Business

The Founder of Vakarui Paris Worked his Way Up from Ground Zero to a Net Worth of $2.1M

Published

5 years ago

August 25, 2020

Nike, the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes; Adidas, one of the major sponsors of UEFA Champions League and New York Yankees; Jordan, the shoe brand for top athletes and sportspeople; Reebok, official footwear sponsor of Spartan Race, CrossFit, and Ultimate Fighting Championship. These top brands dominate the footwear industry and there are not many that can compete with the quality they offer. There is one brand that is turning the heads and gaining the attention of many, not only because it brings in a unique footwear fashion trend but because of the exciting success journey of its founder.

Vakarui Paris, a unique limited-edition shoe concept, is a brainchild of Mazayah Legend Andrews. Belonging to a family of footballers, Mazayah was living a successful life as an American sportsman. He started playing football in high school and even ended up in the Eastern Conference Team.

Destiny had something else in store for Mazayah. The Floridian footballer, who was acquiring a prominent identity in the sports industry, gave up on his game. Why? Because it was not his fate. Mazayah Legend Andrews was born to be an entrepreneur, and his $2.1M net worth and the success of his company is proof of it.

He stopped playing football because he wanted to set up his own business, and it was not easy. His journey to becoming a prominent entrepreneur took up a lot of effort and time. Playing football all his life, entrepreneurship was not something he was well-versed in.

From Football to High-end Fashion – A Success Story Worth Narrating

Mazayah Legend Andrews set up Vakarui Paris in 2015. Initially, the brand revolved around a one-of-a-kind limited-edition shoe concept. He was the designer of the shoe, and he chose Italy, one of the hottest destinations for footwear, for the manufacturing of the Vakarui Paris’ shoe collection. The shoes by his brand are handcrafted in Italy using high-quality materials.

The transition from football to the corporate sector was tough. After Mazayah left his football career, he gave his all to set up his brand. During the struggle phase, he had to stay in $20-hotels with his mother. It was an experience that he did not even think of living, but he did, for the sake of his dream.

Things were tough for him until he met the director of Stonecrest Mall. Mazayah shared his designs and the shoe concept with him, and it was the perfect timing. The director expressed deep admiration for this brand and offered him to open his store at the mall. It marked the start of the brand’s success and Mazayah ‘s journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

After the success of the brand, Mazayah opened his brand’s second branch in Atlanta. The brand that started with just two models has been featured in two high-profile fashion shows that took place in Atlanta and Miami. The 35-year-old entrepreneur’s transition into the corporate sector was complete; he purchased a house and a car, something many people can only dream of. He did that after he gave on his football career, where he had established a notable identity. Not to forget, football was one of his passions.

Even though the company started as a shoe brand, today, it has an entire clothing line. It has its headquarters in Hallandale with two other branches; one at Stonecrest Mall and the other at opposite to the Lenox mall in Atlanta. The company operates through its social media business page and has a brand in Paris as well.

Vakarui Paris’ team comprises of Mazayah, who serves as the CEO of the company, Sam is the district manager and a designer. Shann is one of those people who have been standing alongside Mazayah since the beginning of his company. She is the director of the company and the marketing manager. Also, she helped Mazayah with the original Vakarui shoes. It is a power team as together they run the brand’s operations on the internet and across the United States and Italy.

Mazayah Legend Andrews’ journey from the football field to the high-end fashion industry as a top entrepreneur is worthy of bringing into the light. He started from ground zero, gave up on his passion for football, experienced living in cheap hotels, all this for his company. Today, he has a net worth of $2.1 million, which is proof of his success as an entrepreneur.

Business

Spynn’s PR Playbook for Startups Turning Funding into Market Leadership

Published

2 days ago

March 27, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Byline: Jennyfer Ann Valencia

The recent funding boom in India, where startups raised over $428 million between March 10 and March 15, 2025, reinforces the critical role of public relations (PR) in securing investor confidence and enhancing visibility. As competition intensifies, effective PR strategies help startups differentiate themselves and build a strong market presence.

Spynn, a PR agency for startups specializing in securing top-tier media coverage, enables startups to craft compelling narratives that attract investors and maintain a positive brand image.

The Role of PR in Startup Funding

A recent survey conducted by Spynn found that startups with a strong PR strategy are significantly more likely to secure funding rounds than those without. According to the research, nearly 70% of investors say media visibility and brand credibility helped their decision-making process. This highlights PR’s direct impact on a startup’s ability to attract investment.

PR helps startups articulate their value to investors by securing media coverage and highlighting their growth potential. High-profile placements lend credibility and set up startups’ potential, making them more attractive to investors. For instance, a well-publicized success story from a startup like Zolve, one of the top funding recipients, can drive further investor interest and strengthen its brand.

India’s funding surge spans sectors including Batterytech, Edtech, Gaming, Apparel, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Fintech, Energy, and Travel. While this presents opportunities, it also brings scrutiny. Startups must manage their reputations effectively, ensuring consistency in their messaging across media platforms. As a PR agency for startups, Spynn’s expertise in reputation management helps businesses navigate these challenges by maintaining a cohesive brand identity and reinforcing investor trust.

Establishing Credibility Through Media Placements

Research from Spynn also revealed that startups that get featured on Forbes, Business Insider, and other top-tier publications experience a 50% increase in inbound investor inquiries within six months. This shows the value of securing strategic media placements to reinforce credibility and market positioning.

Strong media coverage bolsters a startup’s credibility, reinforcing its market positioning and investor confidence. Spynn ensures startups secure coverage in authoritative outlets, helping them establish themselves as thought leaders. Beyond initial publicity, Spynn focuses on building long-term relationships with media, ensuring sustained visibility and brand consistency.

Spynn’s CEO, Matteo Ferretti, emphasizes the role of storytelling, “Effective PR is about coverage and creating narratives that resonate with audiences. Startups must highlight their unique value and demonstrate how they solve real-world problems.”

PR for Growth and Global Expansion

Spynn’s data indicates that startups leveraging international PR strategies are twice as likely to successfully attract foreign investors and expand into new markets. Media coverage tailored for global audiences enhances cross-border recognition and facilitates partnerships, making PR an essential tool for growth beyond domestic markets.

As Indian startups scale, a strong PR strategy facilitates global recognition. Spynn’s international media reach helps startups gain traction in new markets and attract foreign investors. This is especially crucial for sectors like Fintech and Edtech, where global expansion is key to success.

A well-executed PR strategy strengthens a startup’s digital footprint, ensuring a consistent and engaging presence across platforms. Matteo Ferretti highlights the importance of balance, “A successful PR approach integrates both digital and traditional media to maximize impact and audience engagement.“

Ethical Considerations and Future Trends

Transparency and ethical storytelling are vital in PR. Startups must ensure authenticity in their messaging to build lasting trust. Spynn upholds ethical PR practices that align with principles of sustainability and integrity.

Indian startups must adapt to evolving PR trends, including AI-driven outreach, digital media dominance, and deeper media relationships. As competition grows, startups that take advantage of PR will have a better standing for long-term success.

Spynn’s PR strategies equip Indian startups with the tools to navigate funding surges, enhance credibility, and drive growth. By securing impactful media coverage and managing reputation effectively, startups can strengthen investor confidence and expand their market presence. As India’s startup ecosystem evolves, PR remains an indispensable asset for sustained success.