Henderson-based online shoe designer poised to launch sales

From troublemaker growing up in the Deep South to global entrepreneur, Sinan "Stanley" Hu defied his parents' expectations of him.

He describes himself as "not the typical Asian kid," who came from China and grew up bouncing around the South from Georgia to South Carolina to Mississippi.

"I was getting into trouble. I got into fights," Hu said with a chuckle. "My grades starting slipping."

When Hu's parents moved to the U.S. in 1985, they were looking for a better life — the American dream — for their family, he said.

Now the entrepreneur is chasing his own dream.

Hu is the man behind LIUID, a Henderson-based online retailer that designs shoes and will begin selling them on its online store Tuesday.

For LIUID, Hu brings together elements he learned from two companies where he previously worked, TOMS shoes' and Brown Shoe Co., he said. He's built an extensive 10-year knowledge in shoe production when he worked with the Brown Shoe Co. and gained the spirit of giving when he worked for TOMS shoes, he said.

Hu plans to expand LIUID's operations within the next five years, growing from just five employees in Henderson to more than 350 worldwide.

And Nevada is the perfect place for an online retailer, said Raj Tumber, certified business mentor at SCORE.

"It's a great place for startups," he said. "Nevada is obviously the better place for taxes."

Tumber said the Silver State's tax laws encourage businesses because it has a competitive business tax system without a corporate tax or a state income tax.

Hu said he envisions LIUID one day having its own warehouse and manufacturing facility in Clark County.

For now, the Henderson-based company boasts an 8,700 square-foot customized complex, where it researches and designs new products. Hu wants to hire about 75 employees to run the facility, including a human resources team, a sales team, designers and other administrative staff.

Its shoe line, which comes in three categories, is designed for "people who live life with passion and purpose," he said.

"We want to inspire people to chase that dream and not give up," Hu said. "You can make it happen. It's not too late."

LIUID will open its offices later this month a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a celebration that will include Semper Fi and Make-A-Wish foundation.

But how do his parents feel about him starting his own company?

"They are very proud, but at the beginning, it was quite a surprise," Hu said. "They said, 'why are (you) leaving a good career to pursue uncertainty?' Typical Asian parents."

Contact Michelle Iracheta at miracheta@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5205. Find her on Twitter: @cephira.