Today we’d like to introduce you to Elicio Arroyo.
Elicio, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story with sneakers goes back to when I was a teenager. I couldn’t always afford the popular pairs, so the only way I could get the ones I wanted was by trading up — starting with what I had, moving into something a little better, and repeating the cycle until I eventually got the pair I really wanted. That grind taught me patience, hustle, and how to get creative to make things happen.
Before Sole Garden, I worked a bunch of different jobs that gave me skills I still use today. At Petco, I learned customer service. At the American Airlines Arena, I worked food and beverage on the backend and saw firsthand the hustle it takes to keep large operations running. Planta Miami was another big one — I was taking care of Dave Grutman and his people almost every day, which taught me how to think fast, problem solve, and network in high-energy spaces. Logistics and warehousing gave me an understanding of how product actually moves behind the scenes. On the side, I even started a phone case company and ran a Shopify dropshipping business, where I first learned design and a little coding. Now, beyond Sole Garden, I also purchase and design homes tailored for Airbnb and host them as well. Every stop along the way added skills that ended up shaping the way I approach business today.
The original vision for Sole Garden actually started in New Jersey. The name itself comes from there — “Sole” for sneakers, and “Garden” as a nod to the Garden State. I was supposed to open a store there with a partner, but when it came time to move forward, he backed out. Around the same time, COVID hit, and everything changed.
That’s when Miami came into the picture. I relocated to keep the dream alive, and that’s when I met Mike Calderon. Right away I knew it was the right fit. Mike has always been an avid sneaker collector and seller, and he’s built up a massive collection of OGs that we now display in the store. His passion for sneakers and deep knowledge of the culture made the partnership natural, and together we were able to blend what we both brought to the table.
Sole Garden has always been about more than sneakers. It’s about community, culture, and giving people that same feeling I had growing up when I finally landed the pair I was chasing. We’ve faced challenges — from timing, to setbacks, to just figuring things out as we went — but that’s what makes the story real. At the end of the day, what we’ve built feels authentic, and that’s what keeps us pushing forward.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. Staffing was a big challenge, especially after COVID, but we’ve built a great team now that really holds it down. Trends change fast, the economy’s been shaky, and our online shop has given us more than a few headaches.
Through it all, Mike’s been key — he balances me out and brings fresh perspective when things get tough. The challenges haven’t stopped us; they’ve just made Sole Garden stronger.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sole Garden?
Sole Garden is a sneaker and streetwear boutique that we designed to be more than just a place to shop. Every detail was carefully thought out, from the aesthetic of the space to the scent we use, because we wanted people to feel an experience as soon as they walk in.
On the business side, we pride ourselves on working well with others. Our buying process and price points are fair, and we’ve built strong consignment relationships that help us keep the shop stocked with what people are actually looking for. We also love collaborating with local brands and giving them exposure, because it’s important to us that Sole Garden feels like a platform for the culture, not just a storefront.
What sets us apart is that mix of attention to detail and community. We’re proud that people recognize Sole Garden as a space that’s authentic, welcoming, and rooted in the culture we came from.
What are your plans for the future?
Our goal is to keep growing Sole Garden in an authentic way. We want to expand into events, collaborations, and make it a true community hub where people connect through culture, not just sneakers. Mike and I are excited to keep pushing boundaries and bring new creative projects to life when the timing feels right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thesolegarden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sole.garden
