We chat to project manager, content creator/podcast host and Offspring Community member Annabel.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Annabel, but most people know me as Creperella. I’m a project manager for IT systems within Healthcare and part-time content creator/podcast host born and raised in North London. I love all things sneaker, fashion, sport and jewellery!
We understand you have your own Podcast show. Tell us how you got started?
In 2020, I knew I really wanted to create my own platform where I can meet other people in the community and talk about our shared love for sneakers. I am generally quite introverted (surprisingly) so although I made several notes about all the ideas I had, I was scared to put myself out there. I started to become a bit more consistent with my social media content during and post pandemic and it was actually the love and support from the sneaker community and close friends that gave me the confidence to finally go for it. The studio where I film is also in the exact same area I grew up. I guess it was my destiny!
What was your inspiration behind starting your own Podcast show?
Over the years, I’ve met so many amazing people within the sneaker community through going to events and social media. One of the main inspirations behind starting my own podcast was to introduce more inclusivity in the sneaker scene. There are a lot of great people with amazing stories/collections in the sneaker community who a lot of people may not know about. I wanted to make the podcast/show about them!
Inclusivity is something that is really important to me. I believe everyone has the opportunity to be celebrated.
What’s been the greatest and hardest thing you’ve had to come across?
I would say being given the same opportunities as a woman especially a woman of colour has been challenging. However, I am definitely seeing a lot of changes not just in the UK but globally especially with Jordan brand for example where all types of women are being recognised.
How long have you been into sneakers and how did you get into them?
Without revealing how old I am (haha) I would definitely say its’ been about 20+ years of being into sneakers. 80% of my family are male so I used to spend a lot of time with my male cousins who were heavily into music, fashion and sneakers. My mum has also been a massive inspiration as she is a designer and has always been so daring with colours – probably why I experiment a lot with colourful sneakers and nails!
Do you have any early sneaker memory?
Air Max’s were a really popular and still are where I grew up and I remember trying to convince my dad to buy me a pair of TN’s. My dad being a true businessman told me that rather than asking for the money, you should earn it! So after a few weekends helping my dad with the gardening he finally gave in and took me to Wood Green to get a pair – best day ever!
Do you have any sneaker regrets and what is your sneaker grail?
I definitely regret throwing away my OG Hyper Blue TN’s but they were completely battered. As a youngster I wasn’t so concerned with ‘collecting’ so as soon as the kicks were unwearable, I would get rid. It’s such a staple colourway especially if you love TN’s and I wish I kept them. My sneaker grail although not my everyday silhouette would be the Atmos Animal Air Max 1’s – STUNNING!
What sneakers are in your rotation currently?
I’ve definitely not been able to take the Melody Ehsani Fearless AJ1 sneakers off of my foot! it’s like the shoe was made for me! Also seem to be rotating GR Jordan 1 lows as I find them so easy to style.
As a woman in the sneaker industry can you tell us how you’ve been able to navigate yourself in a predominately male space and your experience so far?
I believe in any field; you have to decide what you want to achieve. I have always said whatever I decide to do in the sneaker scene, be the best at it, stand out even amongst the males in the scene and be consistent.
One of my mottos has always been ‘you are your own unique selling point’.
I feel that people are gradually getting to know me, and I believe I definitely have a unique style and approach when it comes to creativity and dialogue. I like to remain transparent with those who I have met in the sneaker community and have been lucky to be involved in some amazing projects with people who have appreciated my authenticity.
Aside from sneakers what else are you into?
I’ve been playing Netball for 20 years at club level and play in 2 Netball leagues during the week and over the weekend. I am also training to be a nail technician!
What does community mean to you?
Community for me is being able to share and experience things with different people who all have the same interest/passion. It should be a safe space where everyone is respectful, welcoming and caring!
What’s next for Solekted TV?
I took a couple months out from filming to reflect and evolve! I am currently filming Season 2 of Solekted TV which is exciting! Look out for the episodes on YouTube this spring!
Check out more from Annabel on Instagram @creperella / @solekted
