Meet Aaron Childress | Founder of Woollier

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron Childress and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think two things: authenticity and having a prepared mind to take advantage of chance opportunities. Regarding authenticity, it sounds cliche, but it took me a while to realize myself. I never tried to be something I’m not, but I was trying to sell products. Products that I’d poured myself into financially, emotionally, physically… but products nonetheless. At some point I realized that I wanted to communicate a message, not just sell a product. If you notice, you’ll see more messaging than branding on my footwear. When I started putting authentic energy out, I got it back. I think my messaging is a part of the reason people resonate with my project (I don’t really call it a brand). Also, the messaging is good and all, but it’s something you have to live as well. So when authentic people meet you, you vibe. My recent collab with Ty Young is an example. It came from a chance meeting, like serendipity, but I was prepared to take advantage of the opportunity and she could tell I was genuine. When you say success, I think about how I want to accomplish my goals versus what the goals are. That’s what I can control; the rest will follow.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I want people to never give up on their dreams. It’s the easiest thing to say, but the hardest thing to do. Designing sneakers is my art form. My latest line, The Dreamer, carries that message through. The tongue is embossed with “Wake up to your dream. Live it. Love it alive”. As far as where I am with Woollier, it’s still early stages. When people are introduced to the project, they love it, but there’s a long way to go. I’m not gonna lie, starting a footwear company is tough. Especially one that’s handmade in Italy. It’s not cheap, sneakers are hard to manufacture, ship, and store. Fortunately, I have factory partners that believe in my vision and prioritize me even though I’m not a big client. When Woollier is a household name, I definitely have my factory to thank. But as far as what I want the world to know… I just want them to know that Woollier is coming. I coming to earn a place in your closet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I spend my time between Orange County and LA. In fact, Woollier is inspired by my life in Southern California – threading the needle between Newport Beach minimalism and Los Angeles glamour. So that said, I’d probably take them to Laguna for the first couple days. My favorite place to stay is Surf and Sand. Laguna has the best beaches in California hands down. We’d go to Montage, have lunch and hit the beach behind the hotel. Then we’d probably shoot up to LA for a couple days. Hit the Window for a nice, greasy burger. I love cars, so maybe we’d go driving at the Porsche Experience Center (I’ve wanted to do this for a while now) and eat at the restaurant there – just make a day of it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would say my parents. My dad was the most talented person I’ve ever met. He designed couture and pretty much anything else. I got my drawing ability from him. My mom is very talented as well. She sang opera and is a great public speaker. They instilled in me the belief that I’m capable of doing whatever I put my mind to.

Website: www.woollier.com

Instagram: @woollierltd