Today we’d like to introduce you to Hommy Diaz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a self-proclaimed P.O.A.I. (Product Of An Immigrant) designer. Born in Queens, New York and raised by parents from the Dominican Republic. Growing up in the melting pot of Queens during the 80’s and 90’s, I found a passion in skateboarding. Within this street culture I was inspired by all the mediums of art that was created for and by street skaters. My aspiration to be creative earned me a bachelors degree in Communication Design from Parsons School of Design in New York. With my experience and college degree, I landed influential roles at Apple, DC Shoes, Palladium Boots and K-Swiss. After 12 years in the footwear industry, I am now the co-founder and principle designer of Magnus Alpha, a footwear and apparel lifestyle brand centered on the positive experience and luxury of being a Product Of An Immigrant.
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?
No, it has not been a smooth road. My last job in New York (retail job) at Apple in SoHo paid very well with great benefits and stock options. I took a leap of faith and accepted a job with DC SHOES in California. It required I relocate to San Diego, CA. I did not have any prior professional experience in Product Line Management and or footwear design. It was a risk I had to take despite the possibility of failing and being fired on the other side of the country. I now live in Los Angeles (12 years in CA) and have experienced losing my job a few times. Instead of dwelling on unexpected change as a set back I charged ahead with positivity and optimism. And I am humbled to share that I bounced back after each challenge excelling within the footwear industry. More details about my journey can be heard on several podcasts on most if not all podcast platforms. I welcome you all to take a listen.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Magnus Alpha – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am most proud of telling stories with product as the vehicle. Magnus Alpha is a great example and an endless opportunity to tell stories. Magnus, LATIN for “Great” and Alpha is LATIN for “Dominant”. The brands mission is to represent great dominance of self-identity. We aim to shine a positive light on the luxury of being a “product of an immigrant”. Coincidently or by the forces of the universe our mission statement began before Donald Trump’s election into office. His opposing view on immigrants validated our position and gave us more motivation to represent our roots. Magnus Alpha specializes in leather goods (footwear and accessories) with a luxury execution. We are a proof of concept and execution of producing footwear in León, Mexico on the same level as Italy. Making our high-end quality products in Mexico as POAI’s is a testament of our value proposition. And allows us to sell our products 60 to 70% less than the high-end popular competition that is being imported from Italy. I encourage the readers to pick up a pair of POAI MIDs and compare them to a GUCCI or Louis Vuitton sneaker. And when you do please message me direct @hommydiaz I’d love to read your feedback.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am looking forward to Hispanic Heritage month in the Fall of this year. It will be an opportunity to tell a relevant product story about our immigrant roots. In the near future we will have our first pop up event in LA for all to experience the brand up close. Details of the event will be provided on our social channels. Please follow us to be in the know. Thank you.
Pricing:
- POAI MID (Shoe) $579
- POAI BACKPACK $579
- POAI JACKET $579
Contact Info:
- Website: magnusalpha.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnus.alpha/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magnusalphabrand/
Image Credit:
Erick Hercules
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