Image via Complex Original
Celebs have it so rough, right? They get up, they eat their black truffle-sprinkled corn flakes, and hop in their 2027 Bentley GT to drive a mile down their driveway in order to grab their mail. They never have to put in real work. It’s these type of misconceptions that keep broke people from prospering. Celebrities are making deals behind the scenes you never really hear about because we’re brainwashed by negativity.
There are some celebrities who have turned their passion into a second career, of sorts. Sometimes, you can’t always rely on sports, music, or acting to keep you afloat, so investing in something you truly believe in could turn out quite successful. That’s why these seven celebrities took their love for sneakers and the culture around it to open some high-profile boutiques we know, love, and shop at everyday. Sneakers unite all who are appreciative of the game, so don’t sleep on these 7 Sneaker Boutiques You Didn’t Realize Were Owned By Celebs.
12AM RUN
Owner: Nas
Opened: 2014
Website: 12amrun.com
Nas has seen every street scene possible. He’s seen everyone from B-Boys to Dope Boys to Dapper Dan fans. He’s old school when it comes to his love for sneakers, but when he decided to open 12AM RUN boutique in Las Vegas a few months ago, his genuine love for sneakers spurred this idea for a shop in one of the most visited places in the world. He understands the influence rappers, like himself, have on the sneaker world, which is why he knows that with his name and the business-savvy of partner Nick Sakai, this could become one hell of a business.
VII Grand
Owner: Derrick Williams
Opened: 2013
Website: viigrand.com
Williams’ 2013 opening of clothing and sneaker boutique alongside friend Mario Escalante could’ve just been an investment that he periodically kept tabs on. But the Sacramento Kings forward says he chooses about 95 percent of the product that goes into the shop. That’s a tough task when you spend all year training and six months of pretty much non-stop games. The store is still in the infancy stage, but Williams, Escalante, and the crew are on the right path with a great selection of skate and streetwear favorite sneakers from Puma and Vans.
Creme
Owner: Pusha T
Opened: 2013
Website: creme321.com
It certainly isn’t hard to recognize the success of Chicago’s RSVP Gallery owned by Don C. Pusha T runs in the same circle, and knows the effect streetwear and sneakers has on the culture; the same type of effect he has on the culture. So it was easy to put two and two together to open up streetwear boutique, Creme, in mid-2013 in his hometown of Norfolk, Va. Rivaling only Commonwealth, Creme’s focus is on high-end streetwear with one absolutely killer Nike account that brings in only the type of fire someone as dope as Pusha T would allow in.
UNKNWN
Owner: LeBron James
Opened: 2011
Website: unknwn.com
When news broke out that South Beach’s newest edition LeBron James was co-founding a new shop in the city’s ritzy Aventura Mall just a year after arriving, it was met with skepticism that he was truly involved. But him and his childhood buddy, Jaron Kanfer, along with Frankie Walker, Mike Hurley, and Chris Julian, let the world know they were trying to open a primetime clothing and accessories boutique by releasing top-notch sneakers with a Nike Tier Zero account, including some of LeBron’s most sought-after gems.
Primitive
Owner: Paul Rodriguez
Opened: 2008
Website: primitiveshoes.com
P-Rod’s name still rings loud in the skate world. Even at 29 years old, which can be construed as “old” to other skateheads, he has established himself as a superstar and is one of the most influential skaters of all time. So, on top of his own line of Nike skate shoes, he has also started his own skatewear and sneaker shop, Primitive, in Encino, Calif. While carrying Paul’s signature lines, they’ve also amassed quite the assortment of skate-certified Nikes and adidas and street-stamped Jordans and Asics.
SuccezZ
Owner: Bobby Simmons
Opened: 2008
Website: succezzthestore.com
Do you remember Bobby Simmons? Former Most Improved Player of the NBA in 2005? Doesn’t ring a bell? Well, you’ve probably heard of his sneaker boutique in Chicago, SuccezZ. Opened in 2008, Simmons and Chicago native LaVelle “V-Dot” Sykes took a passion of sneaker collecting and made it into one of Chi-Town’s premier spots to pick up the best Nikes, Jordans and more on drop day. That’s probably why anyone important coming through the Windy City stops by to scoop some goodies.
Brooklyn Projects
Owner: Dom DeLuca
Opened: 2002
Website: brooklynprojects.com
Brooklyn Dom is a Renaissance man. Pro BMX rider. Record exec. MTV VJ. And most recently, sneaker boutique owner with his highly successful skate and streetwear shop, Brooklyn Projects. Opened in 2002, DeLuca was already well-known in L.A. and by anyone who wanted to be a part of the street scene. So Brooklyn Projects, a streetwear-specific shop, was a natural progression from his insane beginnings, right? Well, you have to have the right kicks, and their incredible Nike SB account should set you right in order to consider Brooklyn Dom certified.
