Interview: Lucid Socks Founder Matt Conklin
We got to sit down with Matt Conklin, founder one of the fastest growing socks brands “Lucid Socks”. The company is a subscription based sock brand that encourages self expression and has been changing the idea of “business casual” footwear.
Read about our interview below:
Medium: Where are you from?
Matt Conklin: “I was born and raised in Oldsmar Florida, which is about 20 minutes outside of Tampa, Florida.”
Medium: What was it like growing up for you?
Matt Conklin: “My childhood was fun, I played outside with my friends in the neighborhood and always had to be doing something. I played sports until I was about 10 when I realized team sports weren’t my thing. I picked up skateboarding and BMX racing and loved it. I got into trouble as a teenager, I rebelled, I talked back, I did things I shouldn’t have done, as all teenagers do. I put my parents through emotional hell, but thankfully they have always been supportive of me in all aspects of life and helped raise me to be the person I am today.”
Medium: What is the hardest challenge you’ve ever overcome?
Matt Conklin: “As a teenager I did some things I deeply regret that resulted in some prison time. I used that time to grow myself as much as possible, I read nonstop, I took college classes, and every completed every trade offered. The challenge of getting people to trust me and see the potential in me was my hardest challenge. Gratefully I overcame that challenge and constantly prove my success to people.”
Medium: What is the message behind Lucidsocks?
Matt Conklin: “The message behind Lucid Socks is that everyone is different, everyone has their own personality and style, which makes us individuals. People should have the option to get products to fit them as an individual.”
Medium: Why socks?
Matt Conklin: “Socks are a part of life, every time we get dressed, we reach into our sock drawer and grab a pair. We go shopping and may buy a nice t shirt and some comfortable jeans, but we rarely think about the socks we wear on our feet, they deserve to be shown off as well!”
Medium: What inspired you to create your brand?
Matt Conklin: “The subscription box business model is taking over, companies offer boxes for everything from razors to dog food. I wanted to create a box that included its own brand and not others. Traveling the world and seeing people from all over with different sock designs inspired me to create Lucid Socks. I want to see trendy and stylish socks on feet all over the world.”
Medium: Who are your products aimed at as far as a target market goes?
Matt Conklin: “Lucid Socks is aimed at a variety of people. We have customers in the business world who wear Lucid with their suits, athletes that wear them to be stylish and comfortable, and your everyday family that wears them around the house.”
Medium: Where do you see yourself and your brand going in the future?
Matt Conklin: “We see Lucid Socks growing! Today we offer our sock of the month club as well as custom socks for businesses, brands, and events. We plan on growing the custom sock portion of the business and creating custom sock lines for stores and boutiques all over the world. I see myself growing with the business. Every day I learn something new that helps me grow personally and helps improve business, I will never stop learning and accepting constructive criticism.”
Keep up with Matt and Lucid Socks here:
Lucid Socks Website
Lucid Socks Instagram
Matt Conklin Instagram
