From side hustle to a $500K brand, powered by hype and trust.
From side hustle to a $500K brand, powered by hype and trust.
Problem
Accessing exclusive, high-demand sneakers was difficult and unreliable. Especially for everyday buyers who didn’t have insider connections. On top of that, trust was a major issue in the resell market, with customers constantly worried about fakes and scams.
Strategy
I launched LAEK to solve both problems: by building relationships with trusted suppliers and creating an online brand that combined streetwear culture with transparency. The brand was fun, community-focused, and built around educating buyers and showing authenticity at every step.
Growth was driven organically through Instagram, giveaways, and influencer partnerships. Turning hype into loyalty and building a customer base that trusted the product and the people behind it.
From side hustle to a $500K brand, powered by hype and trust.
Through consistent content, sneaker giveaways, and organic engagement, the Instagram page grew to over 7,500 followers without paid ads.
We used giveaways and shoutout campaigns to spark growth, while highlight tabs like “FOR SALE” and “POLICY” helped build transparency and trust with new buyers. The page became a direct engine for sales and built-in social proof. Reinforcing the brand’s authenticity in a space where trust matters most.
Problem
Accessing exclusive, high-demand sneakers was difficult and unreliable. Especially for everyday buyers who didn’t have insider connections. On top of that, trust was a major issue in the resell market, with customers constantly worried about fakes and scams.
Strategy
I launched LAEK to solve both problems: by building relationships with trusted suppliers and creating an online brand that combined streetwear culture with transparency. The brand was fun, community-focused, and built around educating buyers and showing authenticity at every step.
Growth was driven organically through Instagram, giveaways, and influencer partnerships. Turning hype into loyalty and building a customer base that trusted the product and the people behind it.
Through consistent content, sneaker giveaways, and organic engagement, the Instagram page grew to over 7,500 followers without paid ads.
We used giveaways and shoutout campaigns to spark growth, while highlight tabs like “FOR SALE” and “POLICY” helped build transparency and trust with new buyers. The page became a direct engine for sales and built-in social proof. Reinforcing the brand’s authenticity in a space where trust matters most.
Growth & Results
To scale the brand, I leaned into influencer partnerships, strategic giveaways, and consistent organic content. Influencers helped expand reach and build trust, while targeted giveaways drove engagement and virality within the sneaker community.
By combining these efforts with a community-driven approach, I grew the brand from $40K to $500K in revenue in under a year—proving that authentic marketing and trust-focused branding can drive serious results.
Conclusion
LAEK wasn’t just about flipping sneakers. It was about building trust in a space known for fakes and scams. By combining supplier relationships, influencer marketing, and organic content, I scaled the brand to half a million in revenue in under a year. More importantly, I built a loyal community that believed in the product and the brand.
Marketing Campaigns
To scale the brand, I leaned into influencer partnerships, strategic giveaways, and consistent organic content. Influencers helped expand reach and build trust, while targeted giveaways drove engagement and virality within the sneaker community.
By combining these efforts with a community-driven approach, I grew the brand from $40K to $500K in revenue in under a year—proving that authentic marketing and trust-focused branding can drive serious results.
Marketing Campaigns
To scale the brand, I leaned into influencer partnerships, strategic giveaways, and consistent organic content. Influencers helped expand reach and build trust, while targeted giveaways drove engagement and virality within the sneaker community.
By combining these efforts with a community-driven approach, I grew the brand from $40K to $500K in revenue in under a year—proving that authentic marketing and trust-focused branding can drive serious results.
Conclusion
LAEK wasn’t just about flipping sneakers. It was about building trust in a space known for fakes and scams. By combining supplier relationships, influencer marketing, and organic content, I scaled the brand to half a million in revenue in under a year. More importantly, I built a loyal community that believed in the product and the brand.