Where Vision Meets Execution: Shay Belvin and Mykol Branch Bring Sneakerhead University to Life

Shay Belvin '18, a Michigan native, and Mykol Branch '20, originally from Maryland, are co-founders of Sneakerhead University, an immersive cultural experience that blends sneaker design, education and storytelling. What began at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has grown into a platform rooted in creativity, community and cultural impact. Now engaged and based in Detroit, they are building both a life and business together, drawing inspiration from a city that shaped Belvin's upbringing and continues to influence their work.

Shay Belvin '18: A Foundation in Creativity and Vision

Belvin's early life was defined by frequent moves due to her mother's career, exposing her to new environments and perspectives. Her grandmother's migration from the South to Detroit during the Motown era further grounded her in culture and legacy.

As an only child, Belvin developed independence and imagination.

"I had to entertain myself a lot of the time… that's where a lot of my creativity came from," she said.

After initially enrolling elsewhere, Belvin transferred to NCCU, drawn by its sense of community and the support she felt on campus. As a business marketing major, she embraced leadership opportunities, serving as Miss Freshman (2015-2016) and Miss Sophomore (2016-2017). In these roles, she organized campus events such as "Battle of the Troops," bringing together model troops from NCCU and other HBCUs, while actively engaging in programs that challenged and strengthened her personal and professional growth.

Watching her mother's corporate experience reshaped her view of stability and reinforced the value of ownership and adaptability.

"As you continue to grow, you can't rely on yourself for everything. You have to be able to clearly communicate exactly what you want," she said.

Mykol Branch '20: Built on Discipline and Execution

Branch, who attended three high schools, developed adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

"Moving shaped me into being able to be more personable and adjust to different lifestyles," he shared.

As the oldest of four siblings, Branch balanced academics, athletics and work. His entrepreneurial mindset was influenced by his grandmother, who owned a secondhand store, and his mother's work ethic.

Initially focused on track and field, injuries led him to pivot. Through campus involvement, he discovered graphic design, creating promotional materials for student organizations and events. What began as a skill became a source of income and a foundation for his future work.

"I'm the person who figures out how the idea actually becomes real," he said.

Building Sneakerhead University Together

Belvin and Branch met at NCCU while living just two doors apart in their residence hall.

Their relationship grew through collaboration on campus initiatives, including Branch's design support for Belvin's Royal Court campaign.

Their first joint venture, a clothing brand titled Black by Popular Demand, launched with limited resources but strong determination. By leveraging campus talent, saving money and trusting their instincts, they, earned $1,400 in a single day during a 10:40 Break in the Library Bowl (Greek Bowl).

That experience laid the foundation for Sneakerhead University, an interactive platform centered on sneaker culture, design and storytelling. I "Either you show up as a sneakerhead, or you may become one by the time you leave," Belvin said.

Today, they partner with major organizations such as the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Jordan Brand, Foot Locker, Hyundai and Pinterest, expanding both their reach and impact.

Their success is rooted in balance: Belvin leads vision and storytelling, while Branch drives execution and structure. As Belvin shared, "You can start with nothing and use what's around you to go anywhere."