Fashion accessories have always been about personal expression, and socks might be the most adaptable and affordable way to make your look your own. Upscale Socks is a Springfield-based company that has been creating original sock designs for ten years. The company offers a collection of styles that are colorful, vibrant, fun, and meaningful, with styles and sizes for the entire family.
With no background in retail, Upscale Socks founder Lenny Underwood followed his dream – really! The vision for Upscale Socks came to Lenny in a dream, and the idea took hold. “I like fashion accessories, but it wasn’t an obsession,” says Lenny. Learning how to manage a business through an entrepreneurial training program was the step Lenny needed to get Upscale Socks running.
Although most of the designs are Lenny’s concepts, he does work with nonprofit partners and to support specific causes, such as breast cancer awareness. Between creating designs and overseeing the company, Lenny also works as a photographer. Giving back to the community is an important component of his roles; he teaches photography classes along with business and entrepreneurship. His students range from school kids to senior citizens. Upscale Socks partners with nonprofits through donations and has also provided a college scholarship.
Lenny advises those who are pursuing their dreams to stay consistent and driven. “Sometimes spaces like that can be intimidating. Show up, do your best, do things that scare you,” he says. “Being constantly working and chipping away should be the goal.”
The future of Upscale Socks will likely bring new products into the mix. Lenny’s goal is to add other accessories. “I think I’m going to start with underwear, to remain in the essential accessories department.” Continuing in this category allows Lenny to donate underwear and socks to homeless shelters, which is important to him. “I am excited to continue to give back to community with annual scholarships and donations to local nonprofits – either socks or monetary donations,” Lenny says. “I enjoy those connections and synergy it has brought.”
You can find Upscale Socks online at http://www.upscalesocks.com/ and at pop-ups in the greater Springfield area.