We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Damian Ortiz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Damian below.

Damian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission the drives your brand?

What makes each and everyone of us special? I believe it’s our story! Our story makes us unique and one of a kind in this world. We all could pin point different situations in our lives that made us. A heartbreak, a loved ones death, and even life’s every days struggles. But, that what makes who we are today. That groomed us into the person we’ve become. I believe my parents, Robert & Cynthia, set me up for this. My moms caring heart, and my fathers demeanor. They both could roam the earth not knowing anyone and end up with the world full of friends. This is what I’m born to do. This is my destiny.

Damian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I grew up loving sneakers, from a kid it was something about shoes! When I greet someone I shake their hand and look straight to feet then back to he smile, lol. So I restore shoes, deep clean them, remove the yellowness from soles, repaint them and customize as well. I also have my clothing line, we sell shoes and shoe accessories! We are called Sneaker Gang Shoe Clinic! One stop shop for repairs on red bottoms, even purses, bags or hats! I am a local business located in Oak Cliff, born and raised. I’m just your normal person with dreams and aspirations as many of us have. What makes me different from others is nothing, I’m a regular person just like you. I focus on my relationships with the community, the people, and family. Honestly I think that’s why my business is still going. So shout out to my people! All of my friends, family, the community and the whole DFW! I have so much in store for myself and Sneaker Gang, so it’s hard to say that I’m proud of myself just yet. I know I can do more and there is so much more yet to be done. Dallas is my city and Oak Cliff is my home. The people over here is more of a culture. Full of passion and life so I put all of that in my work and merchandise.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

As any local business knows funding it is tough. It took me years before on my own to start buying supplies as well as educating myself about the shoe business. A lot of nights watching you tube, and of course trial and error. Whatever I made I put it back plus the profit so you really don’t see much money in your pocket. There is always something else you can improve or better technology to boost the business. Finally I just quit my job and took the leap of faith and never looked back. If I failed, it was a lesson learned, but I knew this would work from day 1. You just gotta stay down with your goals and keep making new ones. Stay consistent, stay hungry, and most of all believe in it.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My story alone shows my resilience. It was either gangs or to be a knuckle head growing up. We would walk to the park when I was a kid and the police would stop us, sit us all on the curb and ask who are we with. Nothing against the police but that was normal growing up. Gun shots, Oak Cliff is bad, too much killing, etc you would hear in the news. We came a long way. We have nice neighborhoods now, people are investing more money the hood is finally looking nice! If you ever struggled in your life, you’re a bad ass in my book. It’s easy to quit. It’s easy to join a group and do this or that, then get put in jail. That shit is easy to do. Trying to walk the straight line and avoid all of that is tough! That’s a bad ass in my book. Growing up through all of that and becoming a success is what I want to be known for. That’s the kind of bad ass I wanna be!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://instabio.cc/3122302IMKXur
• Instagram: @sneakergangshoeclinic
• Facebook: Sneaker Gang Shoe Clinic
• Other: Ig: @sneakerganginventory