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Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro is gaining ownership thanks to a new sneaker deal with HOLO Footwear – Andscape
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro is thriving in his expanded role with the team and making even larger moves off the court. The 2020 first-round select of Auburn recently partnered with HOLO Footwear in an equity deal to release a signature sneaker called the IO:01 and an accompanying apparel line. Perhaps more importantly, he is also part owner of the corporate.
Okoro said he first heard about HOLO in late October 2023 through his agent. As he began researching the corporate, he became more intrigued. Okoro flew to Portland, Oregon, met with the HOLO team to find out about their backgrounds and realized that all of them had a similar upbringing. When the shoe company presented the contract, the choice to sign was easy.
“I wanted to be part of a company that wanted me,” Okoro said. “(HOLO) told me that from the beginning.” He was also encouraged by the concept of constructing something from scratch. To reach the highest, you may have to start from the underside, he said. “Me and HOLO, like we each start from the underside. (They) saw me. This process and constructing it together shall be a lot fun.
Richard Payne/Young Money APAA Sports
HOLO and Okoro’s partnership means he is essential to the corporate as an athlete and investor.
“I think a lot of companies are abandoning the language of equity right now because it sounds good,” said Daveed Cohen, an agent at Young Money APAA Sports who leads the HOLO brand strategy in social media, content creation and community engagement.
The Atlanta-born Hooper said completing the equity deal was a learning experience that he appreciated.
“It’s quite the right approach to athletes these days,” he said. “But when you present a story where an athlete has equity, what do you actually do with it?”
David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images
As a part of HOLO Footwear’s basketball priority, Okoro participates in all the pieces from footwear design and testing to social media marketing for yet-to-be-released sneakers. It’s a two-way working relationship between him and the corporate’s founders, Rommel Vega and Yuri Rodriguez.
“That means constant communication, man,” Vega said. During the Zoom interview, he held up his phone to show how often he and Okoro communicate. The text message thread shows the 2 men’s almost each day conversations. What about Okoro’s role in the corporate?
“He will attend board meetings and interact with other investors. Having equity means you may have the best to vote. Voting rights mean we will move together or not move in any respect,” Vega said.
Richard Payne/Young Money APAA Sports
Richard Payne/Young Money APAA Sports
HOLO Footwear was founded in 2020. The company’s goal is to create durable and inexpensive sneakers. Her goal is to create great shoes that do not break the bank. HOLO understands that cheaper performance shoes used to be more common, but now seem rare.
“We live in a completely different world. I don’t know if you have to sell shoes for $35, but you don’t have to sell them for $200 to make a living. We have swung the pendulum one way or another,” Vega said. He believes there is a marketplace for inexpensive basketball shoes with the technology crucial to compete with traditional powerhouses.
“If you look at the market, everything costs between $160 and $200. But if you’re making $100 to, let’s say, $120 to $130 and you’re shipping the sneakers to a nice premium retail store that has a performance attribute, I think you’ve got something really special,” Vega said. “I think that’s the sweet spot that a lot of people struggle to hit.”
Affordability is one other vital feature of HOLO Footwear products. “Vega’s parents emigrated from Nicaragua to Miami in the 1990s.” I went to school in a really disenfranchised area of Miami,” he said. “I grew up in a trailer park off thirty sixth Street. You hear people rapping in Miami Jai Alai. It was across the road from where I grew up.
Vega knows from his own experience how expensive it may be for families who want to equip their children with high-quality sneakers. He wants to use the corporate to make a difference.
The co-founders have over 50 years of experience within the footwear industry, having worked for Merrell, Columbia Sportswear, Saucony and Puma. Before the deal with Okoro, HOLO Footwear’s bread and butter were outdoor sneakers and boots.
HOLO goals to provide the identical high standard in IO:01. “We’re taking a lot of the lessons we’ve learned in other industries and applying them to the process of creating this shoe,” Vega said.
“We’re learning. For (Okoro’s first shoe), we wanted something like ‘keep it easy, silly’. He’s an athlete. His body is his temple. We want to be certain his knees are in good condition and his foot is really functional, so we added belt,” Vega said. “There are a lot of design options at this company. We wanted to make sure Isaac could showcase his presence on the court throughout the evening.”
Cohen said HOLO’s flexibility is a huge profit to Okoro.
Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images
David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images
David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images
“Isaac put them on and said, ‘Man, these are so comfortable.’ Then the following phase was to test them. He ran, exercised and shared his comments with us. HOLO quickly implemented changes based on Okoro’s feedback, reducing the testing and customization process from two to three months to a few weeks.
“With Isaac back at the table and working directly with the co-founder, this is possible,” Cohen said. “(The sneakers) were a huge priority for us, but I think the unique value proposition is also HOLO’s ability to be agile and make quick decisions because you’re talking directly to the top leadership.”
The care HOLO showed with Okoro’s first release is a part of a long-term strategy for the clothing line. Vega said the corporate is taking its time to be certain all of the pieces are in place before the IO:01 officially goes on sale in the autumn. They work with retailers across the country and create partnerships to maximize sales. HOLO wants to construct all the pieces from scratch.
“We keep getting (excellent) feedback. Now we play with the color and personalize it for him. I think this will be important. We will see which of them get the most heat and we will be able to release them. We are creating special editions for some people who have requested this shoe. We’re excited about it. We are in no rush to make money on them. And we really, really want to do it right,” Vega said.
Okoro said he is honored that HOLO has allowed him to be the primary player to represent its brand and own an equity stake. He said his favorite a part of the sneaker-making process was selecting colours “and seeing what stood out and what caught the eye.”
The variety of equity deals is growing, however it’s still a relatively new landscape, especially for somebody like Okoro and a company like HOLO who’re venturing into high-end basketball shoe manufacturing for the primary time. They’ll be being attentive to sales numbers, but they’re also social media engagement and the impact of the shoe launch on disadvantaged neighborhoods.
“Those are the things that make a story successful,” Vega said. “Did we manage to get (the shoe) into the hands of children? And can they afford it? We want them to wear it and enjoy it. Have we trained them in sustainability? And really, what does that really mean in this day and age?”
This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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Ayesha Curry under the fire for admitting “the lack of athletes” before she married Stepha, when fans say that she humiliates the NBA star
The revelation of Ayesh Curry about her teenage dating rule bored the debate about whether the public statements of the culinary entrepreneur sometimes obscure the achievements of her husband of the NBA Super Gwiades.
Referred in an interview with the Christian broadcast network, wherein she turned to the strict policy of “without athletes” before meeting Stephen Curry as a teen, she caused mixed reactions of fans who wonder if such sincere disclosures unintentionally undermine the refined public pendant of the war warrior.
During the conversation from March 2025, with the host Efrem Graham Ayesh, she considered the irony of her former attitude, recognizing how her younger I made broad generalings about sports personality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Paaxjwfdpoq
“And it’s so funny!” She said: “When you are a teenager, you don’t necessarily think about what you are saying and you tend to generalize, and as (you) a change, you put different people into different boxes.”
Adding: “And so embarrassing at the bottom that this is capital letters, such as” without athletes! They are so smug! “And what kind of generalization is that? “
A 36-year-old mother of a four-person one explained how Stephen’s meeting questioned her prejudices. Looking back, she principally knew him all her life – for the first time she met the future NBA champion when she was over 20 years – and described their meeting as a divine intervention.
“And so I feel that that is the way it’s God, don’t judge the book by the cover, because I met my husband – well, I met my husband (when) I used to be once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once once 14 years old, but I went on a date with my husband at the age of 19 or (he was) my friend, and he was a exact opposite of this.
CBN YouTube viewers expressed Mixed reactions to interview.
“Could the embarrassing Steph stop? How to close,” commented one of the viewers, blowing her up for saying things that, he believed, he casts dirt on her husband’s image.
Another support offered: “I am glad that he now has its own marriage and relationship!” Referring to the thought that she just just won’t be comfortable in her relationship.
But many comments applauded her, recognized her strong faith, and likewise celebrated their family.
The third person noticed: “The man thinks about curry, he was not in the drama on the pitch and outside and has a beautiful family.”
Another added: “Everyone is incredibly beautiful, they just shine with a good spirit. Basketball Obama …”
This just just won’t be the first time Ayesha met with criticism of her public comments.
Earlier she caused controversy, discussing her feelings that she didn’t pay the attention of men compared with how her husband is bombarded with women’s admiration.
During the previous interview, she expressed uncertainty about women thrown in Stephen, while she felt invisible to other men, comments that were later criticized for being inappropriate for a married woman.
Twitter cut off the first 20 seconds of the conversation with the red table of Ayesha Curry
. pic.twitter.com/eauuovfv86
-Britt-man
(@tjseanb) December 21, 2021
Despite the periodic slack, Currys maintained a sturdy public presence when their family increased in front of the eyes of the fans.
Their oldest daughter, currently 12-year-old Riley, for the first time captured her heart as a premature toddler who interrupted the press conferences of the NBA finals of her father 2015. Recently noticed on the game Warriors, which stands almost as high as her mother with an area of 5 feet-8, transformation of Riley from Sassa 3-year-old, who quoted Big Sean lyrics in the composed teenager, caused fans to surprise during a fraction of Time.
The curry family now covers Ryana, 9, Canon, 6 and Baby Caius, who ends 1 this month. During her journey Ayesh built her own empire as the creator of the cookbook, television personality and entrepreneur, while Stephen continues his dominance in basketball at the age of 37.
Explaining their family’s approach to public life, Ayesha emphasized the authenticity.
“I think we are trying to keep it really. And we try to be nice people,” said CBN. “People look at our family, but I think it is important that everyone knows that no one is perfect, and we are just trying to live at the moment.”
While critics can perceive Ayesh’s apparitions as embarrassing against Stephen, the 4 -time NBA champion seems distrustful.
His recent birthday tribute to his wife showed his unwavering devotion: “Where are we starting to describe what you mean, our family, all who have been blessed enough to meet you. You light a room,” he wrote.
Indeed, despite the sporadic storms in social media and perceived excessive objects, Currys carried out almost 13 years of marriage with no much scandal, maintaining their status of one of the most admired pairs of basketball.
(Tagstransate) ayesha curry
This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
River Callaway/WWD via Getty Images
This is official: this year’s hottest hairstyle is now approved with a supermodel. From Gamine Look Taylor Russell to heavy sides on Jodie Turner-Smith, Cuts Pixie has long been popular amongst Hollywood actresses. But this week the South Sudan model AWEN Chool participated 2025 Fashion Trust Awards In Pixie, giving the favored style this season.
On the red carpet, she made her debut in a hairstyle with a gelled, gelled-owned muddy Oude dress and reflective earrings-marked by a hairdresser Shayz Enrique. While most of her hair was pushed up, the skillful strands presented natural curves on the front that had her face. Using Rihanna’s hair, Enrique gel fingers (try: Gelly -like strong gel) He gave Pixie Chuli a sturdy structure, not sacrificing her natural, experienced appearance.
But this is just not the primary time she has no time. During last year’s CFDA awards, Choluol wore a wet look, while the tight bowl on the Marc Jacobs party in February was more liquid and even. Now he returns to his natural hair length, showing sculptural volume and classy versatility, which we couldn’t expect from the pixie.
To finish the looks, makeup Matthew Fishman He used a brand recent Mac Foundation Studio Fix Powder Plus For a dreamy but raw moment of beauty. Caviar Lip insole She defined her glazed angel lips, and eyelashes and a dark water line strengthened their smokey copper eye shadow. Because Pixie Cuts appears to be the hottest appearance this season, actually: Angg Chulo approves.
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
May serves as an unofficial start of the summer season. Graduation, Mother’s Day and Weekend on the occasion of Remembrance Day are the most significant events of the month, together with the return of WNBA. When it comes to sneakers, it implies that the houses of the Brotherhood can finally allow those that, a cooked Air Force graduate, my mother can get several pairs that show softness and love, you’ll find the perfect shoe for beach classes. And finally, we will finally answer the query where the shoe is.
Angel Reese uses a small shavnosis
Reebok
Since signing the contract with Reebok, Angel Reese has given us many footwear options, from her collection to the debut of the first Reebok shoe for years. While we’re waiting for the first characteristic REESE shoe, it still gives us a fresh approach to Reebok classics. The latest is her tribute to her “uncle Shaqa” and his Shaqnosis. This pair with the Shaq and Angel Reese logo is a perfect representation of summer in washed gray and western beads with gold notes.
Release date: May 1
Retail sales: USD 150
Because he still knows
Nike
At the starting of 2000, “Auburn” Nike Trainer SC was my Graal shoe. He is legendary for worn by my favorite athlete, because Jackson, it was one shoe that I told myself that I’d retire if I ever get it. We can now call it a lie a couple of hundred couples later. But to be honest, shoes just don’t retro so often. This classic cross training continues to be one among my most beloved, so I probably collect one because having crunchy pair on ice is mandatory. I only need some Girbaud denim shorts and a white shirt to finish your outfit.
Release date: May 1
Retail sales: USD 130
Adidas keeps it nice
Adidas
What happens whenever you mix fashion and future technology? You get Adidas air con. Completely printed in 3D shoes have arc support and heel lining, in addition to 360 degrees of air thanks to the kindness of a large grille. Simply put, these shoes are greater than aesthetic; They are also practical, which makes them ideal for summer days when you will have to do the trick quickly.
Release date: May 2
Retail sales: USD 140
Anatomy of a very good gray shoe
New Balance
Gray is analogous to black and white when it’s used on shoes and garments. All three colours can look so different with the slightest tone correction or when using various materials. The South Korean label of Thisisnever, which proves that the theory by utilizing a subdued color palette on a scale of gray and mixing in Premium Pigskin, Synthetic Nubuck and Mesh to get a fresh take a look at the New Balance 991V2 runner. It was definitely one among the higher latest models released in the previous few years.
Release date: May 5
Retail sales: USD 270
A’one in any respect a’rries
Nike
Over the years, when the popularity of WNBA and ladies’s basketball increased, the query and conversation focused on when the star of Las Vegas aces a’ja Wilson will receive her characteristic shoes. This moment is finally when A’one is available in a mix of pink shades with details scattered over the shoe, which pay tribute to her travel in the type of Celtic symbols for her parents and inspiration of pearls to represent her grandmother. Most importantly, the name Wilson is on the fingers of each shoe, thanks to which everyone knows whose shoes it’s.
Retail sales: USD 110
Release date: May 6
Nike cooked the classic
Nike
Let’s assume that it happens that you just enter every university campus, music festival or anywhere where Gen X may be present in a big number: you will likely see that the air forces, which according to older generations, saw higher days. But for the current generation they’re in perfect condition. Although they’ll develop into, dirty and cracked, as if worn for months, the real surprise is that over time, as a substitute of becoming a more dirty version of the dirty shoe, the upper gives way to a clean upper, as if fresh from the box.
Release date: May 7
Retail sales: USD 130
Deion shows love to his mother
Nike
Mother’s Day just around the corner is only a deion sanders Shows love to his motherConnie Sanders, with the latest issue of Diamond Turf ’96. Using the red, commonly accepted color of affection, things are easy here. Upper also accommodates notes of white that can help to convey the message, because it was a dozen or so roses. One special accent lies in the inscriptions “love you, mom” on the inserts.
Release date: May 9
Retail sales: USD 170
Caroline Hu gives samba softer
Adidas
The Chinese clothier Caroline Hu slowly pulls out a novel space thanks to the cooperation of Adidas and this is softness and female touch. Her latest sees Samba translates, exchanging traditional skin or canvas, into satin and lace. This update immediately removes heritage in a football court and makes it suitable for a date or evening with friends. Available in red, silver and navy blue I can do many couples for various occasions.
Release date: May 9
Retail sales: USD 160
Kevin Durant’s latest return
Barry Gossage/Nbae via Getty Images
We saw Nike Basketball uses a book 1 to recycled of old colours in latest ways. This time they tried the same approach to the characteristic model of Kevin Durant, reviving the most famous colours AirThe rims shoe from the 90s widely related to the former heat guardian Miami Tim Hardaway. The old biting looks rare, unless it gives such results.
Release date: May 15
Retail sales: USD 150
Nuggets PE Carmelo Anthony receives the right edition
Jordan Brand
Long before Carmelo Anthony became often known as the host of the podcast or dad Kiyan Anthony for a certain generation, he was one among the best players in the NBA and face from the Jordan brand for the latest generation. Sale of being an athlete from Jordan? Custom retros in team color. One of the cleanest couples was this pair of Jordan 12s in Anthony’s color scheme when he was a member of Denver Nuggets. Simplicity is a game, because a solid white upper leather sits on a blue outer sole with powder blue accents on the shoe, thanks to which it’s a straightforward selection to slide into the rotation of sneakers.
Release date: May 17
Retail sales: USD 200
Jordan 4 “White cement “returns
Jordan Brand
One of the most significant and hottest shoes in the history of Jordan Brand triumphantly returns for the first time since 2016. This 12 months’s edition is a component of the brand celebrations of 40 years. It repairs many complaints and sneakerhead tanks – the overall shape is closer to the original model from 1989, and the side mesh and the heel tab has been adapted to reflect the original version. I’d advise anyone who was fascinated about them to double them.
Release date: May 24
Retail sales: USD 225
Sporty & Rich Sticks to Retro Runners
Adidas
Sporty & Rich explained that they love to dig in the treasury of Adidas and pull out forgotten figures. Their latest takes them back to 2008, and the Adios Adios 1. White upper with silver overlays turns the model into something suitable for at some point with friends as a substitute of actual running. However, when you determine to do each, know that each one the performance functions from the original are still present.
Release date: TBD
Retail sales: USD 160
Be like Mike in 1996
Jordan Brand
In 1996, this low level of Air Jordan XI was noticed only at Michael Jordan during the Bulls Championship. Quickly forward and at last hits the store shelves. Earlier, we saw the version with a red heel insert, but for the first time a totally black liner-clipping element for purists-he maintains a public edition. Everything else adheres to the classic “grown” formula – the outer sole, white midsole and black uppers.
Release date: April 26
Retail sales: USD 190
Travis Scott goes in the spring “Bright Cactus”
Nike
When Travis Scott isn’t busy Rulescent of stocks with John CenemThe group pays his status of one among the best collaborators in the Nike/Jordan letter. In the latest edition of his Jack Sneakers lists the usual darker tones for light green cactus and cream uppers with black accents. As with any Scott cooperation, they flew, but they sell at low prices on the secondary market.
Date of release: April 30
Retail sales: USD 200
Line notes
This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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