Morgan Weekes – Going Through The Emotions

When I started out, people didn’t take me seriously

What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome it?

My biggest challenge is trying to cope with my disabilities and issues while in a front facing role in the industry.

I’m the touch point in the UK for a lot of brands and stores.

I’ve always found it difficult to fit in to what is quite an image-based sector.

I was stuck in this limbo where I was too young to be considered an OG, but too old to be seen as a youngster.

I really had to up my knowledge, put in the work and earn my stripes.

With time things improved and people could see I was in this for the long haul.

I still consider myself lucky to be part of a generation that lived through the pre-social media Crooked Tongues era.

I got to witness the growth of sneakers from a healthy-yet-niche hobby, to the huge beast and world-wide phenomenon it is today.

What do you think affects your mental health positively?

I’ve always thrived in the company of friends and family.

I find social situations extremely taxing.

So in the past I have zoned out and shut myself away from people.

It’s always been the support of friends and online communities who have played a big role in getting me through dark times.

I also think I’m a sucker for goals achieved and love seeing a task completed or a job well done.

And negatively?

The combination of health issues and finding the correct help can be a tiring process.

What role does creativity play in your well-being?

No matter how skilled you are there will always be something you’ll vibe with more than the next person.

I think human ability to create in all its forms is one of our most amazing attributes.

That will allow you to put something out into the world that will inspire conversation and connection, no matter how big or small.

I’ve taken on so many hobbies in the last few years.

I’m a big believer of the benefits of making stuff either with your hands, a camera or a computer.

It’s important to block out that time in the week for your own progression and enjoyment.

How did you get into trainers? Tell us a bit about you…

It started with my mum trusting me with £30 to grab a new pair of school shoes and returning home with a fresh black pair of Nike AF1 Lows.

I believe that was the moment I became infatuated with footwear.

I’ve been collecting now for 13 years and have been a part of the industry for around 10 years.

I’ve had points where I’ve been absolutely rock bottom and broke

having to sell off large parts of my collection to survive, but I’m currently sat at around 600 pairs!

I have locked down a lot of my most sought-after trainers.

Currently I work for Sneaker Freaker running things here in the UK.

In my spare time I’m a photographer, avid collector of toys, figures and anything else I couldn’t afford in my youth.

I also try to mentor and assist up and coming creatives who want to work in the footwear industry, who may not have that academic background but have a drive and passion to do great things.

What are you reading, watching and listening to at the moment?

I used to read a book every few days but just find it hard to give it the time.

TV wise well I’m in a constant spiral of Peep Show, The Office and Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Listening wise, I’ve found Audio books a great way to take in knowledge before bed.

What’s your go to music if you need a boost?

I have very odd taste in Jazz, 80s Fantasy Metal and Hip-Hop, but don’t have much of a connection with what’s current – which makes me feel very old.

What are your favourite foods?

Come summer my freezer is full to the brim with ice lollies which are my real weakness.

I might ditch meat one day each week, eating more foods that have a positive effect on my body.

I’d be all for going vegan in future but just don’t find it very enjoyable currently, so I’m taking baby steps.

Do you like to exercise or meditate at all?

I train four or five times-a-week. It’s a huge part of my life and acts as stress relief for me.

The camaraderie and support that my friends who train bring also makes it a highlight of the week especially if a few of us are at the same gym at once.

I’d honestly recommend exercise as my first stop for improving your mental health.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received in regards to your mental well-being?

Right, so I own a one year old chameleon called Conan.

I came across a few articles talking about the health and longevity of these creatures, with some having a lifespan of seven or more years, dependent on its environment, care and happiness.

Chameleons are quite anti-social, so you can’t actually keep two together as they fight an invisible war for the dominant position.

This scenario and many others leaves them more susceptible to illness, ailments and shortens their lifespan.

I found real truth in this in my own life as pressure or stress would always affect my mental health.

I would always push back things that would make me happy

because I was worried about a deadline, an invoice or something small in reality, but big to me.

I now make sure I block out as much time as possible for things I enjoy

if that’s sitting around on a Saturday playing video games or spending an evening painting Warhammer.

I need that to get through the week so I’d say treating your hobbies and what you enjoy with respect for what they do for you is a nice bit of advice I wish I knew sooner.

How have you changed since 15, and what advice would you give to that person?

Maybe grabbing some Bitcoin?

I think every negative, trial or hardship created what I am today

and I think everyone would wish it could have been a little easier or they knew something they didn’t then but if I dwell on that I’ll go crazy!

For now I’m content with the fact people seem to enjoy what I create and I’ve managed to help a few people get further in their own careers.

Hopefully my advice will let them skip past the pitfalls and challenges I’ve faced made and move onto greater things.

You can stay up-to-date with all of Morgan’s happenings on his Instagram account, and also follow his work on the Sneaker Freaker website.