STEP INTO MY SHOES

On this episode, I chat with Varian David - an OG Sneakerhead and owner of KicksWithVee Hots hot sauce brand. Varian was born in Singapore and now lives in Oakland, Ca. We reminisce on how he developed a love for sneakers at a very young age and he describes how he fell deeper in love when he saw the Jordan 5 for the first time. We discuss his years as a sneaker collector and his obsession for sneaker technology. Varian walks us through his journey of how and why he created his very own hand crafted hot sauce brand. We compare his passion for sneakers to his love for food and he also explains some of the challenges involved when creating a brand and running a business.  You can follow Varian on social media @kickswithveehots / @kickswithvee and order directly from his website: www.kickswithveehots.com

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nick Engvall (@nickengvall) - a business strategist, content architect, writer, who has an undying passion for sneakers, cars, art, music, travel, sports, and food. He's worked for numerous companies in the sneaker space such as StockX, EastBay, Sole Collector, Complex. He's the founder of SneakerHistory (@sneakerhistory) and the main host of the SneakerHistory Podcast, one of the top sneaker podcasts to date. I first met Nick at the Classick Sleigh Ride Charity Car show that I host a few years back, so I wanted to diverge a bit from our standard "sneaker" talk to another one of his deep passions - his love for cars. Nick walks us through his early years of "import tuning" and explain how his love for cars, especially late 80's - early 90's Hondas developed. We also discuss the cross culture between sneakers, music, and cars - highlighting one main common factor - the community of people that's involved within each space. We also discuss the importance of using your platform to lead, educate, and inspire others to give back to the community through charity, creating useful content, opening up opportunities, and just simply being kind to others! Be sure to listen all the way through to hear the final undisputed winner of the age-old debate: Who has a better burrito - LA or the BAY?

After an almost 8 month hiatus, I'm finally back! On this episode, I get to spend some time with Marrio Banuelos aka @MarrioRestores - a sneaker restorer and customizer from Sacramento, California. We discuss his early childhood love for sneakers and basketball eventually led him to discovering the craft of sneaker restoration and customization. We reminisce over some of his struggles with obtaining sneakers growing up due to the cost and his uncommon shoe size. Marrio walks us through how he got started restoring sneakers; highlighting the challenges and success he's endured along the way. Be sure to follow Marrio on Instagram @MarrioRestores to see his amazing work!

On our 6th installment, I had the honor of speaking with Justin Aquino, aka JUST ONE. He's an East Bay Area native who has transformed his passion for people into a full time career; yielding multiple revenue streams (and a lot of fun)! He is currently a COO of his own marketing firm (@one4social), Co-Founder of  the "Series World Tour" lifestyle clothing brand (@seriesworldtour), Global Marketing Director for the WEKFEST INTERNATIONAL Automotive Showcase (@wekfest_usa), Director of Marketing for SP2 Communal Bar (@_sp2_), and the creator of an innovative mobile cannabis delivery company, Daze Dash (@DazeDashDelivery) ! We discuss how his early love for hiphop, fashion, and good vibes evolved into many successful business ventures. Citing his background in corporate sales, along with his Bay "hustler" mentality, Justin walks us through his transitions from one hat to another, while dropping some solid gems on being able to push through and adapt to the ever changing industry landscapes. So if you're into streetwear, sneakers, cars, good vibes, or just want some tips on how to stay with the grind of running a business - you do not want to miss this content!! 

After over a month of traveling, making life decisions, and getting the kids adjusted to virtual schooling - we are finally back with Episode 5! I finally get a chance to sit down with Roy, owner of SYMPLESPEED Garage. Based in Southern California, SSG is best known for its unique, manually designed, and hand crafted product line that supplements the clean, functional, and "symple" design cues made popular by Japanese Domestic Vehicles back in the 90s. Roy walks us through his journey starting with his initial love for BMX bikes that eventually evolved into his life long love affair with Honda / JDM Tuning. We discuss how his passion for building cars lead to him taking a leap of faith and starting his own business. Roy also shares the pros and cons of his "addiction" for collecting and hoarding rare car parts and how a few life changes and obstacles lead to him unloading most his prized possessions in order to "symplify" his life, making room for the next chapter of Symplespeed. @symplespeed www.symplespeed.com

On this episode, I chat with Marc and Kris Pacheco from the group KhanPharo & The New Creatures; a Seattle based Experimental Hiphop band who moved to Southern California to expand their career. The brothers walk me through their musical journey and discuss how their father’s initial disapproval of their musical choices led to a passion for guitar and opened up their eyes to a whole new genre of music - leading them to eventually being able to craft the unique, hybrid sound that we hear today. They explain who influenced them and how their sound came to be; divulging the never before heard secret behind the KhanPharo name! We also discuss the many valuable skills they’ve developed through the process of creating content, outside of just making good music. Check out their first album Holographic: First Edition now streaming on all major platforms! Follow them on FB and IG @khanpharo @flvrdtrash

In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Paul Del Mundo(30), owner of Contra Coffee & Tea Brewery (@Contra.findyourplace) in Orange, Ca.  We discuss how he started collecting sneakers after being inspired by art pieces created by Reina Koyano (@_vivalareina). He explains the importance of sneaker collecting in 2020 and how he’s developed an affection for the sneaker community. We review current events starting with the death of Kobe Bryant, COVID-19, George Floyd and the social injustices happening in our world. He also shares a very personal account of racial profiling that occurred to him when he was younger and explains how he’s finally able to speak out, using his platform to help inspire change. Lastly, Paul walks us through his journey of opening up Contra Coffee and shares the secret to their success!! 

On this episode, we step into the shoes of Christian Nazareno (@minimepogi_ecigcity4), hype beast, father & owner of two successful small local businesses (A vape shope @ecigcity4 and fusion restaurant @genkiyaki_riverside). We talk about getting scammed with fake sneakers, how his businesses are being impacted by COVID-19, and how working for “free” lead him to the special "gift" of entrepreneurship. He also drops some pointers on time management and keys to a successful work / life balance. If you're enjoying the podcast so far, please be sure to subscribe! If you're listening on the Apple Podcast app, please rate & comment! I'm always looking for feedback to help this platform grow! 

In the first episode,I had the honor of talking to Alan Parcero (@alannntho). At age 29, he’s a successful small business owner (@rescorpservices), car enthusiast (@FTF4EVER), and lover of hiphop, sneaker, & streetwear culture. Alan walks me through his journey of turning his passion for his hobbies into a side hustle, building a large network of people that lead him to a professional career, and eventually the owner of a global real estate marketing firm. We reminisce about the good times as well as discuss how he overcame obstacles in his life. Be sure to listen in for some “pro tips” and advice on focusing on your goals to gain success!