My name is Malakai Grosz. I grew up in Milwaukee, WI. When I was in middle school, I had a tough time fitting in. I was often made fun of because of the shoes that I wore. When I was 13, I met Jacarrie Carr who owns his own shoe-making company called Jacarrie’s Kicks for Kids that gives back shoes to those in need. I loved how Jacarrie used his passion and his gifts to create his own business, and I was inspired to do the same.
Malakai’s Shoe Run 4 Kids is my company. I transform old shoes into new creations that I then donate to students in need. I’m currently working with local middle schools to determine students in need. I, then, take design requests and re-create their designs on the shoes. Students receive these shoes free of cost!
I don’t want middle school students to have to go through the same experiences with bullying that I did. I want them to have shoes that allow them to fit in with their peers; I want them to know they are not alone.