Naz, a Sneaker Essentials graduate, recently launched MIDSOLE MAG. MIDSOLE MAG is a women’s digital sneaker-based fashion magazine based in Turkey. She launched the magazine after taking the course and realizing there was an opportunity to tell the stories behind sneakers in Turkey. Naz is a candidate for the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. She wrote about her experience in the article below.
In May 2020, I created an online sneaker-based fashion magazine called
“MIDSOLE MAG”. My biggest reason for creating this magazine was to support women in the sneaker industry and spreading that culture. I started this business with zero budget and in the midst of a pandemic, it became
extremely successful. There is a common misconception that women are not as involved in sneaker culture as men, but that is not true. We have
proven that through having a staff made up entirely of women. Therefore,
I wish to use my career as a tool to highlight that women have long been
a part of the sneaker scene and to give them the recognition that they
deserve.
MIDSOLE MAG is an online magazine (www.midsolemag.com). As a Gen Z’er, I wanted to design something that speaks to my generation and highlights the issues that we face. My generation is known for being “Born with technology,” so an “e-mag” seemed like the perfect place to start. We
have a very active Website and Instagram audience, along with a magazine application called “Dergilik”. Dergilik only accepts well-known
magazines like Vogue, Elle and now MIDSOLE MAG is amongst them. Also, it is the only streetwear magazine in Turkey and without any paid promotion we gained a total of 14K followers in less than six months.
Furthermore, shortly after the first issue, we started to collaborate on
creative projects with global brands such as Nike, Reebok, Converse,
Lacoste and local brands / sneaker stores such as Wunder and Les
Benjamins. Our creative projects include editorials, special edition
issues, collage artworks and illustrations, which showcases how strong
we are on the creative side. We also have commercial arrangements with
Dior, Louis Vuitton, adidas, North Face, Vans and many other global
brands. In our regular issues, there are sections from History to
Beauty. Our mission is to spread the culture and describe what that
means to the communities around us.
Lastly, I was requested to be a panelist for a Complex Networks and
Fashion Institute of Technology partnered a program called “Yellowbrick
Sneaker Essentials.” On October 20th I hosted a webinar about the
“International Woman In The Sneaker Industry” and shared my experiences
as a woman in this industry and gave advice to others who wish to create
a meaningful impact in the sneaker world.
I am beyond proud and honored to be so accomplished in such a short period of time. Also, I am thankful for the people who have supported me along the way.
