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Meet Andre Neal of Certified Sneaker Head in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Neal.

Andre, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started back in 2003 in the 11th grade. This is where I began to sell my classmate’s shoes because I wanted the money just to turn around and buy more things to sell and to also treat myself. I’ve always had a passion for the fashion world.

My favorite place to be is the mall, but the more time I spent in the mall it was no longer a hobby for me because I saw a business opportunity. Everyday I wake up and still in shock that I went from selling five people shoes in school to selling shoes to the same friends, celebrities, and even people in different states.

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?
Smooth road? NEVER. I say that because its multiple individuals attempting and doing the same thing that I do. My biggest challenge is gaining the trust of others whether it’s my customers or the store. Trust is a challenge with the customers because they work hard for their money and they are placing it in a complete stranger hands hoping in return I can supply them with what they’ve asked for. As far as the store trusting me, I had to shop with them on a regular basis to gain their trust. I don’t just come into the store to shop the major releases such as Jordan or Yeezy; I come to shop for ALL shoe needs old and new.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I don’t consider myself a reseller. I am a Sneaker Concierge. I take care of the people’s needs for Sneakers. I would definitely say I’m known for getting where I am today all from shoes. (my motto “I Did It All With Shoes”) I can say I’m proud that even after having such a huge and devastating setback in 2015 where I nearly lost my life the support from everyone was still there once I was back up and running. What makes me different is that I don’t look at it as a job; I have real genuine love for people. Seeing people happy makes me happy as to why I have teamed up with stores to give back to the community and the less fortunate.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I wouldn’t say luck played a part because it was the love I had for fashion that drove me to invest more into just shopping to make a quick dollar.

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