Althea Robotham’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Althea Robotham and have shared our conversation below.

Althea, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
By targeting our audience, we have interacted with some of the most ride-or-die human beings. They advocate our mindset of Rekanizing (recognizing) one’s truth, feeding off the energy from that realization, and using it to power your motivation to bring your dreams into fruition. Our customers have integrity, are fashion innovators, stay true to their roots, love music to the core, come from all walks of life, and have compassion for one another. It’s a well-rounded community of sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Althea Robotham, and I own Rekanize, a premium sneaker and sneaker care brand dedicated to helping sneaker enthusiasts protect their footwear investments. I’m a Brooklynite through and through, raised by Jamaican parents, so I grew up with thick skin and an enormous amount of strength and confidence. I believe wholeheartedly that if you feel your desire from within, it will become the force that moves you.

The brand logo is a wolf, which represents power, courage, and confidence believed to exist in every being. We trigger a self-reliant frame of mind using footwear. The main function is to help others exude the confidence deep within by tapping into their inner wolf. Everyone has a strength, but Rekanizing what it is and using it to its full advantage is crucial. Hence our motto, Rekanize your truth. 

We started out selling tee’s, caps, hoodies, and sneakers. We have since honed in on the sneaker community and currently focus on our brand sneakers, laces, and sneaker care products. Our latest product is an electric spinning brush made specifically for cleansing footwear and refurbishing suede. It’s a game-changer and unlike anything else on the market.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents. Being raised by 2 Jamaicans is no easy task. They were extremely strict and adamant about my going to school, getting a degree, getting a job, earning, and moving out in that order. 🙂

Along the way, I was taught many precious gems. Always show respect to others unless they cross the line. Whatever you choose in life, make sure you do it to the best of your ability. Give no one a reason to doubt you. Don’t spend what you don’t have. Never want from anyone, do without. Always try and never give up. However long it takes, finish the job no matter what.

I was the first in my immediate family to go to college and graduate. Every job I have had in life has been in the field of graphic design. They supported me through every growth path and told me when I made them proud. They are the best parents one could ask for.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. My other company We Know City started out as a possible art magazine. After researching everything that would be needed to get an actual magazine launched, the idea fell to the wayside and for years I never revisited it. My job at the time was an absolute joke, and it is what pushed me to think of an alternative idea for the business. That is when the decision to make it strictly online instead of a physical magazine came about. That became an issue due to cost and reliable people. So I set it aside again for a few years. I switched jobs, but quickly learned the grass is not greener on the other side. I was still miserable, just in a new location. So again, my job pushed me to figure out a new idea. Thus, We Know City online art promotion was born, and that has been prospering ever since.

Rekanize became the 2nd business, but I never wavered from the beginning. A few pivots have been needed, but the passion remains the same. Fashion and art are huge in my world, so it was inevitable for me to be involved in either one or both industries.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. One can not beat the truth. It is life’s royal flush. No one can ever say I presented myself to be fake or out-of-pocket.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I did what I was generally told to do, which was go to school, graduate, get a job, and get my own place. I have had 2 deja vu moments in life, that in the past (as in BC and early ancient Roman times) I was an architect or builder of some kind. My major in college was architecture in my freshman year. The teacher was beyond monotone and dreadfully boring. The class was 4 hours 20 minutes, and I watched the second hand on the clock the entire time. When I switched to graphic design, the classes were 3 hours and 40 minutes, and I never checked the clock. That’s when I knew it was the right decision to switch. Graphic design has been my field ever since. Architecture will always remain my one true love, as certain buildings invoke an insurmountable and unrequited love.

Surprisingly, recently I had an epiphany. It kind of hit me out of the blue that until now, I thought graphic design, art, and architecture were my calling. No. The act of helping others bring their dreams into reality is my purpose in life. People reach out to me all the time and ask for advice on almost everything, especially business-related, because they know I will stop at nothing to gain answers. It’s selfless help to the point where many have asked if I wanted to partner with them. Technically, I have been doing it all my life, I just didn’t think twice about it. It goes back to the architect in me, building from a fundamental, basic level to a culmination of achievement. It’s rewarding to transform the intangible into tangible. Planting the proverbial seed and watching it grow. It’s an accomplishment to revel in every time.

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