Never let rejection lead to self rejection

Yo! 2022 has already brought on a lot of change for me. Change in how I look at myself in the mirror and how I talk about myself. See, I've always been one that needs to prove people wrong, it's what fuels me. So when I've been doubted by former colleagues in sports, I never responded. I just let my work do the talking. When my company died and I was mocked for going the content creation/podcasting route, I never responded. I just let my work do the talking.

So if you're reading this and have ever doubted me, this is me responding.

I originally started looking for jobs in sneakers at 16, trying to work in the sneaker department for my local Dicks Sporting Goods. I never got the job. In college I applied for Foot Locker every chance I got, I never got a call back. That dream I had as a 16 year old has finally been made a reality.

I start as the Head of Content (!!!!!) at Tradeblock in a couple weeks and I'm absolutely jacked to be working with such an amazing team and look forward to contributing to the growth of the brand. Tradeblock is a trade-only experience and allows collectors to trade with one another via fantasy-sports style barter negotiations.

The sneaker trading platform and free mobile app that launched in?May 2021, has announced huge growth to date. In just eight months, Tradeblock has over 100,000 collectors in the app. Besides the reported user growth, the brand also reports that the total number of sneakers in members' "closets" has grown to more than 500,000 pairs over the past six months, with a gross market value of more than?$200 million. Actual trade activity is spiking as well with completed trades growing more than 150% quarter over quarter since launch.

With that said, let's get into it.

Coming in March

March 7th - Jeff Cole of Ikonick & Metarelics

The visual artist known only as @Cole on Instagram has made a name for himself with his artwork, but it’s the team behind his Ikonick brand that truly elevates his craft. In this episode, Jeff talks about what the team has up their sleeve with their new project, Metarelics.

March 14 - Javier Rodriguez of El Puerto PR

Launching your own thing is tough enough but when you add in a pandemic, the stakes get higher. Two weeks before the covid-19 pandemic put the island of Puerto Rico into a state of flux, Javi launched his first location in Condado, Puerto Rico. In this episode, Javi talks about the struggles he's endured and overcome in Puerto Rico.

March 21st - Simran Kaleka of Made for the W

In late 2018, entertainment attorney?Simran Kaleka?came on board the Made For The W roster to help push the brand forward. With her knowledge and expertise in the industry, the brand hasn't looked back. In this episode, Simran talks about her passions and what we can do to become better advocates for women everywhere.

March 28th - John Clayton of Footlocker

I met John Clayton a few months ago and the first thing I thought to myself was, "This guy is just giving out free game." After talking, I realized why. A child from Philly that just wants to see people that look like him win, John jumps on the show to talk about his journey and what he really wants his legacy to be.

Wefunder allows you to invest as little as $100 in the startups?and small businesses?you believe in. You can think of it as “Kickstarter for investing”. Unlike Kickstarter, you are not buying a product or donating to an artist. Instead, you are?investing?in a business?with the hope of earning a return on your investment. Here are a couple businesses on the platform that I'm keeping my eye on:

Arbol

David Gonzalez, Favio Osorio launched Arbol–a platform that helps low income college students raise funds to cover their life expenses, build their network and access community by connecting them to online supporters.

“These students aren’t asking for a handout. They’re asking for a hand up. They’re not asking for a favor. They’re inviting you into their lives.” Gonzalez said in a recent piece with Buffalo Inno.

Lil Libros

Lil' Libros was founded by two mothers, Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, to encourage reading in two languages at the earliest age with books that celebrate inclusivity, different cultures, and authenticity.

"As mothers and women of color, we want?to teach our children our language, our culture, and our stories. Yet, in 2020, only 6.1% of books focused on Latinx characters. Lil’ Libros was created to fill that void, and we want to share our mission with YOU! Together, we have?the power to transform this industry."

Creator(s) Feature: The Blooming Union

The Blooming Union was created by Kadeem Urban Fletcher and Samantha Marie Sales in 2019 to be a vessel for exploration of their talents, interests and ambitions. Since then they have not only shown their affinity for creative and innovative projects and partnerships but passion projects such as our self-published cookbook, merchandise and more.

"It’s one of the most sacred places and will always be integral in black history."

- Kadeem Urban Fletcher

"You learn from your past and continue to pursue your dreams as you go"

- Samantha Marie Sales

The Meta-what??

I recently was able to connect with Ryan Mullins, the founder of a company called Aglet. The app is the first?location-based, virtual shopping game for sneakerheads around?the globe. Ryan and the team at Aglet are very passionate about Web 3 and have a huge focus on educating the current sneakerhead about what the space is going to look like in the future.

Metacurious: Mapping the Metaverse?premiered on the Aglet YouTube channel December 23rd. CEO and co-Founder?Ryan David Mullins?expands on his?weekly column?in a series of short films discussing the future of everything. Check out all the dope work and download the app today!

Episode Flashback?

Jamiersen Green is a creative visionary and culture enthusiast. Hailing from the streets of Flint, Michigan, he learned the gift of gab, influence, and entrepreneurial skills from his father at a young age. Fresh out of High school he began working within the sneaker industry at the age of 17 at Champs Sports.

Jamiersen’s faith and energy have brought him a long way to growing within is perspective of the industry and connecting on a daily with influencers of culture, while using his vision to serve brands and create a platform where the sneakers and culture is now a way to educate and inspire a story of life, trials, and perseverance. Listen to his episode here.

Be on the lookout for: Instagram LIVE with the Puma Hoops Design Team

Thanks again for checking out the March issue of Stories by Strange on Purpose. Remember to follow us on instagram and check out the website for all the latest and greatest going on.?

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