From Youtube Gamer to $500K a Month Sustainable Shoe Brand

In this episode of the Founders Pack Wolfcast, we met a Youtube Gamer who leveraged his audience to build an 8-figure shoe empire. Meet Clayton Kanemitsu, the CEO and founder of MLO Shoes.

Clayton shared his inspiring journey as an entrepreneur and his commitment to creating sustainable fashion. From zero sales to generating $500,000 in monthly revenue within a few months, MLO Shoes has made waves in the industry with its stylish designs and environmental consciousness.

The Birth of MLO Shoes: Clayton's journey began during the height of the pandemic in March 2020. As a former YouTube content creator and avid gamer, his interest in fashion was sparked during a visit to Paris, the fashion capital of the world. Inspired by luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, Clayton saw an opportunity to create fashionable footwear that was affordable and accessible to a broader audience. The

Mission Behind MLO Shoes: MLO Shoes, which stands for "Move, Lead, Overcome," is more than just a footwear brand. It embodies a mission to minimize harm to the planet through responsible production methods and ethical practices. Clayton and his team believe in fostering a deep connection with nature and inspiring conscious consumerism. Each product reflects their commitment to sustainability and style.

Rapid Growth and Challenges: Within a short period, MLO Shoes experienced remarkable growth. From their first product launch in March, they quickly gained traction, going from zero sales to $500,000 in monthly revenue by May. However, with rapid growth came logistical challenges. Clayton and his team had to navigate inventory management and ensure the quality and timely delivery of their products. Despite the obstacles, they remained dedicated to sustainable practices.

Expanding Horizontally and Empowering Other Creators: As MLO Shoes continued to flourish, Clayton saw an opportunity to make high-fashion footwear more accessible not only to consumers but also to other creators. By offering a white-glove service, MLO Shoes assists individuals who want to start their own footwear brands. They provide support in design, manufacturing, production logistics, and customer support. This expansion aligns with Clayton's vision to empower others and inspire creativity.

Stabilizing for Future Growth: Looking ahead, Clayton aims to stabilize MLO Shoes and streamline their operations. 2023 is a pivotal year for them, focusing on creating a consistent and sustainable foundation. They plan to attract investors, leveraging their success to secure funding for future expansion.

The Power of Community and Lessons Learned: Throughout his journey, Clayton acknowledges the role of community and partnerships. While his YouTube following didn't directly drive MLO Shoes' success, Clayton engaged with his audience creatively and utilized their insights. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people and learning from their experiences. Clayton advises entrepreneurs to find a balance between seeking guidance and trusting their own intuition.

Clayton Kanemitsu's story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion industry and beyond. With MLO Shoes, he has shown that fashion can be sustainable, affordable, and socially conscious. Through rapid growth, challenges, and the expansion of their services, Clayton remains committed to his vision of making a positive impact in the fashion world. As MLO Shoes continues to evolve, Clayton's leadership and passion for sustainability will undoubtedly shape the brand's future success.

Fun Fact, Clayton played Junior, Prep School and NCAA hockey.