Behind the Brand - Story of Kanky

Summary

Kangki, an Indonesian footwear brand, has quickly gained popularity for its affordable, comfortable, and stylish sneakers. Initially mistaken as a Chinese brand, it is actually locally produced in Surabaya, with some materials imported from China. Founded by Pak Alfon, an expert in the footwear industry, Kangki offers fresh designs that appeal to sneaker enthusiasts. The brand’s success lies in its affordable pricing, quality, and commitment to local production. With future collaborations and plans for international expansion, Kangki is poised to become a major player in the global market, while continuing to champion local pride.

Takeaways

• 😀 KKI is often misunderstood as a Chinese brand, but it is actually a local Indonesian brand with its production based in Surabaya.
• 😀 The brand's name, KKI, symbolizes the idea that success can come from multiple paths, inspired by the two branches of a medal ribbon leading to one goal.
• 😀 Pak Alfon, the founder of KKI, has extensive experience in the shoe distribution business, which has contributed to the brand's success.
• 😀 KKI offers affordable sneakers, with prices starting around IDR 200,000, making it an attractive option for consumers seeking quality at a reasonable price.
• 😀 The brand first gained significant attention in 2021 or 2022, offering a fresh design that appealed to sneaker enthusiasts tired of local brands' conventional designs.
• 😀 KKI's production is fully handled in Surabaya, with local labor involved in both stitching and assembly processes, disproving the misconception that it only rebrands imported shoes.
• 😀 While KKI sources some materials from China, the production process is entirely local, and the brand operates with a relatively small scale, producing 30-35k pairs per month.
• 😀 The brand's focus on comfort and design has earned praise from consumers, with the KKI Story honjo model being highlighted for its excellent daily wearability.
• 😀 KKI has begun collaborating with other brands, like Sabotage, to release unique colorways and collections, including a future collaboration with Steple.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of nurturing and loving your own brand, emphasizing that success requires more than money—it takes careful management, data analysis, and adaptability.
• 😀 KKI is poised to expand beyond local markets, with the potential to become a global brand, as hinted by the company's future plans for 2024 and 2025.

Q & A

What is the origin of the Kangki brand?

Kangki is a local Indonesian brand, despite some initial misconceptions that it is a Chinese brand. The owner, Pak Alfon, has extensive experience in the footwear distribution industry, and the company's production facilities are based in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Why do some people mistakenly think Kangki is a Chinese brand?

Some people assume Kangki is a Chinese brand because certain materials used in the production of their shoes are imported from China. However, the brand itself is Indonesian, with manufacturing and labor based in Surabaya.

What sets Kangki apart from other local sneaker brands in Indonesia?

Kangki differentiates itself with its fresh designs and focus on comfort, offering affordable sneakers priced around IDR 200,000. Their shoes cater to consumers tired of the conventional local sneaker designs and are praised for both quality and affordability.

How did the Kangki brand gain popularity in Indonesia?

The brand gained attention after a sneaker reviewer discussed Kangki's shoes on social media, sparking interest among sneaker enthusiasts. Kangki's affordable pricing, starting at around IDR 200,000, combined with their innovative designs, helped them quickly attract a large following.

What does the name 'Kangki' represent?

The name 'Kangki' is derived from the Indonesian words for 'right' and 'left' ('kanan' and 'kiri'). The 'Y' in the name was inspired by the shape of a medal, symbolizing that success can be achieved through different paths, but the ultimate goal is the same.

What is the production scale of Kangki shoes?

Kangki's production scale is relatively small, with only one production line and a monthly output of 30,000 to 35,000 pairs of shoes. This limited production ensures that their shoes are often released in small batches, making them exclusive.

What is Kangki's approach to manufacturing?

Kangki follows a full development process for its shoes, starting from scratch to create the final product. While some materials are imported from China, the production process, including assembly and stitching, takes place entirely in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Who is involved in the production process at Kangki?

The production team at Kangki includes local workers from Surabaya. During a visit to the factory, foreign students from universities like Petra and Binus in Indonesia also toured the facility and were impressed by the brand's production quality.

What are some of the most popular models from Kangki?

Some of the most popular models include the KKI Story Honjo, which is praised for its comfort and suitability for daily wear. Another popular model is the KKI Story Dake, particularly admired for its collaboration with the sabotage brand, which features vibrant colors like green and black.

What future plans does Kangki have for expansion?

Kangki has ambitious plans for the future, with projects slated for 2024 and 2025. While details remain confidential, the owner has expressed confidence in the brand's potential to expand beyond the local market and possibly become a global brand.