Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennys Han
Hi Dennys, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Dennys Han. I co-own and design all the footwear for Opus Footwear. I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. My parents are of Korean descent, and both immigrated to Brazil in the 1960s. When I was 11 years old, we moved to Atlanta where we spent 9 years. In 1996 my family moved to Los Angeles and have been here since. A few years after moving to LA, I started designing skate shoes. It’s been one of my many careers since. Opus Footwear is the culmination of over 25 years of designing shoes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Doing what you love takes a long time. There are a lot of peaks and valleys in life. I believe understanding how to remain calm in the valleys will make you appreciate the peaks of life. Looking back at all the things I’ve learned; most were from mistakes made. Those are the most valuable lessons one can learn.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My first love has always been skateboarding and music—a huge passion I still have—especially now that I’m the father of a 12-year-old boy who loves to skate. In addition to my many years of footwear design, I’ve also been teaching and training jiu jitsu for almost 20 years. I co-own Eastside Jiu Jitsu—an academy in East Los Angeles (established in 2022). I’ve been happily married to my wife Erin for 15 years and we’ve been together for 18 years. We own East West Shop in Chinatown LA (established in 2015). I also own an apparel brand called Gentlemen’s Fight Club (established in 2009). I guess I would call myself a jack of all trades.
As prices keep going up across product categories, at Opus Footwear we want to make sure our core skate market is the focus. Pricing is extremely important to us. We strive to offer the highest quality shoes at a fair price. I’ve been skateboarding for the better part of my life, and I know it’s extremely important to keep our shoes accessible to all. At the same time, it’s critical to offer a quality, comfortable shoe that people who don’t skate can also enjoy. Our mission is simple at Opus Footwear—we make durable, affordable skate shoes that look good on a board as well as off one.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For me, a slow and steady growth in business is healthy. I hope all the projects I’m involved with keep growing organically and authentically. My advice to those just starting out is to follow your dreams because you only live once!
As I get older, the simpler things in life are more important. Being a father, husband, and pet owner makes me extremely happy. Surrounding myself with incredibly inspiring people also brings me joy.
Pricing:
- Footwear prices range from $60-$75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://opusfootwear.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opusfootwear
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OPUSFootwear
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpusFootwear
- East West Stuff: https://www.eastweststuff.com/
- Gentlemen’s Fight Club: https://gfchq.com/
Image Credits
Courtesy of Opus Footwear
