The Summer of Sport | Embodying Olympic Values in Our Practice
The Olympic Games, with a history spanning over 2,000 years since their inception in ancient Greece to honour Zeus, have long symbolised dedication, excellence, and the pursuit of greatness. By the 6th century B.C., they had become Greece's most celebrated sporting event, held in Olympia. The core values established by the ancient Greeks remain vibrant and influential, continuing to to thrive in today's modern Games and define the Olympic spirit today.
At Snakehive, we embrace timeless values that shape our journey and connect us with a wider community. Join us as we delve into rich connections between ancient Olympic traditions and our modern approach, inspiring us to create products that celebrate diversity, quality, and collective values.
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Global Unity
Celebrating Diversity in the Olympics and at Snakehive
Ekecheiria - Unity and Peace
The Olympic Truce, also known as ekecheiria, was an antiquated custom intended to bring warring states together and towards peace. The Olympics continue to promote global harmony and goodwill in the present period as a way to honour common human accomplishments.
While the ancient Games were limited to free Greek male citizens, today's Olympics embrace inclusivity and diversity, welcoming athletes of all genders, races, and nationalities, reflecting a commitment to global unity and equality. The ancient Olympics were a melting pot of cultures, with participants from various Greek city-states. Today, the Olympics continue to be a platform for cultural exchange, encouraging mutual understanding and respect among nations worldwide. Athletes from diverse cultures and backgrounds come together to compete, curating a spirit of camaraderie, mutual respect, and passion. This global event not only showcases the intensity of human talent and determination but also highlights the shared values that bind us all, such as excellence, fairness, and perseverance.
within snakehive
We strive to echo these principles by valuing and incorporating diverse perspectives from our wide customer base. As imperative as it is understanding, our strength lies in the ability to listen, learn and absorb from the wide range of voices that make up our community. Feedback from our customers across different countries and cultures inform our designs and product development, ensuring that we create leather companions that meet varied needs and preferences, both geo and culture specific. This inclusive approach allows us to innovate continually to offer products that are both universally appealing and uniquely personal. By celebrating and integrating this diversity, we create a richer, more dynamic brand experience that resonates with customers worldwide, much like the unifying spirit of the Olympic Games.
From Tradition to Innovation:
Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future
Respect and Honour
Ancient Greek athletes competed not just for personal glory but to honour their city-states and the gods. Modern Olympians compete to bring honour to their countries, displaying respect for their sport, fellow competitors, and the Olympic spirit.
RESPECTING ARTISAN CRAFT
Running from our roots, we are deeply inspired by the abundant heritage of traditional artisan craftsmanship. Just as the Olympics have evolved over time while preserving their foundational principles, we honour ancient techniques in our work, infusing them with modern design and technology. Our leather products are handcrafted, paying homage to age-old methods while featuring sleek, contemporary designs that meet today's needs and market demand. This harmony of heritage and innovation enables us to create timeless pieces that celebrate the enduring legacy of the past and the forward-thinking spirit of the present, much like the Olympic Games.
Physical and Moral Development:
Resilience & Endurance
Resilience is mirrored in the spirit of the Olympic moto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger).
It emphasises continuous improvement and enduring strength, values that resonate deeply with the Olympic movement. The ability to bounce back and thrive despite difficulties is a testament to the enduring power and relevance of the Olympics.
The Greeks believed in the development of both mind and body. Today's Olympics encourage holistic development, promoting physical fitness, mental resilience, and ethical behaviour, evident in both the athletes and the Games themselves. For athletes, the journey to the Olympics is often fraught with obstacles—intense training regimens, injuries, and the pressure of competition. The Olympics as an institution also demonstrates resilience. Over its long history, the Games have faced numerous challenges, from political conflicts and boycotts to economic hardships and global pandemics. The postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to COVID-19 was a significant test, yet the Games were successfully held in 2021, showcasing the ability to adapt and persevere in the face of unprecedented global disruption.
echoed in our practice
In an ever-evolving industry, we’ve faced numerous challenges, from fluctuating market demands to the
constant pressure of innovation. The COVID-19 lockdowns presented a particularly daunting test, especially for small businesses like ours. With supply chains disrupted, physical stores closed, and economic uncertainty looming, we had to quickly adapt to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
it's what's inside that counts
our commitment
We actively seek and incorporate feedback, using it to improve and innovate. This ongoing dialogue with our customers helps us navigate industry changes and maintain our high standards. At Snakehive, we believe that it’s what’s inside that counts—our core principles of resilience, dedication, and quality drive everything we do. We face industry challenges with determination and strength, constantly pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship and style.
Our enduring presence in the market is a testament to the inner values that define us. Recently, we launched an exciting crowdfunding venture to invite our community into our journey. This initiative not only supports our commitment to quality products but also highlights that true value is rooted in our collaborative spirit and shared vision. By involving our supporters directly, we showcase that it’s the integrity and passion behind our creations that truly make a difference.
snakehive at the olympics
We're curious to see just how many of our leather companions will be accompanying athletes and spectators at the Olympics this year. Whether it’s a sleek phone case capturing memorable moments or a wallet holding essentials, we take pride in knowing that Snakehive's commitment to quality and style might be represented among the Olympic attendees so be sure to tag us in your pictures @Snakehive on Instagram!