If you think you have an extensive sneaker collection, then you obviously have never seen @sallyssneakers‘s Instagram page. Filled with a mix of Nike and Air Jordan models, the Persian-Danish sneakerhead shows off her fire kicks and favorite clothing pairings. Not only does Sally display her impressive array of kicks to her over 161K followers, but she does it all while not showing her full face in her images. Despite keeping her identity behind her iPhone camera selfies, Sallys Sneakers opens up to us in our latest edition to our On The Line With… series.
Please introduce yourself. Describe what you do for a living and how you are adjusting to the new normal.
My name is Sally Javadi, known as @sallyssneakers on Instagram. I’m a 25-year-old Persian woman born and raised in Denmark. I’m both a sneakerhead and psychology major.
I guess my Instagram career has been kind of sudden.
If you would have asked me 2-3 years ago how my life would be and what I would work with, I would have never guessed this to be the outcome. Not that it is negative in any way; just different. A good friend of mine encouraged me to share my passion for sneakers. This was something I had been thinking of multiple times before it became a realization, but I’ve always pushed the thought away because I felt like the only right way was for me to study and work. To be completely honest, I never even knew I had a creative side. I was always a bookworm – not that I wasn’t into sneakers and fashion, I just never looked at it as a possible way of living. I have never really had a break from school or studying until now, I went straight to university and finished my degree when I turned 24. The reason behind me covering up my face lies in the fact that when creating my account, I was nervous about my future work as a psychologist. I was worried about my authority being compromised because of social media.
Now I realize it was one of the best things I pursued. Just because it gave me the possibility to explore a part of me, I never even knew existed. My creative side. I feel a hunger to do something different, to be different, to create, to be of influence. I have realized there’s a world on the outside, other than books and exams. My deepest aspiration right now, is to be able to do my own design with Nike.
How do you typically start your day? What daily rituals keep you balanced?
I typically start my day with coffee and breakfast (coffee first, I know it’s unhealthy, but I am not fully awake without it). After that, I go on a walk with Coco (my dog), and then work begins. I have not had the biggest structure during lockdown, I have been keeping busy but also had a lot of rest. I think that was needed, not just for me but for many others who tend to be stressed. And no, this isn’t me perceiving a deadly virus as beneficial, I have just truly tried making the best of it. Constant worrying does more harm than good, in my opinion.
What accomplishment or new project are you most proud of?
All in all, I’m proud of where I have come, both in regard to doing my degree and pursuing my creative side. If we’re talking about quarantine accomplishments, I have been doing a lot of brainstorming on sneaker designs. I have spent a lot of time convincing myself that being able to do a collaboration with Nike isn’t just a dream or a wish, but an aspiration that I will be able to achieve at one point. A good friend of mine convinced me, that if something is to happen, no matter how unrealistic it seems, it won’t ever come true if you do not manifest. Imagine it, begin with it and believe in it. Also, I did something I have always wanted to do but never felt I had time to – I customized my own pair of Air Force 1’s for the first time… during an Instagram live!
Are you planning to do social distance friendly activities now that some states have opened back up?
Actually, in Denmark we’ve opened up a lot. Lockdown started early here and we’re a 5.5 million population which just makes it easier for the government to keep restraints and restrictions. I am slowly beginning to see my friends; I did, however, skip celebrating my own birthday in the beginning of May due to still keeping distance. I have two fragile family members, therefore, I have been taking extra precautions.
What advice would you give to someone who’s struggling during these times?
I know a lot of people have been struggling differently during the lockdown which is why I find it difficult to say something general. I’m aware that some have had it harder than others. Businesses are hurting. People have lost their jobs or worse than that, lost people that are dear to them. I know for a fact that it is extra hard for people with mental health issues right now. Having anxiety or depression and being isolated and fearful is a toxic combination. My best advice is, talk with the people around you. Have daily conversations with friends and family, try and do stuff you have never felt you had time to, and remember that this situation right now isn’t permanent.
What have been your favorite quarantine fits?
Easy, I have never been as much into joggers and sweats as I have during lockdown.
What has been your most unexpected quarantine purchase?
Hmm… The Chicago Jordan 1 Off-Whites! These have been impossible to get my hands on in my size (US 4.5-5 mens) and they’re finally coming now. Best believe I’m going to wear them.
What are you most looking forward to once this is over?
To be honest, this might sound silly, but I can’t wait to hug!!! I’m usually not a hugger. You can ask anyone around me, but now I have started to realize how much I miss being close to the people I love without being fearful of getting or spreading the virus. I especially can’t wait to hug my nieces and nephew but also my friends. Another thing I’m looking forward to is going out and traveling! I have never been to the United States before. Was originally planning to visit this year but that probably won’t be a reality now.
What have you learned about yourself during this time? Will you integrate that knowledge into your day-to-day moving forward?
I have learned to appreciate life. I have learned to appreciate the opportunities that I have been granted. Being able to go out, see friends, spend time with family, and to travel; these are all privileges I have never really appreciated as fully as I should. I will definitely do my best to integrate that appreciation into my day-to-day life moving forward.
