Rick Williams

"That started out as my nickname. They called me Rick Geezy all the time. I never really explained that I was a tap-dancer. It was because of the history of tap-dancing and how it was used as a way to degrade Black people. That’s still my heritage. I started dancing when I was 15. I danced for national tap-dance day in New York. I’ve been on the Apollo when it was hosted by Whoopi Goldberg. This is something that I’ve never talked about. I’ve spent time with the legends: Jimmy Slyde and Savion Glover, who were in the movie 'Tap'. All of that is coming full circle. That’s why I’m so excited about it, because it’s something I’ve never shared."
–Rick Williams

Rick Williams encompasses over 15 years of business ownership, design, marketing, and brand development experience. Founder of Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique in Metro Detroit, Williams understands how to grow a retail space into an iconic brand. Co-owner and Creative Director of Cream Blends, a natural skincare company, and Founder and Creative Director of the DISTINCT LIFE Brand Development Agency. Williams' brand-development experience and background in design have allowed him to design over 50 sneakers with major companies like New Balance, Reebok, Puma, Saucony, Converse, Fila, Diadora & Adidas. He has also worked on special, collaborative projects with major brands such as; Beats by Dre, Foot Locker, Jansport, Bicycle Playing Cards, New Era, Mitchell & Ness, Comedy Central, and most recently the gamer Ninja as the designer and Creative Director for his Adidas x Ninja Time-In product.