Today we’d like to introduce you to My’Kel McMillen.
My’Kel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is My’Kel McMillen, I am 26 years-old and the Founder and of Mack’s Soles Inc. “Mack’s Soles” was born in January of 2017 in honor of my late father Charles “Mack” McMillen. Growing up with my father in a single parent household in Boston was not easy. I was aware that living in the environment that I was, my chances of becoming successful were slim to none. There were times when I felt my father was overbearing and I felt I could do more without him. When my father died in 2015, I actually realized the true value he added to my life. What felt overbearing at times was actually strong parenting and his preparing his youngest child (me) for transitioning into manhood and as it turned out; him preparing me to be without him one day.
Before going into high school, in 2007, my father lost his vehicle. For most people that changes everything, but not my father. He would always remind me of the differences between needs and wants and having a vehicle was a want more than a need. My father enjoyed walking, no matter the distance, and he was always about having good quality shoes that were comfortable for the journey. My father was someone who you could label a “giver” if he could help anyone he did, that was his character. It did not matter if he was at work or in the community; he was that type of human being.
As the saying goes, the apple does not fall far from the tree and I naturally became a giver. I found myself helping and connecting with folks who were homeless or struggling to make ends meet like most of us. For me giving a few dollars here and there or a bite to eat was not enough and I felt I could do more on a bigger scale. When you hear the word homeless, what comes to mind? The individual may need shelter or food and maybe money to help them along the way. I felt in some ways that the majority of these needs were being met, but one thing was missing… SHOES! Do we ever stop and think about these individuals and their means of transportation? From shelter to shelter, from one corner to the other, the majority of homeless individuals walk to where they need to be. Most of their shoes are worn down and falling apart.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle was adjusting to life without my father being around to see all the great things he knew I was capable of accomplishing. It has been a bittersweet road to see the growth within myself over the past few years and see others also acknowledging it. I know all the hard work that I have put in up until this moment and understanding the struggles have helped guide myself towards success.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Mack’s Soles Inc. – what should we know?
Mack’s Soles Inc. is a nonprofit organization. At Mack’s Soles, we collect clean wearable footwear, clothing and essentials item of need. With these items from contributors, we are able to redistribute the items back to impoverished youth, adults, and individuals who are homeless or in dire need. We donate to local shelters, schools, and also host our own pop-up shop. Mack’s Soles services in the Greater Boston Area and is always collecting donations throughout the Greater Boston Area.
Our Mission is to uplift the spirits of those not only receiving but donating as well and to open the perspectives of those who may be disconnected from individuals they see as ‘’ less than”. Our Vision is to promote the positive connections made throughout our community through the process of giving. All donations go directly to individuals and families in need. There’s never been a donation made that’s been too big or too small to be able to assist anyone.
We are known for making connections, it’s bigger than just giving out or receiving from us, it’s about building a relationship and changing people’s perception of one another. It’s about reprogramming ourselves from a lot of the things we’re taught such as fear and hate overpowering love now of days but we’re slowly bringing love back to the top.
One of the things that set us apart is all the items we redistribute back out are all free though we do have a limit on the number of items per individual. When you’re looking to help out anyone in life most people want something in return for that favor, but we’d rather that action or gesture of giving to be pasted on. And there’s no religious or political agenda we have dictating who we help.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being genuine and open-minded to everyone and new ideas, Making connections with people who may not look like myself or whatever the case me be, but whose actions come from a place of love, understanding, and acceptance in order to make the world greater than what it is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: mackssoles.org
- Phone: 857-246-4903
- Email: mykel@mackssoles.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackssoles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mackssoles/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MacksSoles
Image Credit:
Lauren Miller
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