Today we’d like to introduce you to Geoffrey Chao and Fernando Silva.
Hi Geoffrey and Fernando, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Geoff: The love for shoes started back in 2009 when I first laid eyes on a pair of Nike SB Dunk High Mr. Pacman sneakers through a store window in Taiwan—a moment that ignited a lifelong fascination. The transition into high school made sneakers much more accessible, and it was during this time that I purchased my very first pair of Air Jordans on my own: the 2011 Jordan Black Cement 3 (now proudly displayed in our store). With its clean silhouette and solid color blocking, this versatile classic quickly became my go-to “daily.” It’s a staple in my collection, so much so that I’ve cycled through multiple retros from various years to keep it in constant rotation.
Fern: My love for sneakers was inspired by my cousin, who was like an older brother to me. Growing up in the early 2000s, my cousin was a teenager deeply immersed in sneaker culture. One defining moment was when Nelly’s hit single “Air Force 1s” skyrocketed the popularity of those iconic sneakers. My cousin would frequently upgrade to new pairs, passing down his previous ones to me. This tradition made the Air Force 1 not just my favorite sneaker, but also a symbol of nostalgia and a meaningful reminder of those formative years.
Both: Our story begins in 2017 at GOAT, where we met as sneaker authenticators. We instantly clicked, bonded by our undeniable passion for sneakers. Working at GOAT gave us a deep understanding of the intricacies of sneaker authentication. We carried that expertise into our next gig at Deadstock App, where countless cups of coffee fueled our conversations about sneakers. Our discussions ranged from the latest releases to rare, unattainable gems, and those moments sparked the inspiration for something bigger.
From those conversations, the idea for FNF (Friends n Family) was born. We envisioned a community that seamlessly blended two of our greatest passions: coffee and sneakers.
Once the idea took shape, the next step was finding the perfect location. We wanted a neighborhood with a strong sense of community, where people with shared interests could connect. Culver City quickly came to mind as the ideal spot for our first shop because it’s also where we worked at while at GOAT. We’ve been trying ever since to create a space where coffee and sneakers come together in a way that feels fresh and meaningful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most businesses, our journey was far from easy. We encountered numerous challenges that delayed our opening, which we had initially projected for the end of summer 2024. Renovating the space took longer than expected because we had a clear vision in mind. We wanted every detail to align perfectly with our concept, from the concrete walls to the honeycomb lights, and we weren’t willing to compromise on bringing that vision to reality.
While we were already highly knowledgeable about sneakers, we had to invest a lot of time and effort into mastering the art of crafting the best coffee and matcha drinks. It was a steep learning curve, but one we embraced. Despite the obstacles, every challenge was worth it to create the space we had dreamed of.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We aligned our careers with our passion for sneaker authentication and quality control verification. From working with startup e-commerce companies to managing multiple teams within the same industry, our proudest achievements have been steadily advancing our roles and ultimately becoming our own bosses. What sets us apart is our ability to merge two passions into a cohesive and innovative business concept—a unique combination that has resulted in a successful experience for our customers.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fnf_la
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fnf-coffee-and-kicks-culver-city-2
