Real People, Real Stories
"My name is Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone. I'm from Harrisonburg, Virginia and I'm Lakota, a new mom to two newborn twin girls, to a two year old, the founder of rising hearts, a filmmaker and project manager at UCLA. I'm 1/4 generation runner. My grandfather is the one who took me on my first run. And I've always wanted to see that representation reflected within the running house. Over 25 years, I've combined the storytelling of community centered stories with running. So that's what inspired run to be visible and not to run yada in our upcoming short film. Not to Run Kelly Running is such a powerful opportunity to share your story and who you are as a person. But it's also something that really connects community together in May. We have our annual Running For Justice event, which is the National Day of Awareness for this. We're an indigenous women and peoples, and we also connect that to Earth Day on April 22nd. If I can inspire my son and my two newborn girls, but just in general the next generations, to know that they belong in these spaces, that they should be unapologetically themselves to thrive and to exist in this world as who they are. And so a lot of the work that I do, not only just myself, but also with other amazing runners and advocates within this space to break down these barriers to make sure that we all feel like we belong. I'm really excited to be a voice within the writing industry to help make this change happen."
"In April of 2018, after I had just run the 2018 LA marathon, I was given the news from my doctor that I might have liver cancer. After a series of x-rays and scans, they confirmed that there was a large tumor sitting in my liver that needed to be removed immediately. Hi, my name is Phil Shin. I'm a runner. I'm a father. I'm a husband and I'm a cancer survivor. I was told that my only cure would be a liver transplant. Knowing that I'd have to wait for a donor to step forward was pretty difficult. So turned to the one thing that actually made me feel normal and that was running. Running provided me so much healing. I actually ended up running four marathons in the next six months while waiting for a liver donor to step forward. And then one day I got a text from my friend Mark saying that he was confirmed to be my liver donor. And then just a month later, we had our liver transplant. I would definitely say that without running, I don't think I would have been able to really hold on to hope before my transplant. I almost repurposed my mission in life just to try and use my story to offer hope to others that are going through the same thing. And yeah, it's a real privilege to be here with the Zappos family and to have another opportunity to share what I've gone through and what our organ transplant community is going through."
"I'm Noami Grevemberg, an activist, author and outdoor lover. I've been living on the road for over eight years in my van. Nomadically living van life means you have to be prepared for anything the road throws at you. I need footwear and apparel that can adapt to all the changing environments as well as weather conditions. And it's important to me to be able to acquire the items, the products that I need for my ever changing lifestyle as quickly as I can no matter where I am, and Zappos’ shipping really works because it means that I don't have to wait weeks to get the things that I need. I remember being on hikes where the soles of my shoes fell off or a torrential downpour happened and all my belongings got soaked. I look for durability products made with ecofriendly materials and versatility. And Zappos really offers the essentials for you to choose from. So I say, you know, it's about really enjoying the outdoors. So get out there and have fun. Start with the essentials and choose Zappos."
"Hi, my name is Shen Li Khong. I'm from Los Angeles and this is my dog Bandit and this is my dog Beau, everybody knows that having a Husky is like having a personal trainer living in your house. Every morning when we get up, they're excited to go and it's the best part of our day. The thing that we look forward to the most is that Huskies love being outdoors, they love exploring and every time we're outside, I feel like they're just at their absolute, the best, not only physically but mentally. So a lot of it for me is not just the exercise they're getting in the moment, but the mindset they put them in and how your dog can have their needs met and then come on set and bring their best and that's what we aim to do every time if you're not feeling motivated, having somebody with you who says, hey, let's just go for a mile or let's just go, for half an hour that really makes a huge difference.
It doesn't have to be an obligation. We try to make it fun. We try to do it with people that we like, we do it with our friends that they have good energy with. So it's something that we look forward to and not something that is a chore, an obligation and they're really the best companions. They're the best adventurers and the best protectors. I feel like every time I do something with them, it makes me a braver person."
Can you describe a particularly memorable or transformative moment you experienced while creating your art?
Directing and producing music videos and working with musicians on their performances and stage presence with movement has been a huge click of inspiration for me. I think moving behind the camera again has given me a new wave of remembering who I am. That’s where I started and doing that again has made me remember who I am and why I love to do this.
Is there a particular mantra or philosophy that guides your approach to your career?
Energy is everything. I think a lot of what I do best is giving my energy to others and performing with my energy. I believe it makes or breaks a project. Energy is important.
Why did you decide to work with Zappos?
I like that I am being asked about my art. I think that’s a refreshing campaign experience for me compared to a lot of shoots I’ve been apart of. It’s nice to be focused on as a person, not just a model selling something.
How does your art fit into your daily life?
Everyday I see art and make art. Everything is art for me. I always want to be in a constant state of creativity so it’s very much a part of my everyday experience.
What does the phrase ‘Art is EveryWEAR’ mean to you?
To me, "Art is EveryWEAR" signifies the integration of art into every aspect of life. Whether it's through ceramics, modeling, or acting, art has the power to permeate and enrich our daily existence.
Why did you decide to work with Zappos?
Collaborating with Zappos was a natural choice due to our shared values of embracing individuality. It allows me to bring my unique blend of ceramics, modeling, and acting to a wider audience that appreciates diverse forms of artistic expression.
In what ways does your specific medium of art act as a channel for self-expression?
Ceramics, as my primary medium, serves as a tangible canvas for self-expression. It allows me to translate and experiment with ideas into three-dimensional art, creating a unique and personal connection with each piece.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the ceramics space?
Embrace the challenges and joys of ceramics. It can really test your patience sometimes, but that makes the victories even sweeter. Don't be afraid to explore your unique style, and remember that every piece is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
How do you use your platform to empower individuals to embrace their unique talents?
I am around people who create a lot. The most important part of artists being with each other is having a continued conversation about the process of making. Let’s just call that the Platform of Inspired Conversation—it takes a village, people!
What does the phrase ‘Art is EveryWEAR’ mean to you?
I see expression in almost every person I encounter, in the choices each individual makes to present themselves. That is art. Sometimes subtle, sometimes extravagant. Always art.
How do you think art supports the general notion of inclusivity that Zappos embodies?
Art supports the individual and conversely the individual supports art. That is inclusivity. Zappos supports this template of inclusivity by seeking the individual and the expression therein.
How does your costume designing and art experience translate into your everyday fashion?
I like to be in workwear in the studio: overalls, coveralls, army gear. Stuff with a little style and color that can get messed up. That is my self design, as it were.
“Each run tells a story, and my story began with a single step on a new path. After losing my leg in Afghanistan to an IED, there was a time where I thought I'd never be able to run again. I found myself struggling with the loss of my leg and what direction my life would go from that point on. Being active was all I wanted to do.
But with each challenge, I found strength. Starting where I was, I took that first uncertain jog, then another. Turning doubt into distance...despair into determination. Running became not just a physical act, but a testament to my spirit's resilience.
Now, every step is a narrative of overcoming—a reminder that our start doesn't dictate our journey. It's a message to all: start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Your story is just beginning...and with every run, you're writing a new chapter.”
"Running? It kicked off as my way to navigate a new chapter…to sort things out with every step when life got wild. As a mom in a new place, those solo runs were my sanity, my slice of 'me time.'
It’s all about hitting the pavement where you stand, no matter the chaos. Start where you are—that’s my mantra. Just a pair of shoes and the open road, that's all you need.
A quick stretch, deep breath, and I’m off, weaving my story with each step. And just when the quiet sets in, I’m not alone. There they are, my run crew, ready to share the miles ahead. Together, we're unstoppable."
"Starting to walk regularly was a fun turn for me. I didn't realize how much a simple daily walk would change everything. Now, carving out time to stroll has become a part of my family's routine—it's our own little ritual. Walking has turned into my personal escape, a way to decompress and have a moment of calm. It's me-time but shared when I'm with my kids. We talk, laugh, and make those miles count together. It's about the small steps, the steady pace, and seeing progress in my own way. Walking is my simple act of self-care and connection. My hope is to motivate others by just being me—taking it one step at a time, showing that starting where you are is enough. Whether it's around the block or through the park, every step is a part of your story, a move towards something better."
"My run journey began with a new city, new friends, and a simple invite to a local run club. What started with a 3-mile run evolved into marathons, turning my fellow runners into family. Running became my way of embracing every new adventure, celebrating personal victories, and connecting with a community that's now my home away from home.
Starting something new is never easy but it’s a reminder that the path doesn’t have to be clear. It’s about growth, about lacing up and taking that first step, however small. So, to those lacing up for the first time: just start. Your pace, your race, your journey. With every step, you're joining a family that runs deep. Here’s to the miles we’ve run and the miles to come, to the friendships forged and the many adventures that await.“
Every journey begins with a single step, a decision to move forward from wherever you stand. We all have our starting lines, moments when doubt whispers that it's too late, too hard, or perhaps impossible. But it's in these moments we find our true strength. Your path might begin on a city street, a country road, or a track surrounded by others who share your quest for something more. Maybe you run to chase a dream, to remember a promise, or simply to feel the earth beneath your feet. As you take that first step, remember, this is more than just a run. It's a testament to your resilience, a challenge to the status quo, a rebellion against the very notion of limits. With every breath, you're rewriting your story, crafting a narrative of perseverance and grit. Start with fear, with excitement, with determination. Start with what you have, but most importantly, just start. Because in this journey, every step counts.
