Today we’d like to introduce you to Karlton Walker.
Karlton, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started just like anyone else, with the idea of designing and making my sneakers. I have always been into fashion and sneakers since I was a kid. Growing up, I didn’t have all the most popular clothes or sneakers, but I always stood with what I had. It wasn’t till I joined the military that I could afford some decent name-brand garments and sneakers. All my friends notice that I dress better than them. I’ve become their stylist. The curiosity of if I could create my own started to linger in my thoughts. I was always afraid to take that leap. Two years ago, I decided to go to a class to make sneakers. The course was taught by Dominic “The Shoe Surgeon” Ciambrone… I learned how to deconstruct and reconstruct a Jordan 1. With the knowledge of the class, I was off. I was making countless Jordans all over my house. It was a stepping-stone to understanding the process of making a shoe. I started to create my designs. A year later, I launched my sneakers and clothing brand. I was very proud of my accomplishment. I screamed in my living room, “I have my own shoe,” while holding it. To this day, I’m still thrilled about the thought of it.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, would you say it was easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. I’m trying to get people to buy a sneaker they have never heard of, which isn’t part of any major brand. The community I’m from bases their purchasing on hype. Going against that system is challenging. Being committed to my brand every day is another one. Owning a business isn’t for the faint of heart. There are days when you want to quit. Nowadays, you question if this is the right path. I remind myself that it’s a journey I must see through no matter what. Another lesson I learned is about support. It can mean something other than buying something, too. Support can come in various forms, such as sharing my post, telling someone about my store, or spreading the news. Inflation of materials is an issue as well. Making sneakers is very expensive. The different types of leather, suede, etc., increased in price. I want to keep my costs at fair market value. Even the shipping went up. I want to give the best quality and service possible.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
The best thing that I do is to be free to be creative. I can design anything that comes to my imagination. One of my best works is making an interactive sneaker. It was my Freddy vs. Jason Halloween sneaker pack. They were the second and third sneakers I’ve ever made, but they are still my favorite. You should go to my Instagram page and see what I mean by interactive. My clothes are typically inspired by everything. One of my favorite pieces is my Breast Cancer Awareness. Inspired by my late grandma, the work displayed her strength and beauty during her battle with cancer. She never showed any weakness. The power she displayed inspired me to do the same. It reminds me to be strong no matter what. What sets me apart from other people? I can say I’m Black, I’m a Veteran, and I grew up poor, but that doesn’t define me. I define me. I am doing something that isn’t the standard. My work ethic, will, and passion for delivering my version of fashion through storytelling. Each piece I create is a bit of me. Telling an intricate moment in my life or someone else. It’s more than fashion; it is the art of storytelling.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I have never been afraid of hard work, which is one of my most vital characteristics. New Yorkers say if you make it here, you can make it anywhere, and I feel the same about Chicago. I know what I’m doing is not the standard, and I want to be above the bar and do something extraordinary to motivate anyone. To anyone who reads this, continue believing in your dreams and pursue them.
Pricing:
- Voyagers-225
- Otudus- 150
- Tees- 35
- Sweaters- 85-45
Contact Info:
- Website: Fresh Frais
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fresh_frais/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083303682421
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TiKtok: https://www.tiktok.com/ijf_daily
Image Credits
Amber Johnson
