1587 Sneakers, co-founded by Sam Hyun, is rapidly gaining traction for its unique focus on creating sneakers and apparel for Asians—a segment largely overlooked by mainstream fashion. Launched in 2021 with the goal of expressing the identity of Asian Americans who have long felt marginalized in the fashion industry, the brand has experienced explosive growth, even after its 2024 appearance on Shark Tank failed to secure an investment.
From Politics to Fashion
“I originally worked in politics,” Hyun explained. “I served in the Boston mayor’s office and was involved with several nonprofits. I continue to work with the Asian American Foundation. During the pandemic, I actively combatted hate crimes against Asians, which led to me receiving the ‘Bostonian of the Year’ award. It was during this time that I met my current partner, Adam King—who has experience with Reebok and Adidas—and we decided to create a sneaker brand for Asians. With a $300,000 investment from a private investor, 1587 Sneakers was born. Frankly, I had no background in fashion, so I’m still amazed at how far we’ve come.” (Laughter)
A Bold Move on National Television
When asked about his decision to join Shark Tank, Hyun said, “I really wanted to be on Shark Tank, so I applied. Typically, there’s an audition followed by an interview with the producers, but they skipped the audition and went straight to the interview. I chose to participate as a representative of Asian Americans.”
Though the brand did not secure an investment on the show, Hyun reflected, “I’m a bit disappointed that I couldn’t fully convey our brand’s concept. However, I’m very satisfied that 1587 Sneakers has gained widespread recognition.”
A Brand Rooted in Asian Heritage
Hyun emphasized the market potential: “Asians love sneakers. Although Asians make up only 9% of the population, they account for over 15% of sneaker sales. Yet, there had never been a sneaker line designed specifically for Asians. For us, it’s not just about increasing sales or building a globally recognized brand—it’s about gaining the support and respect of the Asian community, which forms our foundation. The year ‘1587’ marks when the first Asian immigrant set foot on American soil, and we incorporate elements of Asian culture into our designs, such as the message ‘Take off your shoes at the door.’ This resonates with our customers.”
Gambling on Growth
Hyun described the brand’s post-Shark Tank surge: “After filming, we had a window of time before the show aired, during which we prepared extensively. It was, in many ways, a gamble—we invested over $250,000 to produce shoes and apparel in advance. If they hadn’t sold, we could have been in serious trouble. But immediately after our episode aired, our sales skyrocketed, with a pair of shoes selling every five minutes. By 2024, we nearly reached $1 million in sales.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“Being on Shark Tank was possible because we told our story honestly. Everyone loves a unique story,” Hyun advised. “I would tell any entrepreneur not to be afraid to show who they really are. Embracing your Asian identity can be a tremendous asset in business. In fact, 30% of our customers are from other ethnic backgrounds, proving that when you champion your heritage, everyone wins.”
BY WONHEE CHO [cho.wonhee@koreadaily.com]
