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From Factory Floors to Amazon Stores: The Journey of COES COPPERFINGER

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Life rarely moves in a straight line. My journey began in the rhythmic hum of a sock factory, where machines whirred and clanked around me, tirelessly producing thousands of socks a day. For five years, I worked in a factory that produced Nike socks, known for their durability and elasticity. These socks weren’t just for local markets—they were exported worldwide and sold in high-end department stores. Our factory stood out from the competition, and my uncle always said it was because we used more inner yarn than other brands, ensuring superior strength, comfort, and longevity.

From Factory Work to Family Business

Before computerized knitting machines became common, sock designs had to be hand-drawn on graph paper and manually programmed into machines. I still remember how fascinating it was to map out intricate patterns, carefully transferring them onto paper. When the machines finally sprang to life, their needles clicking in colorful precision, I would watch with bated breath until a single unfinished sock emerged—its toe section still open, waiting to be sewn shut.

But that was just the beginning. The real work came afterward—sewing, turning, and setting the socks into their final shape. The process was physically demanding, especially for my uncle, who had invented a steam-setting machine to give the socks their perfect form. I watched him struggle with heavy equipment, lifting and moving the machinery in a cramped workspace.

Ours was a small home-based factory, and every member of the family had a role to play. My siblings and I were tasked with turning socks inside out, a simple yet tedious job. We had a special tool—a heavy, transparent plastic mold shaped like a foot. We would place each sock over it, pull it off in one swift motion, and repeat. For every dozen pairs we flipped, we earned a few cents. During school vacations, we worked long hours, treating it like a game, competing to see who could finish the most. Little did we know, we were unknowingly building the grit and perseverance that would later shape our futures.

But truthfully, I didn’t love working in the sock factory. The work was monotonous, the hours were grueling—sometimes stretching 14 to 16 hours a day—and the environment was dark, cramped, and filled with dust. The constant hum of machinery was deafening. The factory was my world, but it was a world I wanted to escape.

I told myself I would never work with socks again.

Until I Saw the News

Years later, everything changed. As the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw something on the news that caught my attention—people wearing copper-infused masks. Copper was being touted for its antimicrobial properties, believed to help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. That’s when an idea struck me.

What if copper could also prevent athlete’s foot?

Sweaty feet, trapped in warm, damp environments, are the perfect breeding ground for fungus and odor-causing bacteria. Drawing from my years of experience in sock manufacturing, I had a vision—toe socks infused with copper, designed not just for comfort but for foot health.

And just like that, the thing I had once wanted to escape became the foundation for something new.

The Birth of COES COPPERFINGER

COES COPPERFINGER wasn’t born in a corporate boardroom. It wasn’t created by a team of executives or marketing specialists. It was born from personal experience, from a deep understanding of sock manufacturing, and from a desire to solve a real problem.

I took everything I had learned—the craftsmanship of Nike socks, the durability that set them apart, and the intricate manufacturing processes I had been immersed in since childhood—and channeled it into something unique:

  • Copper-infused toe sections to help combat fungus and odor

  • Soft, breathable cotton for all-day comfort

  • Moisture-wicking properties to keep feet dry

  • Arch compression support for better stability

Entering the Digital Marketplace

Starting a brand from scratch was a completely different challenge. Competing with massive corporations that had million-dollar advertising budgets felt impossible. But then, I discovered Amazon FBA—a platform that allows small businesses like mine to sell directly to customers without the traditional retail overhead.

Transitioning from a factory worker to an entrepreneur, I immersed myself in the digital world:

  • Learning how to create Amazon listings

  • Mastering digital marketing and e-commerce strategies

  • Navigating the complex world of international supply chains

Instead of guiding fabric through industrial machines, my hands were now typing marketing plans, communicating with manufacturers, and studying consumer trends. The machines had changed, but the core principle remained the same—creating something of quality that people actually need.

COES COPPERFINGER: More Than Just Socks

This brand isn’t just about socks. It’s about resilience. It’s about taking something I once wanted to escape and transforming it into an opportunity.

It’s about proving that your past doesn’t define you. That no matter where you start, with enough perseverance and willingness to adapt, you can carve your own path.

COES COPPERFINGER is launching soon, and I’d love for you to be part of this journey. Whether you're a runner, hiker, or someone who simply values foot health and comfort, these socks are designed to make a difference.

Join Me on This Journey

If you’ve ever felt stuck—trapped in a cycle you wanted to break—know that you’re not alone. My journey started in a place I didn’t want to be, but it led me to something meaningful.

This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to share what’s coming next.

Stay tuned, and step into the future with COES COPPERFINGER!

Best,
Joshua
Sockmaker

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