Sneakers can be a form of self-expression and an outlet for creativity. That’s what Kraftka, a sneakers brand with a cool concept, is about. Chanasinj “Sunny” Sachdev, Kraftka’s co-founder and owner, puts a new spin on footwear by offering a platform for sneakers enthusiasts to be both creators and collectors. We first knew Sunny as a co-creator of American-style comic books The Roach but he has also been the creative mind behind many projects. Guru chats with Sunny, a comic book geek and video gamer at heart, after he came back from giving a talk on his brand at Discovery Asia’s Digital Disruption Week in Singapore last week. He told us about his entrepreneurial journey, what Kraftka’s new pop-up shop has in store for sneakers enthusiasts, and more.
Can you tell us what have you been up to since The Roach ended?
I was involved in so many projects. My team set up the Freitag Pop Up Store in Siam Square, launched an EDM project with Superdry and I started my own crowd-driven brand “Kraftka”, all while hosting events for many brands under Pronto Denim (where he’s the creative director). The Roach propelled me into the art world, getting to know local artists from all walks of life. It helps shape what I’m doing today.
How did the idea to create Kraftka come about?
It came about when my wife got me a pair of customised sneakers and I fell in love with them. It was the fact of putting art on unique places that blew my mind. In the two years that followed, the idea evolved from a sneaker customisation business into a full-fledged crowd platform.
Pieces fell into place while I was learning about customisation technology. There was just so much you could do with a pair of sneakers, so then I worked on developing a web-based platform to empower artists to become customisers and create a community where art and fashion cross. On Kraftka’s website (www.kraftka.com), anyone can create sneakers with their own design for free and get royalties when someone buys one of their designs.
Work started on building the brand and the platform in early 2015 and it was launched earlier this year.
What kind of goals do you have for Kraftka?
I shape them along the way through learning. Now it’s a brand to empower artists to do their thing on quirky canvases; sneakers, espadrilles, flip flops and even beer bottles. As long as it’s unique and fun, we’ll put art on it.
I’m also into products with stories and souls. That’s the essence of Kraftka. Each item is made by a different artist, each with their own stories and backgrounds. I want customers to be excited about our products, knowing that they embody art and quality, and knowing that they aren’t simply mass-produced.
I think it’s necessary to create Kraftka as a crowd-driven platform. Today we already have the likes of Uber and AirBnB which empower ordinary people to earn money on their own terms. One of our goals is to be the first fashion brand to do so in this sharing economy.
How has the feedback been?
It has been great. Many artists love putting their work on items they’ve never been able to before. They also appreciate the abilities to check their royalties in real time and create products instantly to meet trends. We’ve over 1,000 artists now and are growing every day. We’ve got doodlers in Dubai and art teachers in the UK. A lot of them are “backyard artists” who never thought they could make money from their private artworks.
What can people expect from Kraftka’s first pop-up store (in Siam Center until October 15)?
You can expect new products by independent artists and also fun collaborative events. During each Saturday event, we’ll showcase new artists and products, hoping to deliver a fun and meaningful experience for all attendees. Soon, you’ll see new fashion items, all of which are customisable on the website. Plus, new standalone stores with specialised concepts, such as a flip-flop bar.
Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs out there?
There are several things I have learned. First, the only thing that is constant is change, and that flexibility and openness to change are vital in competing in the current market. What you start off with will evolve and change day by day. It’s also important to find the right co-founder who is the ying to your yang, so you can focus on your core competencies while they focus on theirs. Lastly, I think everyone needs to realise that happiness lies in the journey towards your dream or passion, not the destination itself.
There’s no real destination, anyway. Once you accomplish something, there’s always another finish line to cross. g
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.