HHNLive.com: I understand the Kashi name has been involved in fashion for many years. What prompted you to start Kashi Kicks?

AK: It’s a long story. My family was always invovled in the jewelry business. At the time, I was making jewelry for athletes and celebrities. One day I had someone come in who wanted to incorporate a pendent into a sneaker that they had. It got some attention, and I started fastening diamond watches and things to these sneakers. I also had some friends in the sneaker industry overseas, and that’s how this all got started.

HHNLive.com: Who are the people involved in the company and what are their roles?

AK: Theres a lot of people involved in the multiple departments that are involved in the operations of this company. We have people in the web and graphic design department that take care of everything from our website, catalogs, posters, etc…… The people in our marketing department deal a lot with the cross promotions that we do with different celebrities and artists. Our sales department takes care of a lot of the things that happen with our company internationally. Since we are an international company, we have a communications department that is constantly busy making sure that everything is alright between the different languages and such. All of our finances and things are handled by our administration department. We also have an office in China that does most of the same stuff that I just described. They also do a lot with our research and development, as well as handling all of the outsourcing that goes into creating our products.



HHNLive.com: The Hip-Hop footwear game, much like the clothing game, is very crowded with seemingly everyone having a sneaker line. What distinguishes Kashi Kicks? And more importantly, how do you compete with the larger companies? (Nike, Reebok, etc.)

AK: We really don’t compete with these other companies because we have nothing similar to what they produce. The things that distinguish us include the materials and patterns that we use as well as things like including watches in the sneakers. We are also our own manufacturer, so we have shoes that arent available anywhere else. We aren’t necessarily just about hip-hop either. Just like the genre changes, our products change too. This spring we have a line of womens athletic sneakers coming out.

HHNLive.com: You have a Liberace line of Kashi Kicks. Were you worried at all branding something as a Liberace style given that Hip-Hop is one of the more homophobic musical genres and Liberace was a vividly out there gay person?



AK: People keep mentioning that, but its really not true. Hip-hop really isnt that homophobic. It has a lot to do with respect now a days. Even 50 cent mentions Liberace in one of his songs, Stunt 101, where he says “My royalty check’s the rebirth of Liberace. It’s about embracing this man as an artist, and an over the top performer that was definitely before his time.

HHNLive.com: Where is Hip-Hop footwear style headed in the future?

AK: The music is definitely changing, and the fashion industry is no different. I think in the future you are going to see a lot more low-cut shoes. Theres also a lot of technology coming out that will enable us to make these better products.

HHNLive.com: What is the price range for Kashi Kicks?

AK: Our shoes start at $120 and go up from there. We do a lot of custom work such as including diamond bezels and things into our sneakers. Something like that can cost as much as $5,000.



HHNLive.com: Do you have any opinions on the big footwear companies getting into allowing people to customize their kicks?

AK: I think its cool. Because of this, the industry is definitely going to change. You will see new lines from all these companies because it allows the manufacturer to see what the consumer actually wants.

HHNLive.com: Do any Hip-Hop artists endorse the kicks? If so, who and why did you choose them? Anyone you are looking to collaborate with in the future?

AK: We work with a lot of artists, but don’t really have anyone that “endorses” our product. What we do is cross promotions with these artists, where both parties can gain something. The people that we work with are all very tasteful artists. You can check our website at www.kashikicks.com to view the list of collaborations that we’ve been a part of.

HHNLive.com: If there is someone out there looking to get into the footwear game, can you give them an idea of what they would need financially to jump things off? How much did it cost you to launch Kashi Kicks?

AK: To get started with something like this, all that you need is a great idea and for the people around you to believe in it. Stay motivated, focused, and on top of your game, and good things will happen. As far as finances, the money if definitely there. You will find the money no matter the size of the project. As far as a real start up price goes, there really isnt one. You are making sacrifices and putting money into the project in order to reach your goals.

HHNLive.com: In these times, does the fashion compliment the music or does the music compliment the fashion? It seems like image has become so important.

AK: I think that they compliment each other. People see how artists and celebrities dress and that’s a real inluence. We are actually going to be starting a record lable soon called Kashi Entertainment. The first act on our bill is Rocky Fontaine. You can check him out at www.myspace.com/rockyfontaine.

HHNLive.com: What are your favorite Kashi Kicks?

AK: My favorite? That’s like choosing your favorite child? I love them all. Each new one that we come out with is my favorite. We keep pushing the limits and improving on things that we’ve already done. With these new technologies, we are able to come out with better things. The new Liberace line and the not yet available Mobile Player line are both hot. From the Classsics to the Timeless and the CS lines, I am happy with everything.



HHNLive.com: Outside of your company, what is your favorite footwear company and why?

AK: I love all the companies. There’s no hate. They’re all nice and lovely. The thing that I really like recently is these new contemporary styles.

HHNLive.com: Where can people check out Kashi Kicks online?

AK: Visit our website at www.kashikicks.com or our page at www.myspace.com/kashikicks

HHNLive.com: Do you have any final message for the HHNLive.com readers?

AK: Just stay focused and motivated, and you can make yourself into whatever you want. Also, make sure to check out our website.