Men

Man Crush Monday: Damon S.

Man Crush Monday

Meet Damon
Damon is a KC Sole team member and active in the Kansas City community. He's also an original sneakerhead. No hypebeast here. Happy Belated Birthday D!
Being a sneakerhead these days can be challenging. There are so many fakes and hypebeasts. What is your definition of a sneakerhead?
My definition of a sneakerhead is a person that loves sneakers. It's not about have many pair you have but how long you have been in the game. I know real heads that know the kicks before the fad and may not have copped a pair in the last year. But they are more of a sneakerhead then someone who has a collection full of kicks all from the last two years.


How did you become a sneakerhead?
I am a sneakerhead due to my parents and auntie. Had me in kicks since I was a wee little guy lol.

What kind of characteristics make a shoe collectible to you?
I'm a huge Nike fan so that's where it starts. But I aim to cop a pair I've never had before. No duplicate colorways.

Tell us about a crazy story or adventure you have related to getting a shoe you wanted.
2008 when the 11/12 countdown pack dropped me and a group of friends one of which is @papercash, spent the night at the mall from 9pm to 5am and we were first in line. Came up with a slogan that night #packordie in relation to Diddy at the time trying to get people to vote with the #voteordie campaign.


What is your all-time favorite sneaker? And why?
No secret my all-time favorite sneaker is the Air Jordan Taxi XII, the XIIs were the first Jordan I was old enough to remember in the playoff colorway.

What shoe release are you looking forward to this year? And why?
Looking forward to the Playoff VIIIs, Steel Xs, & Taxi XIIs, along with some more creative Kobe's.

You are apart of KC Sole as the Director of Media Marketing. How has the journey been so far?
KC Sole is a team we all specialize in certain aspects of making  #kcsneakfest events possible. I just focus more on the social networking and keeping our supporters up to date without our thoughts and plans.

What are the future plans for KC Sole?

The future for KC Sole is endless, some of our team just recently visited Chicago for the WindyCitySole Sneaker Summit. Up next for us here in Kansas City,MO, is to have a back to school drive #soledrive & #freshcutfreshstart to give back to the youth in the community followed by #kcsneakfest14 March 29th, 2014.


Contact info?
IG/Twitter: @kcsole6
Personal: @heir2theroc






Man Crush Monday: David Greer


Please introduce yourself.
I'm David Greer founder and designer of Rebel Dreams and Rebel Kisses clothing. I'm also a college graduate from Kansas State University currently living in Kansas City. 

Tell us more about your company and how you got started
The motto of my company is "Live with no fear. Die with no regret". My company was started as an outlet for me to express myself and my creative abilities it has since morphed into a successful business. 



What's the meaning behind the name Rebel Dreams Nation?
Rebel Dreams Nation was formed as a rebirth to originality for people to become the masters of their own fate, and to test their creative limits by defying the laws of society. 
Rebel Kisses was branched off from Rebel Dreams. Ladies don’t be afraid to kiss originality the same way you kiss love. Wear confidence like it’s the only accessory God made available. To be bold is to be beautiful, kissing innovation with rebellious red lips. Be unbreakable and dream like a Rebel.





What is your inspiration for started your own business? 
I've always had a interest in being an entrepreneur. Also I felt I could provide a different outlook on the clothing industry and challenge others to create and produce better products. 
My inspiration with businesses, you learn a lot from trial and error. 

What's the biggest lesson you've learned so far from having your own business?
Expect the unexpected and to always go with your first instinct. 



What is your main goal for your company?
 My main goal is to bring back originality and for people to be unique. I feel the world is becoming a carbon copy and I'm here to put a end to it. 

Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
Worldwide and having clothes in stores.

What audience are you targeting with your clothing line?
My target audience is ages 13 -30 







Contact info?

Man Crush Monday: Eric J. Coulter



Tell me a little about yourself. 
 My Name is Eric J. Coulter Jr., and I am a Senior at Kansas State University. I have one older sister Ericka J. Coulter who works for Interscope Records in L.A.,  California. I'm from Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from F.L. Schlagle High School.




Your clothing line is unique and one of the first in Kansas. How did you get started?

 I never had intentions on starting a clothing line it just kind of happened. I started by making a shirt that just said "Cocky" as I wore the shirt around campus people were asking where did I get it so from there I start making those shirts for people who wanted them. Still not too sure on having a line. The demand for the shirts were more then I could handle so I got them in bulk. After getting copy rights for my brand, Cocky And Confident Clothing was born.





What was the first article of clothing you ever designed? 
My first designs were pretty simple nothing too much but stylish at the same time. One thing that caught peoples attention on the shirt was the extended "K".



How did you come up with the name Cocky and Confident Clothing?
Its funny how the name came about people would say they were nervous to approach me because I looked Cocky so I decided to get a shirt made.

What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?
 I've sold over 500 shirts including professional athletes, Major Music Artist, 4 magazine offers, and even been in Music Videos. These are just some accomplishments I've achieved while being a full time student in college and managing a clothing line by myself.

What's your favorite piece of clothing you've made so far?
 I would have to say "I Got The Right To Be Cocky" design is one of my favs just because one of my favorite NBA players by the name of DeAndre Jordan wore it and also ordered 3 other shirts besides that one.






What are some of your favorite clothing stores/catalogs/websites?
 I love Karma Loop there's just so much to choose from on the site. One of my favorite stores to go to when I come home from school is Urban Outfitters 90% of the clothes I wear come from there.

What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers or business owners?
 Keep grinding everything may not go as planned but at the end it will fall into place. I'm still learning the business myself and made many mistakes and learned from them as well.


What do you like best about designing your own clothing line? 
What I like best is knowing that people are wearing something that I have created.

How would you define your personal style?
I'm a simple style kind of guy nothing too extra but like to be different at the same time.



Where or who do you get your inspiration from?
 I come from a family of go getters. My mom always told me to never give up on what you love and I watched my Dad work nights every since I could remember so the grind is in my blood.

Where do you see your clothing line in the next 5 years? 
Hopefully I can continue to make progress in my Brand and also continue to make my supports happy because this would be impossible with out the help of them.


Contact info?
 For questions about clothing or help with your business contact Eric Coulter at 913-244-1819 and go check out Cocky & Confident Clothing @ www.ArtOfCocky.com





Meet Chaquil "Chaq" Reed. He is a 21 year old football player at Kansas State University. He is a 6'4 285lbs Defensive Tackle who proudly wears the number 98. We had a lot of fun with this interview and he is really a great person to be around and talk to. Chaq is not only gifted in the athletic department but he is also book smart. He's definitely a well-rounded Man Crush.


Tell me more about yourself.
I'm Chaq. I am 21 years old and I play Defensive Tackle for Kansas State University. My major is communications. Oh, and I'm handsome.

So, how long have you been playing football?
I have been playing football since I was four years old.

What made you decide to take your talents to the next level?
I grew to love it over the years. I like to be able to hit somebody without truly hurting them. Football helps me get my aggression out. I'm talented in what I do and it's my passion.

What made you choose K-State?
They have a great program. They offered me a full ride scholarship and  it's close to my home town (Wichita) so that was a big influence.

What advice would you give a young kid that is thinking about playing football?
Its a physical sport. It will definitely make a man out of you. If you think you're tough then give it a try.


How do you feel about your 2012 – 2013 football season?
I feel like I accomplished a lot of things. I learned a lot about myself through the process. It was definitely a learning experience. We won the Big 12 Championship and we were the #1 team in the nation for a while. It felt good. I feel like I could have played better though.

What position do you play?
I play defensive tackle.

Who are 3 NFL players (past or present) that you look up to?
Kamerion Wimbley (his cousin), Reggie White, and Barry Sanders.


What's your favorite NFL team?
Tennessee Titans

I like to do my Super Bowl forecasts pretty early. My prediction is that it will be the Pittsburgh Steelers vs the New England Patriots and the Steelers will get their 7th ring. Who do you think it will be?
I would have to say the San Francisco 49ers will win the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.




You can contact him at





Man Crush Monday
Davonte Chaney
Kansas City native, Davonte Chaney, took his love for basketball down south. Davonte inspired those around him who never thought they could make their dream become a reality. Through tough times and hardships he always stayed positive and looked forward to becoming a D1 basketball player. He's studying Fitness and Nutrition at Texas Southern University where he proudly wears #23.

    Where does your passion for basketball stem from?
    My passion for basketball comes from within me. The first time I played the sport I just knew that's what I wanted to do.

    What do you love most about the game of basketball?
    I love the competition. Every game you play you have to come out and play your hardest.

    Being a basketball player from Kansas, what made you decide to go to Texas Southern University?
    The coaching staff has many credentials. Coach Davis always has a good program and puts good teams together who do great things. All his players respect him on and off the court. I knew I would enjoy playing with him. Plus, it's in Houston. I love Houston!

    Whats your favorite NBA team?
    The Spurs.

    What advice would you give a young impressionable kid that wants to play basketball?
    Work hard and don't ever give up and remember to stay humble.

    Whats your pre-game ritual?
    I read my favorite bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 and just relax and try not to think so much.

    What or who do you use as your inspiration?
    My family is my inspiration; my mother, three sisters and my brother. My 4 month old nephew, King Maurice Chaney, is my new found inspiration.

    Having a love for shoes, which pair are your favorite? And why?
    My favorite pair of shoes right now are my Cool Grey Retro Jordan 9s. I don't know why but the 9s have always been my favorite. I just like the way they were made.

    What makes up your style?
    I just buy and wear what I feel looks good on me. I'm not real materialistic or brand crazy.



Outfit details
  • Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt
  • Ralph Lauren Polo Pants
  • Retro French Blue Jordan 13s
  • White Flud Watch
You can find Davonte on



















Aa'lijah & I


Man Crush Monday
DeMarkus Coleman
 Putting Kansas City on the map, DeMarkus Coleman, KC Sneak Fest event coordinator constructed an idea to bring a shoe festival to Kansas City. One day at work he thought to himself, “Kansas City needs one of these shoe festivals like other cities have since we have a lot of “sneakerheads here”. DeMarkus and some friends got together at Buffalo Wild Wings and the dream started to become a reality. The purpose of KC Sneak Fest is “To provide an attractive, entertaining environment to celebrate and expand the sneakerhead culture throughout Kansas City.” The love of shoes started when DeMarkus was a sophomore in high school. He got a part-time job at footlocker and began his love of sole collecting. March 23, 2013 was the set date for the 1st annual KC Sneak Fest at the Municipal Auditorium. Generating over 1,000 people KC Sneak Fest was a huge success. It allowed vendors to showcase their products and help market more business in the Kansas City area. DeMarkus's future goals for KC Sneak Fest is to make it one of the biggest sneaker conventions in the 
Midwest. Follow the KC Sneak Fest blog at 
www.kcsneakfest.blogspot.com.


You can also see this article in the May issue of Midwestblackhair.com

Instagram
Instragram: KcSole6




Man Crush Monday
Steven N. Lattimore 
Meet Steven N. Lattimore. Steven is a 23 year old college student at Wichita State University. Currently, he is majoring in Exercise Science. Steven also has great aspirations to go into Physical Therapy. He wants to concentrate in Rehabilitation as well. Working at Verizon, Steven is also a technical genius as well as a nifty business man. In addition to his wonderful attributes, he is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity incorporated Delta Mu Chapter. Being one of the best dressed men I know personally, he is definitely a Man Crush Monday.  

Outfit details
  • Suit & White Shirt - Calvin Klein
  • Tie Pocket Square - Men's Warehouse
  • Vest & Slacks - Perry Ellis
Watch - Movado

Contact
Instagram
Twitter






Man Crush Monday
Darryl Wilson
Meet Darryl Wilson. Darryl is 29 year old Wedding Planning Executive. Darryl's inspiration for becoming a Wedding Planner stemmed from watching his mother decorate and manage their house as a young child. Naturally, planning and being creative was in his blood. “The love for planning come from me being a hopeless romantic and I believe in making fairy tales a reality”. You can have your own fairy tale wedding at www.dconcierge.net.

Outfit details
  • Zara Suit
  • Prada Shoes
  • Banana Republic Shirt
  • D&G Watch


xoxo,

Mandy

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