2017. The hype sneaker era was in full swing. Everyone who was anyone wanted a pair of Yeezys, Air Jordan 1s, Off-White Nikes, Air Max 97s — the list went on. And those who couldn't get their hands on the drops? They customized what they had. Painting, dyeing, modifying. It was a whole culture. Sneaker customisation wasn't just a service — it was an art form. And for one 17-year-old with nothing but a passion for painting and no business background whatsoever, it was an opening.
Where It Began
A 17-Year-Old, A Dream, and the Wrong Paint
The first trial was supposed to be a disaster. We had no idea what we were doing. No proper leather paint. No resources. So what did we do? We grabbed our school's art and craft paints — the kind meant for canvases, not leather — and we started painting on a pair of old shoes we had lying around. We were expecting a total flop. Something to laugh about later, maybe. Instead? It was hot. It was the Great Wave off Kanagawa — that iconic Hokusai print, painted with the wrong materials on the wrong shoes. But somehow, it was absolutely right.
The first pair was painted with the wrong paint, on the wrong shoes — and somehow, it was the right start.
The Hustle
Carousell Was Our First Storefront
We didn't have a website. We didn't have a business plan. We didn't even have a business name back then. What we did have was Carousell — the marketplace where every sneaker buyer and seller in Singapore was hanging out. So we posted a service listing. "Custom sneaker painting, $30 for midsole blackout. Reach out." And the messages started coming in. People were already looking for customs. We were just filling a gap that existed.
HOW IT GREW
From $30 to $300 — The Price Journey (2017–2019)
Midsole Blackout
A clean blackout custom on midsoles. Simple, sharp, and our very first offering at just $30. Hours of work for a two-digit price tag.
Back Tab Camo
BAPE camo designs painted on the back tab of sneakers. Intricate. Iconic. $60 per pair. The prices started moving up.
Full Character Commission
Full one-piece characters on a pair of white Yeezys. Hours melting into the night. $300 a pair. The kind of work that took everything.
The Shift
When We Realised Time Was the Real Currency
We started out doing custom sneakers the way most people do, saying yes to everything, pricing accessibly, and pouring hours into every detail.
Over time, our standards got higher. So did the level of detail in every piece. What used to take a few hours turned into days. Some designs stretched across weeks.
That’s when we realised this wasn’t just custom work anymore. It was craftsmanship.
At the same time, we expanded into event experiences such as face painting, balloons, and full setups, where we could bring creativity to life in a more immediate way.
So we made a shift.
Today, our custom sneakers are no longer everyday orders. They are limited, intentional, and created for clients who truly value the work. Each piece is treated as a collectible, not just a product.
Quality over quantity. Always.
💡 Still Want a Custom?
Sneaker customisation is still something we take on — just selectively. If you have a pair you want transformed into something special, reach out. We'll chat about the vision, the timeline, and the price.
Moral of the Story
Three Things We Learned the Hard Way
WHAT IT TAUGHT US
Start Messy, Refine Later
The first pair was painted with school craft paint — the wrong kind entirely. It still turned out hot. Don't wait until you have the perfect tools. Don't wait for permission or resources. Start with what you have.
Know Your Worth
We charged $30 for six hours of painstaking work. As our craft grew, so did our prices — and our confidence in asking for them. Price your time honestly. Never stop re-evaluating what you're worth.
Passion + Hustle = Business
No business background. No startup capital. Just a love for painting and the guts to post on Carousell. Resourcefulness and genuine passion are their own kind of seed funding.
Curious About What We Do Now?
From sneakers to events — explore our full range of creative services.
See Our Services →
