck with me. Even after 10 years working in the social work field accepting people for who they are in that current moment is the most important step in the helping process. Understanding how to work with diverse backgrounds of people I have been able to merge into community organizing, global philanthropy and alternative programing. Being a human Ive learned conditional love only goes so far.
Glide memorial foundation has everything to do with my success today. I truely believe God had a purpose for me providing me with a great organizational foundation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

My name is Kiyana Merritt and I am 30 years old originally from San Francisco, California. I possess my Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. From an early aged ive always played sports and was a natural helper. Obtaining a softball scholarship to South Carolina State University I transitioned to the south and was able to multiple on all of my existing skills. I attended Washington University in Saint Louis for graduate school during the height of the Mike brown “I Cant Breathe” movement. In school I seen myself being more than just a student athlete but an advocate for multiple civil rights matters & to bring needed resources to whatever community I was in. After graduate school I returned to the Bay Area to begin to serve my own community. At 25 , my first job out of school I was able to assist in leasing up one of the first transitional age youth residential programs for homeless youth in San Francisco at Booker T Washington Community Service Center as an assistant property manager.

Creating relationships with diverse communities informed me that people were definitely in need. As a person being under 30 at the time I wanted to make giving back attractive & cool to others. Seeing the impact of streetwear & in the height of the small business boom I was able to create Sneaker Babe LLC. in January 2020. Not knowing covid was ahead I wouldn’t know how much communities would need our services.

Sneaker babe collects / distributes gently worn and new shoes year round to individuals, children and families who are in need. As a social worker I wanted to find a way for everyone to participate in helping others out. Quarterly I started an event called “PULL UP AND DONATE” where people can simply pull up and donate a pair of shoes while still being “Covid compliant”. Being able to experience the giver and receiver of the shoes first-hand is such a full circle moment.

Sneaker Babe also provides alternative wellness programming and seasonal digital merchandise. In the past SB has collaborated with Netflix, Larkin Street Youth Services, Boost West Oakland , St Marys Medical Center, and Black Girls in Blazers. Most recently Sneaker Babe was blessed to travel internationally to Bali ,Indonesia donating 20 pairs of shoes to a community school grades 1st – 5th grade.

Research shows that receiving a new pair of shoes will boost your confidence almost immediately. Getting to boost others confidence and show unconditional love simultaneously is an indescribable feeling. Only creating Sneaker Babe 2 years ago I can only image the heights we will reach by year 10. By 2025 I hope my international giving is sponsored by nike or yeezy. I also want to have Sneaker Babe Safe Space Club houses in every major city to provide emergency services for all who need them.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy for growing my clientele is traveling with my business. Having connects from college on the east coast I was so excited to bring my business to my extended family & friends. Sneaker Babe has had motion in Atlanta , North Carolina , Washington DC and Los Angeles and now internationally Bali , Indonesia .

When I travel I purposely wear my merchandise and sneakers. I always meet people who’s values and style aligns with the business. Being able to reach different regions with your business creates motivation to keep going. Traveling I’ve learned that people around the world want to give which lets me know I can go anywhere with Sneaker Babe & thrive.

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

I had to unlearn that your friends and family are automatically obligated to support your business. I used to feel bad when friends and family didn’t support initiatives and event I held but I grew to know that I would meet the audience that aligns with the business regardless if I knew them or not. A majority of my support comes from strangers .

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sneaker-babe.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: sneakerbabe__ / kisoiceyy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiyana-merritt-500/