community + Collaboration: Part 1
Welcome to Community + Collaboration. This is a creator’s series to highlight genuine men & women in multiple industries for their work & individuality. We chose to feature people who have inspired us, as well as their own communities. We think these creators deserve more spotlight not only for their work, but the overtime they put into their craft. This is an opportunity for us to show that there is room for growth as a community, & there is room for EVERYONE to win. We hope that “Community + Collaboration” inspires you, we want you to see the struggle, the hustle, and the come up.
Our first feature is Mark Godbolt. We only knew Mark through Instagram, until we met up with him in Portland & talked about all things sneakers, fashion, & life. It hit home when we realized why God had placed him in our lives. He is a genuine father, husband, and friend. He has inspired us to continue creating, continue growing, & most importantly continue praying. We follow Mark not only because he’s our friend, but because we believe in his self-made brand. He is all about community and putting people on. We hope he can inspire you as much as he inspires us.
L : Tell us a little about your background; how & where you were raised, your current role, how you create-
M : My upbringing. I grew up in Oak Cliff, TX, and without many outlets of survival outside of Football and school. I didn’t know that I could create a living for myself via Nike - let alone through my own brand. Today, people will see another way if they have the passion to do it.
L: What has been the highlight of your career?
M: The highlight of my career has been the Nike EQUALITY Promo project. It literally started as nothing and grew into a life-changing moment. Oh, and it was wearable.
L: Who are the top 3 people that you look up to?
M: Number #1 and not cliche’ at all. Or maybe it is but who cares - is God. My life has changed drastically over the last couple of years and my relationship with God has grown stronger because of it. #2. My Fiancé. I’m so blessed to have a direct line to a strong black woman that’s smarter than me. She challenges me and adds so much to my perspective. Her work is top-notch and she’s honest. We go at it, and the results are legendary. #3 The FΣRM. It’s our collective group of young black creative minds. We challenge each other to be great ...and always seek collaboration. It’s a family. One day we may get chains made. Or, maybe not because we’d want to set a new tradition that goes even deeper.
L: How do you hope to leave your mark & inspire others?
M: I hope to leave my Mark by showing that anything is possible through Christ and by respecting everything and everyone. Whether creating for myself or others, it’s important to approach everything with that same level of “Godbolt” that shapes everything. There’s more noise about being something else than there is being yourself. I’m inspired by the same people I hope to inspire.
Thank you Mark for being a part of this.
Thank you to the readers, stay tuned for our next feature. Happy New Year!