Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Romero.
Nick, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My idea for The Ave started in the Spring of 2009 as I was visiting Chicago and got a custom shirt made at “Strange Cargo”, a cool t-shirt shop over near Wrigley Field. After getting a shirt made and walking into a bar and getting compliments on it, I knew that was what I wanted to do with my own spin on it. I started researching the internet, going to trade shows, and decided that I wanted to open a custom apparel shop using DTG printing. At that point, we developed the shoe printing technology which would eventually get a patent on.
I started with one printer and one employee, and slowly things started to take off. In 2012, I made an appearance on Shark Tank, and was featured on numerous other programs, and that’s when things started taking off. We started doing live events, I would do a number of speaking engagements, we licensed our technology to a store in Canada, Grew our online business and acquired a production facility for wholesale and online, did a pop up shop at the w in Hollywood, and opened a 2nd store on campus at USC.
Currently, we are in the process of launching our own shoe brand, NVR Shoes, which make a release in the spring of 2017
Great, 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?
The biggest challenges have been getting credit for our work. Since we have customized Vans and Converse, our work has been seen all over social media and TV without many people realizing it’s our work. This was one of the main reasons we’ve started our own shoe brand. The other…. our ability to expand
Please tell us about The Ave Venice.
We specialize in on-demand, on the spot, apparel decoration. We have a patented device that allows for full color image printing on footwear. We are most known for our TV appearances, proud moments would be our cool celeb clientele, especially when Brian Cranston wore our shoes on the red carpet. We also are proud to be part of the Venice community. Another proud moment was when Kilyn, via the Make a Wish Foundation, wished to come to Venice to our shop and get shoes made. Her and I hung out all day and still remain friends as she continues to battle cancer
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Having the best and most supportive and loving parents anyone could ask for, who have supported me all through my childhood into this journey as an adult!
Pricing:
- Around $100-$110 for a custom pair
- Approx $24 for a custom high quality tshirt
Contact Info:
- Address: The Ave Venice
64 Windward Ave
Venice CA 90291
The Ave at USC
840 Childs Way, 3rd floor of USC Bookstore
Los Angeles, CA 90089 - Website: www.theavevenice.com
- Phone: 310-452-5577
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @theavevenice
- Facebook: The Ave Venice
- Twitter: @theavevenice
Larry Keys
July 9, 2019 at 02:18
Hello Mr. Nick I was about to speed $10,000 in equipment to start a print shop in my area (Garage). I saw a clip from your shark tank appearance and as they say,”HOLD THE PRESSES!” I like what you did and I’m impressed. I believe that DREAMS do come true. Thank you for your inspiration. Now, I see the big picture. With print technology anything is possible.
Thanks Nick,have a BLESSED DAY.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I’m 65 and retired with a great print idea.(SMILE)