MEET JOYCE. BALLER BABE. RETRO REPRESENTIN’. CHANGE AGENT. BARRIER BREAKER. SNEAKHER ADVOCATE.

At CNKDaily, we aim to highlight and champion as many amazing women in and out of the sneaker community as possible. Sports has always played an integral role in the birth of sneaker culture. If you grew up watching the greats like Michael Jordan hit the hardwood, then you can replay the nostalgia of slipping a pair of Jumpman sneakers on for the first time (or any sneakers for that matter). We take notice of women that navigate the athletic world, especially those that do so in a non-conventional way.

We first came across Chance Athletics on a daily scroll through the Instagram streets. The colorful basketballs immediately caught our attention. Not only were they creative and dope AF, but were rooted in a mission of positive self-expression. We were privileged enough to partner with Chance for our Houston SneakHER Expressions event, and showcase the basketballs. After a conversation with Chance co-founder, Joyce Kao, we knew we had to introduce her through our Chick Chat series. Her energy was one thing, but her passion for being a positive reinforcement and serving others aligned with our core beliefs at CNK.

Joyce is shaking up the sports world by pushing a multi-layered message that everyone should pay attention to. Take chances, be yourself, and enjoy every minute of it. Check out our interview with Joyce Kao below - as we learn more about her brand, her own sneakHER style, and representing what you believe in.

JOYCE IN 140 CHARACTERS…

I have a deep passion for people and design. My purpose is to give back, serve others and have fun while doing it!

THE BIRTH OF CHANCE ATHLETICS.

With Chance, I wanted to create something worthwhile. I knew we had to do something different and ultimately disrupt a category that’s been doing things the same for a long time. That was and still is scary - navigating through uncharted waters without past success stories for affirmation. That’s what Chance stands for though, to believe in yourself and go for it, because there’s nothing worse than your dreams falling wayside because of fear.

Chance’s mission will always be to lift people up and encourage self-expression as a way to gain self-confidence. So, we refreshed the designs and the narrative around sports. Sports can be pivotal for change, and we wanted that change to be positive. We’re always told to be ourselves and Chance is the first ball company to reinforce that message.

PASSION OVERLAPS PURPOSE…

I’ve always had an affinity for fashion/apparel. It wasn’t about having nice things, just self-expression and doing me. I worked in fashion for a while but really found purpose in working at companies that gave back to causes they cared about. My background has attributed to how and why Chance exists today.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME.

I think everyone has a very singular idea of what an athlete should be and look like, but anyone can be an athlete. Do you love the game, and do you love to play? A lot of people fall in that category that come from all walks of life. We’re very mindful of that and proudly represent every type of player. Not everyone likes that because they think sports should only be serious, but we obviously don’t agree.

JOYCE ON HOW SOCIAL MEDIA HAS IMPACTED THE SPORTS SCENE…

Getting an inside look into some of the athletes’ lives, haha. The media used to control all that, but with social media I’d like to think the players have more control.

The most notable thing for me is being exposed to so many different sub-cultures of sports. Sports and comedy, sports and design, sports and fashion. Social media allows you to break down barriers and helped me reimagine what “sports” can be and represent. That inspires me on the daily.

LOVE AND BASKETBALL… AND SNEAKHERS.

I grew up in the 90’s, and that’s affected my style/sneaker style more than anything. I gravitate towards retro sneakers to a fault.

They can make a solid statement about you and is an extremely powerful tool for self-expression.

They also make me feel a certain type of way. I remember my first pair of basketball shoes (Penny Hardaways), putting them on for the first time and walking into school with my head held high. A dope pair of sneakers is an automatic confidence boost, that feelings never changed for me.

AS A FEMALE CONSUMER, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF?

I’ve definitely noticed a shift, but more colorways and female artist collabs!

JOYCE’S CURRENT ROTATION IN 3..2..1

Image: Jontrice Murray for CNK Daily (featuring Chance x CNK custom ball)

CONNECTING THE FUTURE OF FEMALE

I’m still navigating this now. Support each other. We can do so much good when we work together. Know your self-worth, stand up for your beliefs and what’s right, even if it may not be the popular decision.

WHAT DOES SNEAKHER CULTURE MEAN TO YOU?

Breaking molds and deviating from the norm to build a community of badass women who are just as versed and just as contributing to streetwear culture.

Don’t miss out on all things Chance Athletics by connecting with them on Instagram and learning more on their Website.

Chick Chat: Disrupting the Norm with Joyce Kao