MEET CARSON COOKE. BARISTA BABE. SWOOSH AFICIONADO. JAVA ART CURATOR. SNEAKHER ADVOCATE. PDX REPPIN’.

As women immersed in sneakHER culture, we find it extremely important to connect with other ladies who share the same passions, and believe in uplifting each other through some good ol’ #Chickspiration. Not only do we cross paths with amazing women, we aim to share their stories and empower our CNK community and beyond.

When we took a trip to Portland in April, one of the stops on our list was the infamous Deadstock Coffee shop. Coffee has always been a lifeline for us, and sharing a cup of delicious liquid energy with my CNK sisters was a priority item on our checklist of to-do items. We had been dreaming of fresh brew coffee with sneaker art stenciled on top for months. What we didn’t expect was to meet a fly female barista who we connected with instantly.

Carson Cooke is more than your average coffee barista. She greets you with an infectious laugh and genuine vibe of “you’re welcome here, now let’s talk coffee and kicks”. She knew about the coffee, but more importantly, she exuded the message of community at Deadstock. A place known for it’s sneaker-themed coffee and nostalgic memorabilia, Carson brought a fierce femininity that we could appreciate. You know, keeping the fellas in line.

Check out our exclusive Chick Chat with Carson as we get inspired, admire sneakHERs, and soak up all the girl power over a Deadstock Mocha.

THE 411 ON CARSON

I’m originally from Portland, Oregon and have lived in a total of 11 different states. I decided I wanted to explore my hometown as an adult. I’m currently living here in Portland and working for two amazing companies – taking it day by day. I work for Nike and am in product presentation for men’s apparel, and I am also a barista at Deadstock Coffee.

CAME THROUGH DRIPPIN’

[My Fave is] Mocha, Mocha, Mocha. Always try the ice Mocha with oat milk (you’ll thank me later).

[With our coffee sneaker stencils] the Nike Swoosh is classic and you can’t go wrong with it. It looks awesome on a fresh cup of coffee. Also, the Jordan 1s and I actually like the Monarchs too. They are just fun! Football teams will come in and the we will put a Monarch sneaker on the coaches’ coffee. The kids will laugh like “ahhhh you got the Monarchs, it’s Pete Carroll.” (LOL!)

NOT YOUR AVERAGE COFFEE SPOT…

What sets Deadstock aside from other coffee shops, is that Ian (the owner) has done such an incredible job creating a strong community. When you walk in the door, it’s like family and that’s what drew me into Deadstock the most. Everyone is welcomed, and it’s a safe space.

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL

What I want to bring to Deadstock as a woman is to be powerful and bold, not caring what anyone thinks. I can be myself. I want women to be able to dress how they want and speak how they want without feeling judged at all. That’s the most important part and it can be tough. Females can be pointed at every single day, and it’s important for us to stick together.

IF YOU COULD ONLY KEEP ONE SNEAKHER…

Probably the Harlem Fashion Row Lebron 16s. The concept behind the shoe and the work that Lebron did with Harlem Fashion Row make them special. Not only the collaboration, but what the shoe stands for – dignity, courage, honesty. I think that there is no better way to put thought into a shoe.

CARSON’S SNEAKHER ROTATION IN 3…2…1

Right now it’s my Aleali May (Jordan 1s), my CDG Converse, and my Zoom Fly SPs. Yeah, it’s a good rotation. (LOL)

SHOP SNEAKER STYLES POWERED BY CARSON BELOW

THE STREETS OF PDX.

Portland is unique because of the street culture here. Living in other states, street culture is around but I feel that Portland is the home of that. You have Nike headquarters, adidas headquarters, and Under Armour. The fashion and the art industry is huge here.

PDX is also a big foodie town. One of my faves is Proud Mary, which is actually another coffee shop that’s over in Southeast Portland. They have amazing brunch. Another one is Honey Milk, and Trinket. All amazing brunch spots.

WHAT SNEAKHER CULTURE MEANS TO YOU…

I would definitely say sneakHER culture to me means individuality and feeling confident in everything and every decision that you make. I believe there’s nothing better than seeing empowered women empower each other, right? Going to chase those goals, going to work/school, and being a part of something bigger. Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives and seeing women come together that want to have a bold message is so important. #AMEN #GIRLPOWER

Connect with Carson on Instagram HERE.

Chick Chat: Coffee x Kicks with Carson Cooke