Conversations with Hugo Aviles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hugo Aviles.

Hi Hugo, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Honestly, what really made me wanna be a shoe designer/customizer I had gone through a big phase in life, where I had to find myself through a deep stage for what I’m doing now as a shoe designer. What really inspired me to start customizing shoes is a shoe designer from the DMV named Quonito. I remember scrolling through Instagram’s news feed and seeing his work. After seeing his work, it inspired me to start designing shoes so I gave it a try with full confidence. I been through a lot in life no one will understand my struggle and all my hustle I been through to get where I am at today. Once I found I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, I had quit my job to focus on my chemo and radiation therapy’s. I remember it like it was yesterday when I had to re-invest my last check into materials to start designing shoes I would mess around with all my shoes I had in my closet even my Jordan retros! While I was going through chemo and radiation therapy’s the only ease of affection I had was working on myself and practicing while I was at my lowest, I seen it like I was about to go. That’s how I felt because I didn’t know what to expect honestly. As times goes by, I kept practicing running through every obstacle I had to face just to learn the process of growing. I was really unconfident of putting my work out there I wasn’t so sure about it I just didn’t see the vision at the moment. I started in 2018 it took me two years of practice to realize it was time to put my work out there for the people realize my art craft. As that being said trust the process and never lose faith just keep going because you never know where it can take you.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Struggles I had along the way was losing friends, emotional thoughts, feeling doubted, all types of feelings through this process but on the good side, it makes you stronger makes you who you are today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the head shoe customizer/designer for That Young LA clothing brand. What I really like specializing on is new artwork working on new shoe brands, new designs, new colors just being creative putting whatever you can set on your mind. I’m really known for customizing shoes around the valley and other places I’ve shipped shoes to but as time goes by, I’m still trying to expand my name. I’m real proud of my team for setting a name for one another we ran through every obstacle they said we couldn’t! Not a lot of people have patience like I have. I don’t mind spending some hours working on shoes just to get a satisfying process.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I only run through Instagram @Recoaces or @Thatyoungla for collabs or business inquires.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.shoptyla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoaces
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatyoungla

Image Credits
@Thatyoungla @Eshooters