mickey ashmore & sabah

we're creating space for the brains behind the brands we love, and asking good questions along the way. the result is a deep dive into the how and why of brand-building, from blueprints to launch day, customers as community and the detours in between. big lessons, easy listening.

In this episode of Read Receipt, we are thrilled to welcome Mickey Ashmore, the creative mind behind Sabah, a footwear brand that fuses traditional Turkish shoemaking with contemporary design. Mickey's journey from working in finance at Microsoft to establishing Sabah is a story of passion, travel, and entrepreneurial spirit. After being gifted a pair of traditional Turkish shoes called Yemeni, Mickey saw an opportunity to modernize the design and bring these comfortable, stylish shoes to a broader audience. Join us as Mickey shares his story, the challenges of growing a brand without external funding, and the importance of staying true to one’s values. Discover how Sabah has evolved from a home-based operation to a globally recognized brand with pop-ups and stores in major cities around the world.

Tune in to learn about Mickey’s entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Sabah, and what's next for the brand.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation!
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the Show Notes

Summary:

Mickey Ashmore, founder of Sabah, shares his inspiring journey from working in finance at Microsoft to creating a unique footwear brand that combines traditional Turkish craftsmanship with modern design. After being gifted a pair of Yemeni shoes, Mickey saw an opportunity to modernize the design and bring them to a broader audience. Sabah started as a home-based operation in New York City and has grown into a globally recognized brand with pop-ups and stores in major cities. Mickey discusses the challenges of growing a brand without external funding, the importance of staying true to one’s values, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his business. The conversation explores his entrepreneurial experiences, the development of Sabah's products, and his vision for the future.‍

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Keywords:

traditional craftsmanship, footwear brand, entrepreneurship, brand building, heritage, modern design, Sabah, Mickey Ashmore‍

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Takeaways:

1. Mickey Ashmore’s journey from finance at Microsoft to founding Sabah is driven by a passion for traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
2. Sabah focuses on creating high-quality, comfortable shoes that blend traditional Turkish shoemaking with contemporary aesthetics.
3. Building a brand involves understanding market needs, listening to consumer feedback, and maintaining a clear vision.
4. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges, but also opportunities for brands like Sabah to adapt and thrive.
5. Mickey’s dedication to quality and staying true to his values drives the success of Sabah.

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Sound Bites:

• "Sabah started as a way to modernize traditional Turkish shoes and bring them to a broader audience."
• "Our goal is to create shoes that are not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable and well-made."
• "Building a brand requires understanding market needs and staying true to your vision."
• "The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptability and authenticity in business."
• "Sabah is about celebrating traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern design and innovation."

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Chapters:

00:00 - Mickey’s Background and Journey-
Mickey introduces himself and shares his journey from finance at Microsoft to founding Sabah.

08:01 - The Inspiration Behind Sabah-
Mickey discusses the personal and professional experiences that inspired him to create Sabah and the early days of the brand.

12:30 - Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship-
Mickey explains his transition from the corporate world to starting a footwear brand and the lessons learned.

23:17 - The Importance of Quality and Heritage-
The conversation delves into how Sabah emphasizes traditional craftsmanship and modern design in its products.

25:30 - Challenges and Opportunities During the Pandemic-
Mickey talks about the challenges of pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunities it presented.

27:26 - Commitment to Authenticity and Community-
Mickey highlights Sabah’s dedication to staying true to its values and building a strong community around the brand.

31:23 - Building a Strong Brand Identity-
The discussion explores the importance of a strong brand identity and connecting with consumers authentically.

36:02 - The Vision for Sabah-
Mickey shares his vision for the future of Sabah and his goals for the brand.

47:37 - Patience and Persistence in Entrepreneurship-
Mickey emphasizes the need for patience and persistence in achieving long-term success.

51:43 - Final Thoughts and Insights-
‍Mickey wraps up the conversation with final thoughts and valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.