Sneaker Queens Customs Is Reinventing Creativity in Northeast Ohio
- Kelly Coyne
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
In the heart of the Midwest, Sneaker Queens Customs (SQC) is redefining what it means to be a creative entrepreneur. Based in Northeast Ohio, SQC has built a thriving business out of sneaker customization, blending storytelling, artistic vision, and craftsmanship in every pair she creates.
Since 2019, she has been turning heads and building her brand one design at a time. Her work has caught the attention of major companies across industries, leading to high-profile collaborations with brands such as White Castle, Nissan, Synergy Kombucha, Hyatt, and Charleys Cheesesteaks. These partnerships have helped solidify her reputation not just as an artist, but as a cultural contributor.
Her artistic journey started long before she ever picked up a sneaker. As a kid, SQC was constantly drawing, painting, and crafting—immersing herself in visual expression. That early love for art laid the foundation for what would eventually become her career. She created her first custom sneaker in her teenage years when she decided to salvage a ruined pair of Vans by painting over them. What started as a spontaneous creative decision became a defining moment in her evolution.
Today, her motivation runs deeper than just the art form. For SQC, the heart of her work lies in giving her clients something they can wear that reflects their identity, experiences, and personality. “Knowing I can take someone’s story or vision and turn it into something they can wear and show off who they are, that motivates me every time,” she said.
That emotional connection is part of what makes her work stand out. Whether she’s designing for an individual or a large brand, she focuses on meaning, purpose, and authenticity. SQC finds inspiration in artists who remain true to themselves—those who don’t compromise their vision or message. That integrity is woven into every step of her process.
Over the years, she’s grown a loyal community of clients and creatives who admire not only her technical skill but her vulnerability and drive. “It’s surreal, honestly. I didn’t expect that starting this would create so many meaningful connections. Seeing aspiring artists feel encouraged by my journey or customers feel seen in the designs that I create, it’s incredibly humbling and special,” she said.
The process of customizing sneakers is meticulous and multi-layered. It begins with a collaborative conversation, where SQC gathers insight into the client’s story, preferred aesthetic, and overall vision. From there, she creates mock-ups to visualize the concept before diving into the painting process. Each pair is sealed to ensure durability and longevity, allowing the artwork to hold up.
SQC uses high-quality materials like Angelus Leather Paints. Her pricing reflects the time, skill, and personalization involved—starting at $600 and reaching over $3,000 for more intricate or limited-edition pieces. Some projects can be completed in just a few days, while others may take months depending on the complexity and client vision.
As her business grows, she continues to advocate for aspiring creatives. Her advice for those looking to follow a similar path is grounded in experience and realism. “Don’t wait for permission. You don’t need to be ‘ready,’ you just need to start. Also, learning the business side is key! Pricing, contracts, marketing, it matters just as much, if not more, as the art.”
She encourages others not to let fear or perfectionism stand in the way: “Just start. Don’t overthink it. Practice on old pairs, learn about the process, and keep going even when it doesn’t look perfect. Your style and skill will develop with time. And stay real to you, there’s room for everyone, especially those who bring something personal to the table.”
Looking ahead, the future is full of promise for Sneaker Queens Customs. She envisions continued growth—both as an artist and a business owner. She said,“I plan to continue to grow as an artist, both creatively and in business. Brand partnerships will definitely continue to be a big part of what I do, from live activations to 1 of 1 sneakers and limited runs etc. I’d love to collaborate with more artists both online and maybe even host workshops. I’d also love to expand my physical studio and rent out a bigger space to create.”
What started as a hobby and creative outlet has evolved into a movement. Sneaker Queens Customs is not just creating custom footwear—she’s building confidence, telling stories, and making art that walks the streets with purpose.
Follow Sneaker Queens Customs:
Instagram: @sneakerqueenscustoms
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