Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Limbeck.
Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started to show a real interest in sneakers around 2016. At that time, I went to a local shop looking for Yeezy 350s (since they were popular at the time, and admittingly, one of the silhouettes that had first caught my eye when I’d begun showing an interest in shoes). Unfortunately, when venturing out to local shops searching for my pair, I had no luck finding 350s in my size. Conversely, I did come across a pair of Chinese New Year Jordan 12s, and the ‘Light Orewood Brown’ colorway satisfied my itch for the neutral-tone aesthetic I’d set out in search of. I fell for the pair and had to pick them up. I consider these 12’s ‘my first pair’ or ‘the pair that got me started because I’m super sentimental about this pair. It has and will remain a permanent and influential part of my collection (and overall sneaker journey).
Since beginning to share my collection journey (about a year ago now), I’ve been lucky enough to not only have been welcomed into a community where I get to engage with individuals around the world who share a like-interest and passion. But, I’ve had the opportunity to cultivate relationships with several established figures and brands in the industry. Because of these opportunities, I’ve been fortunate to see enough of a return on investment that’s not only justified but welcomed my continued sneaker collecting and (what’s more) allowed me to share my experiences and be given a voice in the community.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
About a year ago, I started posting my daily outfits (and sneaker collection) on my Instagram story. Sharing my genuine interests (i.e., the clothes I’d been thrifting and reworking and the shoes I’d accumulated) allowed me a kind of ‘creative outlet’ that I was missing (but unable to satisfy) during my 9-5 job. The positive responses to my story posts encouraged me to continue documenting my sneaker finds and DIY outfits. However, the posting format shifted from Instagram stories to daily feed posts; subsequently, I was exposed to and welcomed by the online (at that time, Instagram) sneaker community. Since then, I’ve recently been introduced to TikTok, an awesome video platform where I’ve had the opportunity to more candidly and authentically document and share my sneaker-collecting journey. Having a platform to share my hobby and hear from others with similar interests has been creatively rewarding and allowed me to form working relationships with brands, creatives, and events that I wouldn’t have considered the potential for partnerships with only a year ago. As a female creative in a primarily male-dominated hobby, I’m truly thankful and thrilled to have been given a voice through the opportunities I’ve been presented with so far. One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey so far has been the wealth of knowledge I’ve learned from the community. The teaching, sharing, intake, and consumption of knowledge and opinion prove ever-dynamic – and I am excited to experience and grow as a component of the greater community ‘unit.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I collect sneakers and utilize social platforms (primarily Instagram and Tiktok) to share my experiences, opinions, perspectives, and knowledge about my personal experiences and opinions as a female sneaker collector.
What are your plans for the future?
In a basic sense, I plan to build on the foundation and opportunities – I’ve been given this far. From brand and event affiliations to having ‘a voice’ by way of support from the online community, I plan to continue my sneaker collecting journey and authentically share these experiences to the best of my ability.
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