Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Urrea.
Juan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
This all started in a one-car garage in an alleyway in Miami Beach. My father started this business over 15 years ago, and we as a family grew into it. Started with one store and have expanded now to three stores in different areas of Miami. I am the oldest of three siblings, and we all take off one store.
My love for shoes and sneakers has always been in me since a teenager, so when my father started learning the trade, I was there right next to him learning everything I could and still learning today. We were able to move out of the small space into the main road and bigger space in Miami Beach, opened in Brickell in Mary Brickell Village when it was first starting up, and we took over a shop in Miami Lakes that has been established over 30 years.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s never easy when you have your own business, always have your ups and downs, and always figuring out how to grow your business. We are in a field or trade that is dying in which even Millenials don’t even know we exist. So trying to stay afloat has always been a challenge.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Art of Sole – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a Shoe repair shop where we fix just about everything related to shoes, bags, purses, and luggage. From simple shines and cleaning of leather to complete sole replacement and refurbishing of leather goods. Lately, red bottoms have been a big hit for the ladies so red bottom protectors are something we are specializing in.
Shoes are an investment, and if you take care of them routinely they can last you a good while, so you get your bang for your buck, especially since good shoes nowadays are not cheap.
We are known for thinking outside the box really helping solve problems for our customers especially when it comes to restoring an antique piece or something of sentimental value.
Id like to say what sets us apart is the US as a family and team. Our ideas, our style, our experiences, and our stories. We go that extra mile to make sure we solve somehow our customer’s problems
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We aren’t just called the Magic City for nothing. It has a magical feel. I have traveled to many other big cities, and you don’t feel the same love you feel here. We are a big melting pot of ethnicities just trying to strive every day.
What I least like is traffic and driving. haha!
Contact Info:
- Address: 3903 Alton Road Miami Beach, Fl 33140
455 SW 8 st Miami, Fl 33130
16419 NW 67 ave Miami Lakes, fl 33014 - Website: www.artofsoles.com
- Phone: 3054033048
- Email: artofsolemia@gmail.com
- Instagram: Art_of_Sole
- Facebook: Brickell Shoe Repair
Image Credit:
Bryce White
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