Matawana Sneaker Ball

The Sneaker Ball Edition: Culture, Craft, and Community in Motion

On October 31st, Matawana stepped into something bigger than an event — we stepped into a movement. Episode 4 of Soil to Soul captures the energy, the creativity, and the cultural heartbeat behind our first-ever Sneaker Ball, a night where fashion, storytelling, and community impact collided under one unforgettable roof.

The Sneaker Ball wasn’t just about footwear — it was about identity, resilience, and the freedom to express yourself without restraint. For Matawana, a brand deeply rooted in advocacy and cultural elevation, this night became an extension of our mission: to create spaces where people feel empowered to show up fully as themselves.

A Celebration of Staff Talent & Creative Freedom

One of the most powerful components of the night? Our staff had the chance to design their own custom sneakers. This moment unlocked something deeper — a sense of creative release, teamwork, and artistry. As each pair was revealed, it became clear: our team isn’t just skilled in cannabis expertise; they are painters, storytellers, and innovators.

When it was time for the community vote, the energy was electric. It came down to two incredible creators:

➢ Dominique Pringle, whose artistic vision mirrors his filmmaking and videography brilliance

➢ Megan Ngo, whose precision and design instincts captivated everyone.

The community rallied behind their favorites, proving once again that Matawana isn’t just a dispensary — we are a cultural ecosystem that thrives because our community breathes life into it.

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Honoring the Community Through Creativity

We didn’t stop with internal design — we opened the doors to the people who matter most: our customers. Two standout creators rose to the top with their custom sneaker submissions:

➢ Em Tepkian

➢ Jamie Richard

It was a split decision because both designs were that exceptional — symbolic of individuality, passion, and the personal stories worn right on their soles. Recognizing them was symbolic for us. It represented everything Matawana stands for: creativity, cultural pride, gratitude, and shared celebration. 

Cultural Roots, Self-Expression, and Elevation

The Sneaker Ball revealed something deeper: Sneakers are cultural archives. They are expressions of where we come from and reflections of where we’re going. And for many BIPOC communities, they represent resilience, creativity, and self-worth in a world that often tries to strip those things away. By uplifting sneaker culture within Matawana, we uplift the very people who built this culture. 

This event brought together:

❖ Community identity

❖ Intergenerational storytelling

❖ Self-expression as healing

❖Artistic liberation

❖ The beauty of “flyness” as a rite of passage And on Soil to Soul, we captured every moment — the laughter, the insight, the nostalgia, and the meaning behind why sneakers are far more than fashion.

A Night Rooted in Purpose 

If there was ever a moment that reflected the heart of Matawana, it was this one. The Sneaker Ball wasn’t just celebration — it was: ❖ Community elevation

❖ Cultural recognition

❖ Creative freedom

❖ Advocacy through expression

❖ A reminder of our roots and our reach And most importantly, it was a thank you. From Leeann. From the team. From Matawana.

To everyone who has supported us, believed in us, and grown with us. This is what Soil to Soul stands for — stories that go deeper than the surface, creativity that heals, and culture that moves with purpose.