As the world spins, so do the wheels of business as a new breed of ventures is rolling in – ones that don’t just chase profit but purpose, too. These enterprises have proven that success isn’t just about raking in the dollars but also about making a genuine difference in the communities they serve.
With its historical charm, Stamford, Connecticut, has long been known for its vast industrial and corporate potential. But in recent years, it has attracted significant attention from the fashion scene, with boutiques and pop-ups sprouting left and right, turning the city’s street into a canvas for style expression.
Amid this evolution, however, one store has particularly shaken things up by turning the rules of Stamford’s fashion game upside down. A sanctuary for footwear and apparel enthusiasts, Laced Dreams has made a name for itself for its distinctive offerings and unique ethos.
Steering the wheel of this venture is Taylor Tobias, a true force of nature whose life story reads like a gripping page-turner.
From facing homelessness and losing his father at the tender age of 16 and suffering under the weight of his mother’s substance abuse to ending up in the shackles of addiction himself while toiling away in the unpredictable financial sector, Tobias’ path was anything but linear.
Reflecting on these years marred by darkness, Tobias shares that there was a time when giving up felt easier than pushing forward.
“I spent over ten years working in finance. I worked at Wall Street and Citibank, where I was among the top three employees for every year I worked there,” he reveals. “I even owned a brokerage firm for a while. Yet, I could barely save money due to my addiction issues. I was stuck in a rut, and it had me feeling depressed most of the time.”.
However, a warrior at heart, Tobias came to a point when ambition overthrew the darkness that threatened to consume him entirely. Although his road to sobriety was daunting, Tobias managed to emerge victorious, shedding the skin of his former self and embracing a new and more prosperous life.
After rehab, Tobias briefly ventured back into finance as a consultant. This stint led to unexpected success. As the world grappled with the COVID pandemic, Tobias’ career took off, and within a short timeframe, he amassed enough revenue to truly devote himself to his dreams and to the community that had helped him rise from the ashes.
This financial success allowed Tobias to invest his new fortune in what mattered the most. His first contribution to the community was the opening of a sober living environment, a facility that has opened its door to countless individuals in dire need of help in their recovery journeys.
The second was a manifestation of Tobias’ childhood fascination with footwear, a store now known across his beloved Stamford as Laced Dreams.
Far removed from the typical commercial titans, Tobias’ store is a place where dreams truly come to roost.
Step into Laced Dreams, and one is immediately enveloped in an electric and intimate atmosphere. Exuding an air of exclusivity, with meticulously curated shelves showcasing everything from the rarest editions of Jordans to the much-coveted Yeezys, the store has become a shoppers’ favorite.
“I was always interested in fashion and footwear, but, growing up, there was never a store in Stamford where you could go and get your hands on designer shoes,” Tobias says. “That’s why I wanted to create an outlet for people to get things they wouldn’t typically be able to find anywhere else in the city.”
Tobias’ words ring especially true when one takes a closer look at the store’s collection. From dunks and designer sneakers to a novel addition of limited-edition bags, belts, and other accessories, Laced Dreams has a little bit of something even for the most exquisite of tastes.
To add to the store’s uniqueness, Tobias reveals that there is a plethora of original designs straight from his imagination.
And here’s the most endearing part: Laced Dreams also caters to the youngest generations. Whether for playtime or special occasions, the store’s kids collection ensures that the young ones are not left behind in the sneaker revolution.
As a way to support the fashionable youths, Tobias hosted a Back 2 School Carnival Saturday in late August of this year, giving away 100 pairs of Air Force 1s to Stamford students, along with other goods.
While this was a special event, Tobias says it was only the beginning. “There might be some other giveaway events in the future. What’s that thing they say? A true magician never reveals his secrets, so you’ll have to wait and see what we have in store.”
In an era where success is often measured by profit margins and market shares, Laced Dreams has truly been a breath of fresh air. The store’s tremendous commercial success is undeniable.
But the real magic of this place? It’s all about the heart it’s pumping back into the Stamford community. Taylor Tobias has masterfully weaved his comeback story into every thread of the business, reminding everyone that companies can be both profitable and purposeful.
As Tobias says, “When you shop here, you’re getting more than just a cool pair of kicks – you’re becoming part of a bigger story, of our story.”
