Meet Kia Marie, Sneaker Fiend

www.ozy.com [OZY]( OZY A Modern Media Company Share This Sh*t November 12, 2022 Share This Sh*t [The drop]( MEET KIA MARIE, SNEAKER FIEND When Kia Marie traveled back and forth from New York to California as a kid, she wasn’t just learning how to adapt to new environments quickly, she was also developing her own style. School uniforms left footwear as the only blank canvas for Kia to showcase her individuality, and as an athlete through high school into college, she developed a special affinity for sneakers. Fast forward to today, and those formative years — and a consistent drive to empower people to get more creative with their style — make The Notorious KIA the perfect host for OZY’s brand new Sneaker Fiends video series. The Origin Julian Michael Caldwell in New York, NY @jswisshere To understand just what makes “kickfluencer” [Kia]( a no-brainer to host [Sneaker Fiends](, it’s important to understand her story. Born in Brooklyn, New York, her family moved to San Diego, California, when she was six years old, launching an upbringing with significant time spent on both coasts. Kia’s known to brag about New York’s reputation as a fashion mecca, and her organic connection to it meant she could always stay ahead of her peers in California when it came to the newest sneaker trends. It’s an advantage she cherished. Kia’s teen and early adult years provided an interesting mix of influences. She played basketball in high school, ran track for a short stint in college at West Virginia State University and finished college studying criminal justice at Temple University. It was during her first couple years out of school, while working entry-level and internship positions in legal departments, that she stumbled onto her love for sharing fashion online. Whether it was styling her willing friends to show her skills on the online modeling community Model Mayhem, or blogging on YouTube about how to transform clothes in her closet into fresh, new pieces, Kia found her passion before she knew it would be a career. Style. Sneakers. Sustainability. Today, to her [325,000 YouTube subscribers]( and [182,000 Instagram followers](, Kia is much more than sneakers. In fact, she’s even more than fashion. Her videos run the gamut from tips on packing before a move, to a behind-the-scenes look at shooting products for her business, to her hair journey, to — of course — her sneaker picks for each new season. “My goal is to inspire women to live life unapologetically by finding comfort in their uniqueness,” Kia explains. Equally as important to Kia as style is sustainability. Followers can often find her championing sneakers that allow people to make an impact as they walk the streets — without leaving an imprint on the environment. If there’s a sneaker statement piece that’s versatile enough to fit an array of outfits and is made from recycled materials, there’s a good chance The Notorious KIA already has it in her rotation. My goal is to inspire women to live life unapologetically by finding comfort in their uniqueness. - Kia Kia has partnered with dozens of brands, including Nike, New Balance, Dior and Target, and even launched her own [signature hair pick](. But she still stays true to her blogging roots, sharing videos of do-it-yourself projects like turning an over-the-shoulder bag into a fanny pack using a belt hole puncher. COMING 11/15: OZY'S LATEST DOCUSERIES Get a SNEAK peek [HERE](! ‘Sneaker Fiends’ Every Tuesday, starting Nov. 15, Kia will catch up with female athletes, business owners, stylists and more, whose passion for kicks bleeds into their careers and lifestyles. Whether it’s a conversation with WNBA player [Didi Richards](, sneaker boutique [Premium Goods]( owner Jennifer Ford or WOODStack IVY buyer [Tianna Weatherspoon](, you can bank on one thing: If anyone tells Kia a story about a particular sneaker, she already knows exactly what it looks like off the top of her head, and probably has a photo of herself in the same exact pair. Viewers will get a look at the classic, most cherished and most eye-popping shoes in the collections of women who consider sneakers an integral part of their lives. If you’re not already a card-carrying sneakerhead, don’t worry. By the end of the series, you’ll begin to recognize the timeless pairs that are versatile enough to go with everything from jeans to a suit to a skirt, and The Notorious KIA will even show you the basics of how to match one pair with multiple different outfits. Follow [@houseofsneakerfiends]( on Instagram and tune in to episode 1 of Sneaker Fiends Tuesday, Nov. 15, on [YouTube](. 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