Today we’d like to introduce you to Ranard Hardman.
Ranard, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I never dreamed that my passion and love for shoes and art would turn me into an entrepreneur. Shoes have made a huge impact on my life in many good ways and some unexpected ways. Over the past decade, I had worked in retail until one day, I realized that the only thing I was doing was actually building others’ dreams. Like many employees, I was overworked and underpaid so I began restoring shoes as a side hustle. After I successfully restored my own pair. After months of working on restoring shoes for family and friends I decided to take a leap of faith and quit my retail job to pursue customizing and restoring shoes full time. I used my social media platform to introduce Nard Got Sole, I began taking orders for restoration when one of my followers requested customized shoes of their favorite sports team. Although I hadn’t completed many custom orders at that time I was determined to give my customer what they asked for. Little did I know that the custom Texans 4’s would change and shape Nard Got Sole. On October 8, 2014, the turning point for Nard Got Sole, when one of my favorite Houston Rappers Paul Wall shared my custom work on his social media. Thanks to my good friend DJ Bull for the alley hoop I got so much love, and support Nard Got Sole became a household name.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Over the past year, I’ve suffered and struggled with anxiety and depression after my bestfriend passed away. #LongLivePerfekStorm . I isolated myself from people and my work. And I began to experience setbacks. Since I am a one-man show going back to work while grieving wasn’t easy. Focusing on my work was a nightmare but I knew I needed to get back to work to provide for my family. I’m currently working on building a team so that Nard Got Sole brand will be more efficient.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Nard Got Sole Customs story. Tell us more about the business.
Nard Got Sole is a shoe customizing company that is known for wearable art. Shoes are not only worn to protect your feet, but they are worn to add a final touch to your style so when I customize a pair of shoe it starts a new story and express one’s hobbies, likes and personality. Shoes are my canvas and I create a masterpiece based on my client’s request. I take pride in each design that I create. Nard Got Sole gives me an opportunity to combine being an entrepreneur –with being a full-time father of six (three boys and three girls).
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m thankful for each person who has supported Nard Got Sole, whether from a shout-out, social media post, re-tweet, business deal or just encouraging words. I’m blessed that after five years business continues to increase, reviews continue to come back positive and I will continue on this adventure of living my dream. I’m always willing to work hard, listen to others and take risks. Nard Got Sole gives me an opportunity to combine being an entrepreneur –with being a father of six, (three boys and three girls.) With the foundation of Nard Got Sole and my love for fatherhood I was able to create a Dope AF (Active Fathers). Dope AF (Active Father) is a partnership with the community to strengthen and stabilize the presence of fathers in the lives of their children also to discuss complex, sensitive, and relatable issues associated with parenting. Being in control of my work and spending time with my family is my main priority.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.nardgotsole.com
- Email: datboynard@hotmail.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/nardgotsole_htx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nard-Got-Sole-Customs-1306469209486090/
- Twitter: Check out Nard Got Sole Customs (@Nardgotsole_htx): https://twitter.com/Nardgotsole_htx?s=09
Image Credit:
Juss Fresh/Juss Fresh Media
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
