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Curating Your Unique Personal Style

December 3, 2023

Without a question, fashion tends to heavily rely on trends. What’s hot now will be all over Instagram or Twitter until the next best thing comes around. How many Denim Tears sweat suits are posted on a regular basis? How about Nike Panda Dunks? Some trends have people in a chokehold will others bring out the best of fashion. Creating your unique personal style isn’t about following trends to a T, but instead experimenting to find a unique fashion taste.

Trends come and go. Personal style stays around for years to come. Anyone can follow a trend, but few actually take pride in finding their own unique style.

Unique Personal Style Through Trial and Error

Personal style isn’t meant to remain stagnant forever. It often changes, shifts, morphs, and adjusts to forever changing muses and inspirations.

Throughout trial and error, a prevalent unique personal style comes over time. Anyone who looks to stand out curates a look unique to them for countless reasons. When starting to take fashion and overall appearance more seriously, it’s inevitable to not feel or look your best 24/7.

Taking the time to curate personal style takes time and patience. Style constantly changes as bodies change, ideals shift, and influences transform. Dramatic and subtle changes both play a role in one’s unique style. Inspiration can literally come from anywhere. Someone might be influenced or inspired by their favorite rapper or something more general like Japanese streetwear.

As fashion moves forward, so does personal style and the process of determining how appearances are viewed and curated. Anyone can buy clothes, but few take the time to curate a personalized wardrobe. Curation requires persistence, trial and error, and countless mistakes along the way.

Inspirations, Muses, and Influences

Influence comes from everywhere and anywhere. Fashion is influenced by countless aspects such as nature, art, music, sports, etc. Anyone can be inspired by virtually anything. For example, sports heavily influence numerous aspects of fashion and more specifically streetwear. It wasn’t common to wear sports jerseys outside of game days until hip-hop made it cool and fashionable. Now, wearing a basketball jersey on a random Monday in the middle of the summer is considered the norm.

Art obviously heavily influences fashion. Different types of art inspire looks in countless ways. Abstract art impacts the ability for designers to push boundaries. Fashion has no limits on what can or can’t be done.

Keeping up with every trend is virtually impossible because of the endless influences and inspirations constantly changing the makeup of fashion and how people around the world wear clothing. Curating your unique personal style is about finding a balance between following (some) trends, wearing what you like, and experimenting with different options.

Even people can be muses for individuals who take their appearance seriously. Rappers, celebrities, and even athletes have room to try out new ideas and fits. Their clothing choices influences countless fans and supporters. Someone who never cared for Adidas suddenly hopped on the bandwagon when they saw the favorite Chicago raised hip-hop artist wear running shoes with street clothes.

Individuals who aren’t celebrities or famous still can have influence on others’ style choices. When we see one of our friends wearing a certain pair of sneakers or an interesting jacket, we may be unconsciously influenced. Those exact sneakers or that jacket might not make their way into our closet, but we may look for something similar without even thinking twice about how we were influenced.

Unique Personal Style: Curation Over Time

Style comes to some easier than others. Anyone can wear clothes. However, the way people wear clothing is more important than the pieces themselves. An all designer fit might not look great if it isn’t styled well. In comparison, a fit composed of clothes from the thrift store may look elevated when put together effectively.

Clothes are meant to be styled and worn uniquely rather than having clothes do all the talking. Many people in streetwear have noticed how trends have become styles. How many of the same sweat suits are posted on Instagram everyday? Clothes should be worn by you rather than having clothes wear you.

The Unfortunate Dark Side of Sneakers

November 27, 2023

Back dooring is nothing new in the world of sneakers. Ever since limited/hype releases have been a thing, people have found ways to make as much profit as possible. Anyone who has been around sneakers for a year or longer knows about the dark side of sneakers and how much shady business goes on.

Major corporations and small businesses alike often don’t have the consumer’s best interest at hand. While more goes on than most people know, the first step to combating shady business is to first acknowledge that something unethical is going on.

Back Dooring and Shady Business Practices

Anyone who knows how sneaker shops work know that back dooring is nothing new. Sneakers are often sold to third parties or even other retailers before official release dates. Some stores back door to their own employees while others look to maximize profits. At the end of the day, sneaker stores will continue to back door sneakers or even apparel until they get caught. Sneaker culture gives certain stores a pass while holding other brands more accountable for the shady business practices.

Shady business practices are prevalent at a well-known sneaker and apparel store. When waiting out in line in previous experiences, certain employees would often let potential customers know they have one guess for a particular sneaker size. If that size was out of stock, the potential buyer had to go back in line to attempt to guess correctly. What retail stores make people play a guessing game? How does that encourage trust and loyalty between customers and retailers?

Hyped and exclusive sneakers are often glorified and put on a pedestal. This often leads to employees partaking in shady business practices. Some workers are pressured into back dooring for certain buyers while others do it without a blink of an eye or second thought.

The Dark Side of Reselling

Reselling has been around since commerce has been a thing in the world. Buy low, sell high. You can’t get much simpler than that. However, sneaker reselling often gets a bad reputation for various reasons.

First, sneaker resellers typically portray an image as greedy and power-hungry individuals. After countless hyped releases, people are seen with rooms full of sneakers strictly for selling; many sneaker enthusiasts miss out on exclusive releases and are left empty-handed.

Anyone can attempt to purchase exclusive sneakers, but few are usually successful. When the masses can’t even get a fair chance at buying new kicks, they will start to question the ethics of resellers first and sneaker brands second.

Also, the fact that big-time resellers often work directly with sneaker retailers adds to the mistrust between countless customers and major corporations. Some stores work with resellers who are willing to pay top dollar for early pairs and/or bulk pairs. These same stores portray false images to potential customers who are trying to do things the right way.

Major resellers get a bad rep for valid reasons. It frustrates countless sneaker enthusiasts who want sneakers for personal wear when they don’t feel they have a fair chance at purchasing particular pairs.

Resell culture will always be a thing, but a shift in sneakers provides more hope as of recently. Now, the average resale price of a hyped sneaker is typically not nearly as high as it would have been only a few years ago. Hopefully the tide can continue to sway in favor of enthusiasts who appreciate sneakers for years to come.

Dark Side Crashing Down

The dark side of sneakers will always be prevalent. The first step to addressing a problem is to first acknowledge the issue. Countless sneakerheads are aware of the dark side of sneakers. Now it is up to those who have a platform to use their voices in a productive way to raise awareness of the pressing issues in the sneaker community.

Anyone can call out the bad apples, but it takes many to address and bring down the top dogs. The sneaker community is generally supportive and welcoming; with enough will power and determination, the community can improve to be even more open and accepting of different styles, viewpoints, and perspectives.

Dark sides will always be around in virtually every industry, community, or group of individuals. Regarding sneakers, the dark side seems to be on the decline. The advantage is in the buyers’ hands at least for now; the sneaker market is clearly in favor of buyers. Resell prices are down and sneakers are more readily available than ever. There is a reason to be optimistic in regards to the sneaker world as a whole.

Top Sneaker Pickups of the Year

November 19, 2023

Every year holds new personal favorite sneaker pickups. Every favorite list is entirely subjective and represents an individual’s style and personal taste in sneakers.

2023 has been personally slow for pickups for multiple reasons. However, a list is still doable and justified every year.

Nike Air Force One West Indies Anniversary Edition

The original AF1 West Indies that dropped over twenty years ago is a major grail. The craze behind them was unmatched at the time. Although the OG pair would be nice to have, I have no complaints about the anniversary pair.

I surprised myself this year and bought my first every pair of Air Forces. When I saw this particular pair on sale on Nike, I knew I had to grab them. Most sneaker pickups for $60 are a great deal, but a brand new pair is rarely heard of at such a price point in 2023. “West Indies: Anniversary Edition” completes the iconic look on the tongue tag.

New Balance 574 x Joe Freshgoods

Although this pair is slept on, I knew I had to add them to my collection. A neutral pair of sneakers for a reasonable price is rarely passed on. This pair is extremely versatile and gets a lot of use because of how easy they are to wear. The materials are also constructed well together.

The 574 remains one of New Balance’s classic models. Joe Freshgoods has been killing his collabs with NB and shows no signs of slowing down. Expect more solid work between the Chicago native and the Boston-based sneaker label.

The partnership between Joe Freshgoods and New Balance has just scratched the surface of the full potential for both parties. Anyone who keeps up with sneakers has seen the power of a collaboration. New Balance prides itself on working with creatives who appreciate history while looking to break boundaries as well.

New Balance 550 x Aimé Leon Dore White

After twenty plus years of not buying New Balance, I bought several pairs this year. The brand has another supporter as they continuously produce amazing collabs and take pride in their craftsmanship.

This particular pair is versatile as well and has been one of my most worn sneakers this year. They go with just about everything and don’t look bad after getting beat up.

Teddy Santis and his label Aimé Leon Dore have been making serious noise in the sneaker community. His collabs with New Balance have been causing sneaker enthusiasts to flock to the highly popular 550 model.

Without any surprise, another New Balance makes my list of favorite sneaker pickups for 2023.

A Ma Maniere x Nike Air Ship Black/White

Nike dominates my top sneaker pickups yet again. The Nike Air Ship is typically a silhouette that doesn’t get much attention, but A Ma Maniere (AMM) changed the story this year. Through their impeccable collabs with Nike, AMM prides itself on quality and craftsmanship. Signature details such as an inner tongue label and premium sock lining highlight this special Air Ship.

The AMM Nike Air Ship revived some attention and appreciation for the sneaker. A luxurious feel for only $140 retail is damn near unbeatable in today’s sneaker market. The cream/”aged” midsole competes this pair to emulate the original Nike Air Ships. The pair that came before the iconic Air Jordan 1 doesn’t get as much love, but A Ma Maniere allowed sneaker enthusiasts to appreciate history more with this collab.

Nike Dunk Low Red Panda

The Nike Dunk Low has been over-saturated and run into the ground. However, an appealing collab or new colorway might come out every now and then. The Red Pandas immediately caught my eye when I first saw them online. The neutral/fall colors pairs well with my closet so this pickup was a no-brainer.

Perfect for the fall. A new colorway brings a refreshing look to the well-known Dunks.

Nike will continue to produce countless pairs of general release Dunks. Hopefully, the Oregon-bases giant will use collabs to encourage artists and creatives to give the model inspiring looks and stories to tell.

Sneaker Pickups: Looking Forward

Moving forward, I plan to be even more intentional with my sneaker pickups. New sneakers are being released everyday, so missing out on certain pairs shouldn’t lead to irrational decisions. Wearability and versatility are two major components that I look for in new sneakers. Loud and colorful sneakers may be cool to wear sometimes, but colors that pair well with numerous clothes typically get more wear and overall use.

Sneaker pickups are exciting year and year out. Personal style changes as will new sneaker pickups and the type of sneakers being collected.

Everything Happens for a Reason

November 12, 2023

Life works in weird ways. Sometimes we understand why things happen but we often don’t know why most events, occurrences, and experiences really take place. Everything happens for a reason.

Some people have a harder time accepting the uncertainty of life. Some take longer to realize how little in life is within their direct control.

New Beginnings Come From Dead Ends

Dead endings lead to new beginnings unexpectedly. New experiences come all the time but every one isn’t appreciated the same. Life happens. Shit happens. A lot against our favor occur randomly and often without reason.

All dead ends aren’t meant to be negative. Some dead ends bring positivity unexpectedly and bring blessings in disguise in the near or distant future. New beginnings happen for a reason. That new friend, relationship, or move to a new state all become important and life-changing over time.

Any experience must be looked with a third-person view to fully understand or appreciate the magnitude of the event in one’s life.

Something new often brings opportunities that once may have seemed unthinkable or impossible in the past. Life works in weird ways. That job you didn’t like may lead to a new role that fits in your life much better. A dead end doesn’t have to stop there. The important and sometimes life-changing dead ends lead to new paths that weren’t visible before.

Figuring Out Who You Are

When failure comes your way, it seems almost impossible to think that unfortunate experience happened for a reason. In early adulthood, most people are still trying to figure out who they are (a lot of adults go their whole life with identity issues). There’s nothing to be ashamed of if you don’t have everything figured out right now. The reality is that the majority of the world will never have everything figured out at all times.

Identity is one of the most complicated aspects of life. Someone in high school may think they know who they are, but once they go to college and/or start working full-time, they might not have a clue of who they want to be or who they are at the moment.

An individual’s identity may change numerous times over the course of their life. New relationships, new perspectives and world views, and new hobbies/interests all play a major factor in how and when a person might change.

It may be frustrating and/or demoralizing to realize you don’t know who you truly are. However, like virtually anything in life, change is inevitable. Doing your best everyday (one day’s best won’t always look the same as the next’s) is essential to living a meaningful life. Not having everything figured out about yourself won’t ever make you a failure. Keep going everyday and hold yourself accountable. People often learn more about themselves when they least expect to.

Life’s Reason Rarely Makes Sense

For the majority of the time, life doesn’t make much sense. One day may seem to be going great and the other doesn’t go exactly in our favor. Life’s events often occur randomly without any rhyme or reason. The people we meet may come unexpectedly or coincidentally.

New beginnings come without making much sense. After countless hours of hard work, determination, and obstacles, some sort of success may come on a random day when it’s least expected.

Life doesn’t have a reason to make sense. When someone starts to accept uncertainty, anything that seems to happen without a reason will not be as frustrating or confusing. Life’s reason is there is often no reason for countless experiences and moments.

Being content with uncertainty allows us to view life more objectively. So much is outside of our direct control in life. Be honest with yourself and understand that everyone feels the discomfort of life’s uncertainty. Life works out when nothing is forced and when someone accepts nothing but genuine and natural experiences and interactions.

Moving On and Expecting More: A Reason For Hope

Finally, you have to expect more out of life. This includes all the good and bad times. Every peak is followed by a valley; good times won’t last forever and the bad won’t stick around endlessly. Change is the greatest constant in life. As we get older, we learn more about life and how the world around us works. We don’t get caught up in as many things because we learn what truly matters to us through experience.

By expecting more, we know that change is on the way. Fortunate and unfortunate circumstances come with or without reason. An abundance mindset is necessary to enjoy life to its fullest. It helps keep us grounded through the best and worst of times.

One quote to stay grounded is by remembering the the well-known saying:

“This too shall pass.”

Air Jordan 1 Royal 2017 vs. Air Jordan 1 Royal Reimagined

November 6, 2023

Classic color blocking never goes out of style. The Air Jordan 1 Royal is one of the most well-known and sought after Jordan colorways of all time. New styles come out every year, but nothing can compare to the classics.

Jordan Brand has been pushing out “reimagined” pairs recently. The concept gives classic colors a breath of fresh air. However, the new sneakers aren’t hitting the same for everyone. They require a certain level of appreciation; otherwise they are just another concept that can be easily under-appreciated and undervalued.

Royal History

It’s no secret that the Air Jordan 1 came out in 1985. However, it is not as well-known that Michael Jordan actually never wore the Royal 1s on an NBA court. Having spent most of his career in Chicago, MJ typically wore Bulls’ colors (red, white, and black). So how did the Air Jordan 1 Royal become so iconic and one of Jordan’s favorite color combinations?

The Royal 1s were actually one of the first pair of Jordans the public saw MJ wear. One of the first Air Jordan posters shows Michael Jordan wearing the Royal 1s with a matching royal and black sleeveless Flight suit on a runway. The iconic photo taken by Chuck Kuhn sparked the sensation surrounding one of the three original Air Jordan 1 colorways (the other two- Chicago and Banned).

The only picture of Jordan wearing the Royal AJ1s on court was when he was playing a pickup game on a cruise ship. The iconic photo shows MJ wearing the sleek Flight suit made famous in the original poster along with the original Air Jordan 1 Royals.

Although Jordan never wore the royal and black classic in an NBA game, the sneakers still became an instant classic. Since 1985, the Royal AJ1s have been re-released multiple times. Sneaker enthusiasts everywhere appreciate the original Jordan 1 colorways; if they didn’t exist, there wouldn’t be all these new collabs and color combos coming out every year.

Air Jordan 1 Royal 2017

Every so often Jordan Brand re-releases classic colorways. Every time a new release comes out, people instantly compare the newest version to the previous and even several prior releases. While some re-releases are better than others, nothing can top the originals. The 1985 Royal 1s will always be superior to other versions just like the original Chicagos and Breds compared to their own re-releases.

Instead of solely comparing the 2017 pair to previous releases, the main focus will be on what makes this pair so special and unique. With a release date of April 1, 2017, the Royal 1s quickly became one of the hottest Jordan 1s to drop that year with a retail price of $160. Following the Bred 1s release in September 2016, the Royals were highly anticipated for obvious reasons.

Sneakers in 2017 weren’t nearly as mainstream as they are today. If the same Air Jordan 1 Royal released today, they wouldn’t be as appreciated for many reasons. First, many new “sneakerheads” in today’s age don’t nearly appreciate original colorways as collectors who have been around for numerous years. Also, the market is so saturated right now; releases come out virtually every day.

Many people won’t feel as bad about missing out on a pair in 2023 compared to 2016/2017. Now, a new release is right around the corner. The AJ1 Royals will always be a classic no matter what shape or form they come in.

Air Jordan 1 Royal Reimagined

Reimagined pairs have been a new commodity on the sneaker market. After the release of the Lost and Found Jordan 1s and the Air Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined, Jordan Brand has quickly realized a way to capitalize off a trend. The Air Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined is expected to release early 2024 as well.

The AJ1 Royal Reimagined doesn’t have as much hype as other Jordan Reimagined pairs, but these sneakers are still a solid option for any royal fan. The materials are different from what is generally expected on an Air Jordan 1. With a full suede build instead of the tradition leather construction, things already take a different approach to the classic colorway.

Also, the Royal blue on this particular pair is much brighter and vibrant than the Royal blue on the 2017 AJ1. Sneaker enthusiasts sometimes get hung up on tweaks and modifications amongst releases like materials and colors. However, at the end of the day, every release isn’t supposed to be identical.

The Reimagined Royals aren’t meant to be a copy of the originals. They are reimagined for a reason.

The Air Jordan 1 Royal Reimagined takes a unique approach as the sneakers are a refreshing twist on a classic colorway. This pair definitely isn’t for everyone; however, they are extremely accessible and plenty of pairs were produced.

Coming in at a retail price of $180, the Air Jordan 1 Royal Reimagined officially release November 4, 2023. Early pairs from SNKRS Exclusive Access have already started to go out to customers.

Royal Rumble

The ‘Royal’ color block is one of the most iconic colorways in the history of the Jordan Brand. Sneaker enthusiasts will continue to debate which re-releases are the closest to the originals. However, if people take the time to appreciate the history and multiple iterations of the Royal 1s, they will be able to fully understand the cultural significance of the three original Air Jordan 1s.

New colorways continue to come out every year. Countless colorways are influenced by the Chicagos, Breds, and Royals. Jordan Brand will always come out with releases that appeal to the masses. Every now and then, colorways come out that will break barriers and push boundaries. However, the OG colorways will never go out of style. Jordans wouldn’t be where they are today without the influential originals.

Every now and then, colorways come out that will break barriers and push boundaries. However, the OG colorways will never go out of style. Jordans wouldn’t be where they are today without the influential originals.

Air Jordan 1 Royal 2017 and Air Jordan 1 Royal Reimagined

Sneaker Releases 2023: Personal Favorites

October 29, 2023

Although this year hasn’t been as exciting as previous years for sneakers, there have still been some notable releases worth talking about. Sneakers will always be subjective. However, certain drops are more popular and well-known amongst countless sneaker enthusiasts for various reasons. A quick sneaker releases review for the year will consist of personal favorites as this list doesn’t represent all of the top drops in 2023.

A Ma Maniére x Jordan Air Ship PE SP

A classic model paired with a brand for the people. Jordan Brand didn’t disappoint with this release. After a recent restock, the Jordan Air Ships were accessible to virtually everyone who put did their their due diligence and necessary footwork/research.

The materials feel better than usual. The aged look compliments the silhouette effortlessly. Anyone who appreciates history and social activism will quickly realize the importance of this release. One of the main reasons makes my personal releases review is because of the impact of this pair.

Nike Air Ships aren’t typically well-known amongst the masses. Even people outside of the sneaker world can pick out popular Jordans, but many aren’t as familiar with the Air Ships. Sneaker enthusiasts appreciate the significance of the pair that paved the way for the iconic Air Jordan 1.

Sneaker releases 2023: Air Ship A Ma Maniere

The subtle yet recognizable A Ma Maniere branding on the heel collar effortlessly tops off this pair. Over-branding often makes or breaks a pair of sneakers; AMM and Jordan made sure to stay true to the Air Ship’s roots while adding a unique touch. These sneakers are extremely versatile as you can never go wrong with the classic black and white combo. JB and AMM did their thing yet again.

Nike SB x Air Jordan 4 Pine Green

Although Jordan has been pumping out 4s like crazy over the past few years, the collabs either stand out or fall in line with general releases. Any Nike SB brings back tons of nostalgia for countless sneakerheads all around the world.

The colorway is simple yet effective at drawing eyes to the sneakers. Green and white paired with hints of gray give this collab a timeless look. The gum bottom and red Jumpman logo add complementary touches that pair well with pine green.

Any Jordan with a Nike backtab almost instantly has more hype than those with the Jumpman. A Nike SB logo increases the amount attention and reverence even more. The SB Jordan 4s make countless SOTY lists for obvious reasons. Anyone that can get their hands on these seems to be rarely disappointed.

Air Jordan 1 UNC Toe

Although this pair isn’t part of my personal collection, it still remains one of my favorite sneaker releases of 2023. A classic silhouette paired with a classic color blocking scheme paired with UNC blue leaves little room for any type of complaint or criticism.

If the UNC Toes released three to four years ago, they would easily be going for well over $400 on the resale market.

Now, sneakers in general don’t sell for as much as they used to after initial releases. The sneaker world is definitely in favor of buyers currently. Anyone who likes blue Jordans shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on the UNC Toe 1s.

The white and black color blocking makes a sneaker pop more than other two tone colorways. If the UNC Toes were produced in a way similar to the Pollen 1s, the colors wouldn’t nearly stand out as much. A contrast of black and white paired with another color allows the sneaker to instantly become more eye-catching and visually appealing.

Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 ‘Baklava’

New Balance’s collab game has been killing it over the past few years. Kith and Aime Leon Dore have been undoubtedly adding a significant boost to the American footwear and apparel brand’s image and social status.

NB is valid amongst virtually all sneaker enthusiasts around the world especially in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other major European nations such as France and Spain. Collabs with cultural icons like Action Bronson only add positivity and longevity to the label’s solidified reputation.

Loud collaborations often do extremely well or flunk miserably. Bronson’s personal style and flair is represented well through his 990v6 collab. A variety of colors that are not commonly paired together makes this sneaker a unique touch to a classic model.

Paired with an all-black fit, the Baklava 990v6 will slap harder than Will Smith. Sometimes sneakerheads need that extra push to branch out and buy loud sneakers they would normally not even consider in the first place.

Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low Olive

Is there any respectable top sneaker list over the last five years that doesn’t include at least one if not multiple Travis Scott collabs?

Despite his Astroworld controversy, the Houston-based rapper still remains one of the hottest names in the sneaker collab world. Any neutral colorway with Cactus Jack will be an instant hit. Jordan Brand shows no signs of slowing down with Scott anytime soon.

Sneaker releases 2023: Travis Scott Jordan 1 Low Olive

Travis Scott’s influence is heard worldwide. Even sneaker enthusiasts who don’t care for his music still flock to get their hands on his sneakers.

Nike and T Scott know what the people like and will continue to produce bangers as long as they have a working partnership. Until the duo’s partnership comes to an end, they will stay on top in the collab game. Very few collaborations have as much influence and hype as the Travis Scott Nike/Jordan pair.

Sneaker Releases 2023

At the end of every year, Nike and Jordan come out on top. New Balance has been making a noticeable push. Adidas has slowed down considerably since dropping the Yeezy line. The Oregon-based powerhouse consistently produces most of the best sneakers year in and year out.

Obviously, I am personally biased towards Nike and Jordan. However, New Balance has caught my eye and has become more hip over the past few years. Adidas hasn’t been a major part of my personal collection even when Yeezy was at its peak. I have been and will be a huge Nike/Jordan fan for the foreseeable future.

Will Nike continue its unmatched run every year or will another sneaker label give the giant a run for its money? Leave some of your favorite sneaker releases of 2023 in the comments below.

The Over-Saturated Podcast World

October 19, 2023

Nobody can go a week without hearing the word “podcast” at least once. With more accessibility than ever, it seems like everyone has or wants to start their own show. There’s nothing wrong with starting a podcast, but many start one with no sense of direction. Over-saturated markets in the podcast world often discourage individuals from starting their own show.

Rambles, overcomplicated discussions, and circular conversations make up countless talk shows and podcasts today. Over-saturation is a major issue that seems impossible to address. With more podcasts popping up on a regular basis, the playing field becomes extensively larger and more complex than ever before.

Podcasts and Sense of Direction

Every good podcast needs a solid sense of direction. Too many people start a show without actually planning out what they will talk about consistently. General conversations will not draw in the right people and too specific discussions will exclude too many. It’s all about finding the middle ground. Podcasts are unique because they can connect with a particular audience in an intimate way.

However, finding out how to connect to the right crowd is one of the most pressing challenges in the early stages of a podcast. A well-known author might start a podcast to find out he can’t connect with his readers in the same way he can with written words. An individual starting a podcast must understand the complexities of over-saturated markets. Competition will not go away, but will typically become less intimidating when someone understands the ins and outs of a particular market.

A sense of direction is necessary for anything worthwhile. Podcasts require a high level of undivided attention to the show’s direction because of how easy it is to get sidetracked with irrelevant or unnecessary conversations and/or discussions.

Finding Your Niche

Finding the right niche isn’t as easy as it sounds. Most people start a podcast based about something they like. While it makes sense to talk about a particular interest, this alone doesn’t automatically propel the idea into something worthwhile. A podcast must entertain and/or provide valuable knowledge. Talking about something you like might be entertaining in the short-term, but without insight and wisdom, the entertainment will only take the said endeavor so far.

A particular niche like dating and relationships is extremely over-saturated. Everyone isn’t a relationship expert even though countless people have first hand experience with dating and romance. Picking a highly competitive niche will make it harder for the right audience to find your show.

It makes sense to take a step back and select a niche that will provide the most potential benefit in the long run rather than something with only short-term sustainability.

Niches often make or break a podcast. Someone starting off might think of starting a show talking about sports. While sports is a vague topic, if an individual selects something like a sports program at a particular college or university, or a professional team, they already set themselves up with a much greater sense of direction and vision. Taking something and making it unique requires countless hours of thinking of ideas that may or may not stick before the “right ones” come to fruition.

Open Doors in an Over-Saturated Market

Although podcasting in general is extremely over-saturated, there is still plenty of opportunity for individuals looking to start their own show. Countless niches are less saturated than others; someone starting out must find a particular area of interest with ample room for growth yet not too over-saturated.

There are open doors all around us. Sometimes opportunities come disguised or unexpectedly, but anyone who stays open and dedicated can find themselves in places and rooms they never would have thought about being possible before.

The key to navigating an overs-saturated market is to understand the desired niche within that particular market. Someone starting a dating podcast might experience more success if they focus on a specific topic like dating in a new city/environment or interracial dating experiences. Markets can always be narrowed down with adequate levels of attention to detail and focus.

At the end of the day, anyone can start a podcast. All it takes is some recording equipment, basic recording software, and some original ideas. However, the fact that anyone can start their own show can also be a downside to numerous podcasters. Competition literally increases daily. The individuals who set themselves apart from the masses have an ultra clear sense of direction and focus on a niche or two in a particular market.

Start that podcast or project today. The competition will always be there. Stay in your lane and focus on what you can do better to improve your work of art.

Sneaker Collecting: Thrilling Yet Expensive

October 13, 2023

Buying, selling, and trading sneakers can be extremely addicting. The rush of getting a grail or long-awaited pair cannot be replicated. Countless people call sneaker enthusiasts crazy for spending so much on a pair of shoes. Sneaker collecting definitely isn’t for everybody, but those who devote their time and energy to it often reap extraordinary rewards.

Buying sneakers is nowhere near as simple as it used to be. Now, a consumer must do their due diligence and footwork in-person, online, or a combination of both just to have a chance of buying the desired pair of sneakers.

Sneakers bring countless emotions along. Anyone who buys a new pair of kicks and puts them on for the first time knows about that unmatched feeling. Sneakerheads all over the world are constantly chasing their next “high.”

Thrilling Sneaker Pickups

Anyone interested in sneakers knows that new pickup feeling. It cannot be bought or replicated. However, countless pickups don’t always bring that thrill. Every purchase isn’t the same. Some are more meaningful for obvious and not so obvious reasons.

Additionally, some sneakers become instant classics in a rotation because of personal reasons. A long awaited pair that requires footwork typically outweighs general release pairs that can be bought with little effort.

Anyone with money can buy a pair of sneakers. However, to pickup a pair that holds some type of significance is an experience that goes beyond materialistic aspects. Memories, stories, and feelings attached to certain sneakers make the pickups thrilling and exciting. Sneaker collecting is never about quantity, but instead focuses on the quality of a collection.

Sneaker enthusiasts all around the world are constantly chasing that feeling of a fresh pair landing on their feet for the first time.

Expensive Yet Rewarding

Building a sneaker collection is not cheap at all. Even when buying general release and/or discounted pairs, most sneakers easily run over $100. Sneaker collecting might not be an ideal hobby for someone who isn’t financially stable. However, anyone can get into sneaker collecting due to the accessibility and ease of buying new sneakers.

Sneakers and money have a complex dynamic. More often then not, pairs that are priced extremely low are usually too good to be true. An authentic pair of Jordans with some hype will rarely sell for under retail in the secondary market. At the same time, many solid sneakers become discounted over time for a variety of reasons. Any new sneaker collector must do their due diligence to avoid getting scammed, tricked, or fleeced.

There are tons of hobbies that are nowhere near as expensive as collecting sneakers. Everyone has their own buying preferences; someone interested in sneakers must be prepared to shell out several hundred to even thousands of dollars to build up a solid collection. An interest, hobby, or way of life will never be defined by the amount of money spent. A collector with sneakers valuing over $10,000 might not feel as fulfilled or satisfied about their collection compared to someone who just started with only a few pairs in their possession.

Sneakers are expensive but can definitely be rewarding. Many individuals buy themselves new pairs when they reach certain life milestones and accomplishments. When someone can look back on their collection and appreciate the hard work, time, and energy put into building, they will typically feel a sense of satisfaction and appreciation for their efforts.

Sneaker collections become unique and personalized over time.

Sneaker Collecting vs. Accumulating

All belongings and possessions aren’t collections. All accumulations aren’t meaningful or significant. Collections like sneaker collections mean different things to different individuals. One person with a collection of fifty might not be as satisfied or fulfilled as someone with twenty pairs. A collection’s true value isn’t measured by quantity, but instead by the quality and meaning.

Sneaker collections become meaningful over time. A particular pair usually doesn’t get fully appreciated instantly.

Sneakers that are only accumulated don’t hold as much meaning as collected and curated pairs. Obtaining more of anything doesn’t constitute a collection. Someone with over one hundred pairs of sneakers cannot fully appreciate every pair to the same extent as an individual with thirty solid pairs. Collections are extremely subjective. Anyone can buy and consume while less collect and appreciate each piece of their collection.

The Future of Sneaker Collecting

Sneaker collecting has countless unknowns. Who knows if sneakers will become even more mainstream than they are now. Also, one might question how sneaker buying will look compared to today. There are many uncertainties regarding sneakers, but one thing is certain- there will be numerous individuals who will continue to select, collect, and appreciate sneakers for their entire lives.

Sneakers bring people together more than they pull them apart. The days of killings over Jordans aren’t over, but sneaker-related violence seems to be steadily declining compared to a few decades ago. We need more peace in the world especially in the sneaker community. Everything doesn’t have to be a competition. Collecting sneakers should never be a competition.

When people make collecting a competition, they lose some substance and authenticity in the act of collecting itself. A collector who is always worried about trends, competing with others, and what the next person is buying won’t be able to curate a fully personalized collection. An authentic sneaker collection should be a representation of individual tastes and styles, never a mirror of another collection.

Thrifting and Vintage Finds

October 5, 2023

Like the sneaker world, thrifting and vintage clothing markets have become grossly oversaturated. Your local Goodwill or Salvation Army probably has little to no “hot finds” after everyone started thrifting in the past few years. However, there will always be vintage clothing to buy at numerous stores, at both reasonable and unreasonable prices.

Thrifting and vintage go hand in hand but aren’t always talked about in a positive manner. Countless people around the world think those go thrift to flip clothing aren’t conducting business ethically and/or morally. What most fail to realize is that major thrift stores have so many clothes that they eventually end up throwing out. So while that annoying local thrifter who seems to pick up every grail may not make many friends at Goodwill, they are helping the planet and being resourceful at the same time.

Hand-Picked Vintage

Besides Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other well-known thrift stores, the availability of hand-picked vintage clothing is slim especially in smaller towns and rural areas. When you walk into a second-hand/resell shop, the sticker price of a popular vintage shirt is factored in using many important aspects.

First, the quality of the piece of clothing is one of the most important things to consider. Someone who calls themselves a vintage enthusiast probably doesn’t want a torn-up and shredded t-shirt that couldn’t be worn. Next, the rarity and demand for a vintage piece of clothing plays a major role into the pricing of a particular piece. A mass-produced Super Bowl t-shirt from ten years ago is not nearly as sought after as a similar vintage shirt from the 90s. Age is an important factor in the vintage world. A piece must age to near perfection to keep its full market value.

Also, the type of stitching is another factor when shopping for vintage clothing. Vintage tees are usually single-stitched. Double stitching is a sign of modern clothing as single stitched t-shirts were produced in the mid 90s or earlier. Countless vintage enthusiasts look at the stitching as an indicator of a product being “true vintage.”

The best vintage finds are hand-picked. It’s much more efficient to go to vintage resell stores to find throwback heat. The alternative is to spend numerous hours and miles traveled to find a gem at a local thrift store. Some vintage clothing prices may seem ridiculous, but the price tags include the work and hours put in to find those vintage pieces.

Thrifting and Vintage Resell Culture

Like sneaker reselling, vintage reselling usually comes with a negative connotation. Even when someone may conduct business ethically, they are typically seen as sleazy and overly opportunistic too many people outside of the vintage community. Reselling brings extra baggage that must be handled accordingly. All resellers aren’t bad, but there are plenty of resellers who give the good ones a harder time when doing business.

The thrifting and vintage resell culture has shifted drastically over the past few years. Similar to sneakers, it seems like everyone and their mother thrifts and/or resells vintage clothing. The subculture has become extremely mainstream mainly due to the enormous rise of social media.

Reselling vintage clothing is more accessible than ever. Someone can buy and sell clothes without ever leaving their house. Some can even have a piece of clothing sold before they even get the item in hand. Online buying and selling has blown up resell culture. Thrifting and vintage clothing have been around long before reselling vintage pieces became mainstream. Social media often makes it difficult for the masses to realize there are more vintage enthusiasts who love vintage clothing without worrying about their profit and loss sheets.

Vintage clothing has shifted, changed and morphed drastically since collecting vintage has become a staple in the community. Trends come and go but one thing remains certain: people all around the world will continue to buy vintage of all varieties because of the love and appreciation for well-aged clothing.

The Future of Vintage

One person’s old and outdated is another’s thrifting and vintage gem. Like sneakers, vintage clothing is extremely subjective. There are objective baselines but limitless possibilities for personal expression and uniqueness.

Vintage clothing will continue to become more mainstream. However, more niche areas of interest and expertise will develop within the subculture. There are tons of music vintage enthusiasts as well as sports vintage apparel connoisseurs. The future will bring new fields of interest that don’t exist presently.

Abundance Mindset: A Life Essential

September 30, 2023

When people think of essentials in life they often think of family, friends, shelter, food/water, and a sense of purpose. However, most don’t think of the right type of mindset to be prepared for whatever life has to offer, both good and bad. An abundance mindset allows an individual to be ready for the worst but to expect the best. There is always more to get out of life.

Mindset and Mentality

School teaches us lots of things but fails to offer any sort of structured curriculum geared towards mindset, mental health, and overall well-being.

An abundance mindset must be gained through years and decades of experience. Nobody can give anyone a particular way of thinking. Mindset refers to how a person views life and the experiences that come their way. One person might see a sneaker raffle as an exciting chance while another may view the same draw as a huge waste of time.

Memory can be our best friend and our worst enemy throughout countless moments in life. The amazing memories never seem to leave our mind while the forgetful ones often creep back unwelcome and unwarranted.

Having an abundance mindset allows an individual to better react to and process their memories. They won’t be hung up on the bad ones because they know better ones are just around the corner.

Abundance Mindset: A Trained Mental State

Having an abundance mindset rarely comes natural to most people. The world around us instills fear of missing out and stresses a scarcity mindset. For example, when someone is deciding where to move to next, they may only look at limited options. Living in the same state or city is comforting, but doesn’t offer as much opportunity to grow as moving out of state and experiencing a new environment.

School typically makes students focused on limited choices because they want to instill the fact that opportunities shouldn’t be passed up. Traditional schooling rarely emphasizes the world of possibilities after high school. An abundance mindset doesn’t get taught in any type of school.

An individual must train themselves to think abundantly. There will be more opportunities and chances to grow in the future. There will also be more times of success and failure. The present doesn’t define one’s life. A well-lived life is one of abundance in every possible aspect.

Abundant Experiences

One thing constant of life is having countless experiences. Everyone has different perceptions and worldview, but every living human has experiences. These bring memories that come with feelings of satisfaction or pain. A life full of experiences can be seen as a journey of ups, downs, twists, turns, and numerous surprises.

Life will always bring more. Even when things don’t seem to go our way at all, there will be more times in the future where we experience feelings of peace, satisfaction, and happiness.

A dark tunnel always has an end and a mountain always has a downward slope. Balance is key. Never get too high or too low. Mountains are meant to strengthen the abundance mindset. One who knows how better times come when least expected will look toward the future with a sense of hope and optimism.

The Benefits of An Abundance Mindset

The benefits of maintaining a healthy abundance mindset are virtually limitless. Thinking abundantly allows for more creativity. Thinking is not confined or boxed into the norm.

An abundance mindset brings extra benefits that are not always apparent. For example, an individual thinking abundantly will be more willing to take calculated risks compared to someone with a scarcity mindset.

Anyone can think ahead, but to think ahead of what’s ahead now will put you ahead more than you could imagine. The next move is the best move. An abundant life requires endless thoughts, actions, and experiences. One must never look back and worry about the what-ifs, the worst case scenario, or the one(s) that got away. An abundant thinker will expect more good to come and ultimately outweigh the bad.