Channing Beumer, an enterprising entrepreneur, is set to revolutionize the sneaker retail industry with her women-focused sneaker boutique, Shop CNK.
After eight years of remarkable success online, Beumer’s vision is now materializing into a tangible brick-and-mortar store, slated to open its doors later this year in Dallas.
In 2016, Beumer initiated Chicks ‘n Kicks Daily, a blog that metamorphosed into a media empire, providing a digital platform and community for women passionate about fashion and sneakers.
Recognizing the absence of representation for women sneakerheads, Beumer established a space where they felt acknowledged.
Now, as her brand burgeons into a cornerstone of the female sneakerhead community, she aims to inaugurate the first Black woman-owned sneaker boutique dedicated to female consumers, promising an unparalleled retail experience.
Beumer recently shared her journey with Blavity, outlining her mission to expand her enterprise into a physical location.
The impetus for Beumer’s venture stemmed from her observations of the lack of diverse representation in mainstream media regarding women and sneakers.
Dissatisfied with the prevailing male-centric portrayal, Beumer sought to create inclusive content that resonated with everyday women.
The University of Minnesota alumna said:
“I didn’t see a lot of female-focused content. I didn’t see a lot of women being championed. But I think more importantly, I didn’t see a lot of Black and brown women being championed.”
Thus, she embarked on a mission to fill this void, drawing inspiration from platforms like Fashion Bomb Daily and fashioning CNK Daily into the go-to destination for sneaker enthusiasts.
Over the years, CNK Daily has forged partnerships with industry giants such as Reebok, Adidas, and Nike, while also diversifying its offerings to include merchandise, events, and philanthropic endeavors.
Beumer’s commitment to empowering women through her brand’s PowHER Forward Mentorship Program has garnered support from both men and women alike, underscoring the community-driven ethos of CNK Daily.
Beumer’s vision for a retail location for Shop CNK took shape in 2019, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that the concept gained traction. Bolstered by mentors and industry insights, Beumer recognized the untapped potential of a Black woman-owned sneaker retail company.
Despite encountering challenges in securing funding, Beumer remained resolute in her pursuit, propelled by her unwavering determination to defy the odds.
Shop CNK aims to offer customers a curated selection of sneakers, apparel, and accessories, coupled with a co-working space to foster creativity and collaboration.
Embracing diversity, Beumer has enlisted national and local vendors, with a focus on minority-owned businesses, to feature their products in-store.
Ultimately, Beumer envisions Shop CNK as more than just a retail outlet but as a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity within the Dallas community.
“This space is a gift, but it’s a blessing and it’s a level of overflow that we don’t have any reason not to bless other people like that,” Beumer affirmed. “That is the mission here, to make sure that with this, we are being a blessing to other people and inviting people into a space where they’re always welcome and they’re always seen.”
