Fri | Mar 29, 2024

Marshall steps out in style with Sneaky Link

Published:Friday | February 10, 2023 | 12:10 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
Here is a closer look at the Nike Air Jordan 1 High, available at Sneaky Link.
Here is a closer look at the Nike Air Jordan 1 High, available at Sneaky Link.
The Nike Dunks are a new pair of sneakers in the Sneaky Link catalogue
The Nike Dunks are a new pair of sneakers in the Sneaky Link catalogue
Marshall elevates his all-black outfit with a radiant pair of Wallabee Clarks.
Marshall elevates his all-black outfit with a radiant pair of Wallabee Clarks.
These plaid Nike Dunk Lows are unique
These plaid Nike Dunk Lows are unique
Marshall starts out with the shoes first, then builds his outfit from there, matching accordingly.
Marshall starts out with the shoes first, then builds his outfit from there, matching accordingly.
Chilling in a garden or pool setting calls for the bright Nike Air Max 270.
Chilling in a garden or pool setting calls for the bright Nike Air Max 270.
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Footwear is a love affair that has withstood the test of time, moving from comfort to making a fashion statement. Merrick Marshall has always made the town his runway, sporting the finest in trainers, loafers and the like. But he knew he was on to something spectacular with Sneaky Link.

“I’ve always had a love for shoes. When I am getting dressed, it’s the shoes first. Then I build the outfit from there to create the look. But I wanted to figure out how I could turn passion into income. I like going out and showing off my shoes, and I used to get a lot of compliments surrounding the footgear. So I thought, why not sell sneakers? That’s how Sneaky Link came about,” the accountant by profession told Living.

To say he has a passion for sneakers would be an understatement since he owns more than 100 pairs of sneakers, and counting, “I love Jordans, whether it’s Lows, Highs or Dunks. I am also into Air Max 97s. And for some strange reason, me and Nike just ah par,” Marshall said.

For Marshall, a look is incomplete without suave or chic footwear. “You can literally be wearing full black and have on a ‘peak’ sneakers and it becomes that hitter; the statement that makes the outfit. It’s the punch line and it gives the look stylistic relevance,” he added

To complement his wide collection of footwear, the fashion enthusiast stocks up on shirts that are either matching or a good contrast.

“Sometimes, I will have a pair of shoes from a long time. And then I see a shirt. Automatically, those shoes come to mind, so I purchase it; that way I can get a next look,” he said. Accessories are another way he ups his style game. By accessories he means earrings, chains, watches and caps. He is suited up for success with jackets as well. And of course, his walking troupe supports the special occasions.

His fondest sneaker memory dates back to when he was 11 or 12 years old. His aunt had purchased a pair of white-and-red G-Units for him and he would go everywhere in the accessory.

As a sixth-former, he entered the loafers phase, rocking the Steve Maddens as his brand of choice, “I saved up my lunch money just so that I could afford enough for that pair of shoes.” By the time he got to college, Marshall was living the Vans life (specifically Vans authentic) every day and in every colour.

Then he unlocked a new level of appreciation for footwear and an introduction to its fusion with fashion. “I started working at Puma and I liked Puma sneakers a lot. And then I got into Toms, because they were similar to the Vans but gave a more slip-on vibe. It could be worn with casual or formal wear,” he shared.

His boss at Puma was big on fashion, not just footwear. “My boss was into fashion. So we would dress the mannequin to give the customers a complete look, and it was cool to do,”he says.

From there, his taste in sneakers elevated to Jordans and Nikes. And the personal collection has been piling up ever since.

He embarked on this online business venture two months ago and so far, the ‘feetback’ has been good. “It’s slowly picking up now. Word is getting out there, largely due to social media, especially Instagram.”

So how did he come up with the company name? He gives credit to a close friend, who, after a brainstorming conversation, gave him the brilliant name.

Customers have been gearing towards the Jordan Lows and Air Maxes. And Marshall has been getting in New Balances because of the requests received.

“The first set of sneakers I purchased, I did so in my size, just in case this was a flop. But they were sold. Based on the traction, the females began asking, ‘Whappen to we?’ So, the next batch had female styles and selections. That was a complete hit. Since then, I’ve been catering for both male and female clients,” he revealed.

Costing and sourcing have been the main obstacles. Competing with American resellers and local hustlers is also a challenge.

Timing is also a factor, because sneakers aren’t a necessity; it’s a luxury, so it has been a learning curve in understanding the market. His hope is to deliver on quality and supply the demand in style.

“I want to bring that sneaker culture here on a heavier note. And I want Sneaky Link to be that one-stop shop for your sneakers and footwear; accessories like laces and protective tools for posterity, like things that would help to clean the shoes, outside of soap and water. I want to build fashion from a sneaker standpoint,” he shared.

If you want to up your fashion sneaker game, Marshall advises that you start with the basics. “Start with a colour wave that you know will go with anything. My typical ones are black, white, red, navy and army or camouflage green; you can’t go wrong there. You put any of those on with a pair of jeans and a shirt, [and] you’re nice. It’s about building your confidence, style, and, who knows, your brand.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com