Today we’d like to introduce you to James Marsh.
Hi James, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been into drawing and all types of art at an early age. Then as I got older, I got into other hobbies and kinda got way from art but when Covid hit that was actuality a wake-up call for me to use my talent to start my business up. And that was when Southside kustumz was born. I started with my first pair of Air Force ones for myself to kinda get the feel of what I was looking at becoming a custom shoe designer. As time went on, I did a lot of shoes for friends’ family, and believe it or not word of mouth got me a lot customers and Southside kustumz started really blowing up I’ve done shoes for a couple of popular TikTok stars and actually was planning on getting my customs to Shaq but could never find his shoe size which I will find one day my ultimate goal is to do my customs full time. Last yr. I did a total of 68 pairs totaling over 10k in sales.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road any custom shoe designer will tell you that the biggest question that buyers always ask is why are your shoes so expensive what people fail to realize is it takes time supplies shipping etc. that plays into the cost of a shoe so in my case I’ll take the good with bad you’re gonna always have those times where you’re not getting an new orders but during a downtime I’m always thinking of new ideas for a new design to grow my business you can’t ever give up what you have faith in.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in all types of shoe designs but the main thing that I’m known for is putting images on the side of shoes and having real strong detail on every pair that goes out. My motto has always been you dream it I make it I am proud of every shoe that I create because I put special effort time and skill into every shoe because I want the customer to come back for more and not be disappointed.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think talking to other shoe designers helped me a lot in my field because me as a shoe designer I like to know other artist struggles downfalls what to look for what works for them etc. social media has played a big part also in sales and knowledge of the skill.
Pricing:
- All shoes range from 180 and up depending on what has to be done.
Contact Info:
- Email: Southsidekustumz@gmail.com
- Website: Southsidekustumz.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: @southsidekustumz
- Facebook: @southsidekustumz
- Other: TikTok @southsidekustumz
