In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Randy Richardson and John Carter, co-founders of MS Sneaker Culture. They dive into the world of sneakers, discussing their passion for collecting, trading, and customizing sneakers. Randy talks about his long-time love for sneakers and how he has around 150 pairs in rotation. John shares how he got into sneakers with Randy's influence, now owning about 70 pairs.

The episode also explores the origin of MS Sneaker Culture and its fast-growing sneaker conventions. They discuss the details of their events, emphasizing an upscale, polished feel and providing a platform for sneaker enthusiasts to buy, sell, and trade. The upcoming event on May 19 at the MGCCC Hospitality Center promises to be exciting, with giveaways, food trucks, and more. If you're into sneakers, this episode is packed with insights and passion from true sneakerheads.

3 Key Listener Takeaways:

1. Origins and Passion for Sneakers: Randy Richardson and John Carter co-founded MS Sneaker Culture, driven by their long-standing love for sneakers. Randy's journey into sneaker collecting began in high school with basketball and has been revitalized by his daughter's interest in recent years. While not always into sneakers, John has had a passion for looking good from the ground up, making his transition into sneaker collecting natural.

2. Sneaker Convention Vision: The idea for Mississippi Sneaker Culture and its events came about after recognizing a gap in the regional market for sneaker conventions. Seeing a lack of such events between Houston and Atlanta, Randy and John decided to create a unique and upscale sneaker event, setting Mississippi apart by providing a polished environment for sneaker enthusiasts to gather, trade, and interact.

3. Growth and Community Engagement: Their initial event exceeded expectations, attracting around 250 attendees and receiving positive vendor feedback. This success showcased a demand for regional sneaker events, motivating them to continue organizing these conventions. Additionally, they emphasize community engagement by integrating giveaways, maintaining a professional setup, and involving local sponsors to foster a strong local sneaker culture.