Meet Maribeth Graham | Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maribeth Graham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maribeth, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting Sole Inspiration was a very personal and purposeful journey for me. I had been volunteering in the community for years and was just starting to get more involved in nonprofit leadership, including serving on local boards. I’ve always believed in the power of service and community, but I hadn’t yet found the right outlet to make a broader impact—until I met the Wise family.

They shared their story with me, and it immediately resonated. They had started a family tradition of saving spare change in a jar they called the “kicks jar.” When it filled up, they would use the money to buy a pair of shoes for someone in need. What started as a simple act of kindness grew into something much bigger—instilling values of compassion and selflessness in their children and bringing hope to those who needed it most. That spirit of giving sparked the idea for Sole Inspiration.

Together, we realized that while there were many great nonprofits out there, we weren’t aware of any in our area doing exactly what we envisioned—meeting kids where they are and providing not just shoes, but the chance to truly participate. By equipping them with proper footwear, we’re helping remove a barrier that might prevent them from joining a team or playing a sport. It gives them the opportunity to experience teamwork, sportsmanship, and the physical and emotional benefits that come from being active and feeling included. With my background in volunteering and board work, and their deeply rooted mission, it felt like the perfect partnership to turn this small idea into something that could make a real difference on a larger scale. We saw a gap, a need in the community, and instead of waiting for someone else to fill it, we created Sole Inspiration.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve built a career in sales, and I absolutely love what I do. It’s fast-paced, relationship-driven, and constantly evolving—which keeps me on my toes and pushes me to keep learning. But what really sets me apart is how I’ve learned to balance a demanding full-time career with my passion for giving back. In addition to my day job, I volunteer regularly and co-founded Sole Inspiration, a nonprofit that provides athletic shoes to kids who need them so they can participate in sports and experience the benefits of teamwork, confidence, and belonging.

I’m really proud of the work we’re doing with Sole Inspiration—it’s fulfilling in a way that’s hard to put into words. And honestly, doing both has taught me some invaluable lessons about time management, staying organized, and setting healthy boundaries. I’ve learned to be intentional about how I spend my time, to leave space for fun and family, and to not be afraid to say no when I need to. Burnout is real, and I’ve made it a priority to protect my energy so I can show up fully—for my job, my community, and myself.

Getting here definitely hasn’t been easy. Like most people, I’ve faced plenty of challenges—learning how to speak up for myself, figuring out what balance actually looks like, and navigating moments of self-doubt. But I’ve also learned that showing up consistently, staying curious, and surrounding yourself with good people really does go a long way.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that you don’t have to choose between making a living and making a difference. With a little creativity and a lot of heart, you can do both—and enjoy the journey along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to town, I’d want them to experience the best of Northeast Ohio. We’d start in Massillon with a visit to the Massillon Museum and, if it’s fall, catch a Tigers football game—Friday night lights are serious here. We’d grab some classic local Pizza Oven and maybe swing by Kozmo’s Grille for dinner and drinks.

Next, we’d head to Canton. A stop at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a must, and we’d unwind at Gervasi Vineyard, enjoying the scenery, wine flights, and dinner at The Bistro. We’d also check out Centennial Plaza downtown and maybe catch a show at the historic Canton Palace Theatre.

Mid-week, we’d take a road trip up to Put-in-Bay—perfect for a day of boating, golf cart cruising, and lake views. We’d hit up The Boardwalk for lobster bisque and grab drinks at Round House Bar, The Keys and Mojito Bay.

We’d wrap up the week in Cleveland with a game—Guardians, Cavs or Browns, depending on the season. We’d explore East 4th Street and the Flats, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or the Cleveland Museum of Art are always crowd-pleasers.

It’d be a perfect mix of small-town charm, local flavor, and big-city energy—just like Northeast Ohio itself.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and moments that have shaped my journey, but if I had to dedicate a shoutout, it would be to the volunteers, mentors, and families who have inspired and walked alongside me—especially the Wise family. Their generosity and heart were the spark behind Sole Inspiration, and partnering with them truly changed the trajectory of what we believed was possible.

I’d also give credit to the countless people I’ve served with over the years—through community events, boards, and volunteer opportunities. Their passion and dedication have been contagious. Being surrounded by people who lead with purpose really pushes you to do more and think bigger.

And lastly, I’d be remiss not to recognize my own family and close friends—their support has been constant. Whether it was showing up to events, offering advice, or just cheering me on behind the scenes, their encouragement gave me the confidence to take risks and keep going, even when things felt uncertain.

I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has poured into this journey—it’s never just one person. It’s always a village.

Website: https://www.soleinspiration.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribethgraham/