Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Watkins.
Chris, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a sneaker customizer and restorer located in Lewisville TX. Growing up I took great care of my shoes. I usually only got a pair per school year so I needed to make them last. Back then there weren’t YouTube tutorials, how-to’s, or cleaning products for sneakers.
I remember sitting on my bedroom floor with a comet bathroom cleaner and an old toothbrush trying to keep my shoes white. Once I started buying my own shoes I still couldn’t get every pair I wanted. So I bought beater pairs from eBay or Facebook groups to restore. I’d post the transformations on Instagram and people noticed. I started getting requests from friends to restore their shoes as well. I’ve always been someone who wanted to do things differently than others. It wasn’t any different when it came to my shoes. So I started customizing to switch things up. Fast forward to now my hobby has grown into a business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
With this starting out as a hobby on my own shoes I learned a lot before I started taking orders. It can be frustrating when customs don’t come out how I envision them or paint mixes aren’t quite right. I don’t let that stop me. Any hardship or mistake is a lesson to help me improve for future projects.
Please tell us about SNKR Solace. What should we know?
SNKR Solace is full service for your sneaker needs. We do cleanings, restorations and customs. We come up with creative and original concepts for customs. Paying attention to details that some may not notice. That’s a major difference that makes the work we do professionally. Shipping nationwide or local meet up.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was into music, cartoons and anime. Seeing different art styles in cartoons and anime then trying to recreate it really pushed my creativity.
Pricing:
- Cleanings start at $10
- Restorations start at $50
- Customs start at $50
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9725050316
- Email: snkrsolace@gmail.com
- Instagram: @snkrsolace
Image Credit:
Lissette Santillan
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