Meet Jim Hernandez of Valor Fitness Clothing in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Hernandez.

Jim, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a 21-year alcoholic that allowed my addiction to end me up homeless in the streets and alleys of Venice Beach/Santa Monica. Literally went from Riches to rags.

After hitting rock bottom, Homeless Health Care of LA landed me a bed in a Transitional Rehab facility in Venice Beach named Phoenix House. I lived there for six months with 53 other men. All of which were straight out of long prison terms or right off the streets like myself. It was a very rough way to get sober. Lots of violence and drugs in the facility but I was determined to start a better life for myself with this opportunity. It was a government-funded program that I will never forget.

I got my idea for the Fitness Clothing line in there, knowing that physical fitness is great for any form of recovery, giving you your self-respect, self-esteem and self-worth back day by day.

I go back at least once a month to this facility to tell my story, spend time with and give my brand to the men currently recovering there. I graduated from the program in October 2016.

I have donated over 700 pieces of clothing to homeless shelters, transitional facilities and people in need since starting my line. As well as feeding the homeless on three separate occasions throughout LA, giving out 240 meals total. This all even though my total sales to date have been less than $4000 and less than 100 items sold.

My company is starting to grow quickly recently. I have always dedicated my company to inspiring anyone trying to better their lives after any form of addiction or for any reason through physical fitness.

I have inspired many so far, Sponsor dozens and give back as much as possible even though my sales aren’t where I want them yet.

Attitude of gratitude and faith!

@valorfitnessclothing and @valorfitnessclothingwomen on IG

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?
I started this company with $1000 to my name. I only had that $1000 because of a job I was able to get while inside rehab.

I had zero experience in this field and have made many mistakes….. but like we need to do in life in general, I’m not giving up, yet finding answers and solutions.

I’m putting people around me to assist and educate. I am blessed to have many supporters.

It has been an expensive start, but very rewarding.

So it has not been a smooth road at all but rarely is. I have the tools and drive to smooth out that road as I learn and move forward.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have been blessed to work with amazing models, come up with attractive designs, and my logo is very unique and popular.

My logo and the fact that I am a clothing line dedicated to Inspiring and helping out the addiction community really sets me apart.

I have been offered a lot of money for the rights to my logo but have turned it down. I designed it myself and it is Trademarked.

Being dedicated to the recovery community through a clothing line is a rare niche that I embrace.

What were you like growing up?
I was a chubby, happy, athletic kid raised by a single mother that worked her ass off to provide for me while trying to live a life herself.

She was taken advantage of, used, manipulated, etc by men her entire life…. all just trying to be loved, provide for me and hopefully get a good father figure in my life. I know this now.

But during this time I was physically, mentally and sexually abused by these men without her knowing…. the sexual abuse I didn’t realize was wrong till much later in life…. I was too young at the time, just thought it was normal.

When I got old enough to realize that what had happened was wrong I was embarrassed… ashamed. I just bottled it up and hid it, allowing it to become a huge mental health issue that eventually led to my alcoholism.

I always loved sports and physical fitness though. I never lost my passion for that which is also what drove me through my tough mental emotions in my younger years.

Contact Info:

• Address: 900 W Temple St #504B
  Los Angeles, CA
  90012
• Website: Www.valorfitnessclothing.com
• Phone: 3109787792
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Valorfitnessclothing, Valorfitnessclothingwomen, jher76
• Facebook: Valor Fitness Clothing, Jim Hernandez

Image Credit:
Chris Greenwell

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