As recently as the mid-2000s, there were no sneaker-care products available. DIY approaches, such as making cleaning solutions from everyday household items, were necessary for trainer collectors and enthusiasts who wanted their shoes to look like new all the time.
When Jason Mark Angsuvarn decided that enough was enough and that the shoe market required its own cleaning product, it took him quite some time to get to that decision. It was time for him to start working.
With a wide range of cleaning products and tools, Jason Markk is now the go-to brand for shoe care (and sneaker resurrection).
Since Jason has been a lifelong stockist and lover of the brand, we asked him a few questions about footwear, business and his plans for the future.
So, Jason, when did you first get into sneakers, and what was the first pair you bought with your own money?
I started really getting into sneakers around my senior year in high school. The first pair I bought for myself was the Nike AM1 OG (retro red/white/grey) in 1999.
How many pairs do you have now?
A few hundred, I’d say.
What’s your all-time favourite colourway, and why?
It would have to be between the AM1 OG in red/white/grey and the AM97 ‘Silver Bullets’.
Both colorways and models are so timeless and absolutely perfect. No matter how you rock them, both are undeniable.
Since you started out in 2007, your business has expanded from a one-man bedroom operation to a worldwide brand with tens of staff. What’s been the biggest challenge for you?
There’s always a lesson to be learned when you’re faced with a challenge. The biggest lesson I’ve learned in these first 13 years is how to grow responsibly. Explosive growth is a great problem if you are ready for it.
Which other businesspeople have you drawn inspiration from? Any books you’d recommend for other self-starters?
[Nike co-founder] Phil Knight’s story is incredible and truly inspiring. Read his book Shoe Dog if you haven’t already.
You’ve spoken before about the trial and error that comes with developing shoe-cleaning products. So, in the early days especially, you must have ruined a good few pairs of prized shoes! Do any of them haunt you?
Yea I sure did ruin a few great pairs, but I knew it wasn’t for nothing.
If I’m going to put a product out and stand by it, you better believe I’m testing on my own pairs.
You have flagship stores in Los Angeles and London, both of which offer specialist shoe-care services. Have any famous faces ever dropped by?
We have our regular celeb clientele. You can always tell when it’s a celeb’s shoes when an assistant shows up with luggage full of heat – more times than not, all designer.
How have you been coping, both professionally and personally, during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Personally, I’ve just been taking it one day at a time, and taking advantage of the quality time with my wife and kids. Making sure we keep things as positive and fun as possible.
Professionally, we’re there for one another. We’re a tough bunch that has a lot of heart and fight.
What’s next for the Jason Markk brand?
Continuous innovation. Continuous improvement. Continuous growth. Plus a few fun projects, of course.
Finally, what would be your five ‘Desert Island Kicks’?
- Nike – Air Max 97 (Silver Bullet)
- Nike – Air Jordan 1 1994 (Chicago)
- Nike – Air Max 1 OG (red/white/grey)
- Converse – Chuck 70
- Hoka One One – Hopara
And while we’re at it, as we know you’re a music-lover, what would be your five Desert Island DISCS?
- “Diamond Life” by Sade
- “Doggystyle” by Snoop Dogg
- “Black Byrd” by Donald Byrd
- “Legend” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
- “Donuts” by J Dilla
Now, a wide range of Jordan-related items, including T-shirts, are available to sneakerheads. Visit the websites listed below if you’re seeking for these matching T-shirts.
Air Jordan 11 Space Jam Matching Sneaker Tshirt
