Meet Daniel Chimbi | Entrepreneur & Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Chimbi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is something you shouldn’t feel scared to do.

Risks have played a very good role in my career because now I am my own boss and without the risk then I wouldn’t move out of my comfort circle.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is SoledDNA. It is a resell business. We obtain the most sought out sneakers, and provide them to our customers. The proudest thing about my business is the fact that we can make someone’s day with a pair of shoes. The way this business started, was actually as a hobby. At the age of 13 I had my first pair of Jordans and from there my love for shoes started. My mother didn’t have the money to buy me every pair, so instead I would trade them for other shoes I would like. 1 pair became 2, 2 pairs became 4, and so on. Once I got older I saw the amount of money that is in this industry and I started to sell shoes around the age of 19. Then from a hobby it became a side job. It took a while to get customers and a lot of time but at the age of 23 it started to grow and it was taking over my regular day job. I had to choose between being a chef and having my own business. It wasn’t easy but I chose shoes. It hasn’t been super easy but I have overcome a lot within the past few years. I want the world to know that taking that risk could be the best thing, if it doesn’t work the first time, recuperate, and try again. Life is about failing, those are lessons that you learn along the journey of life. Learn from those lesson and keep succeeding.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to see all of Miami’s beautiful scenery. From taking them from Wynwood, to Brickell, and even the to where I grew up. In wynwood I would take them to Uchi. I’ve eaten there many times and honestly one of the best Japanese Restaurants in Miami. We would hang out around there and view all the Graffiti and Artwork that was done by local artists. I would also take them to eat at Flanigan’s because it is a Miami staple. I would take them to drink at Miami Mojito Company because who does a refreshing mojito under the Miami sun. Of course we will visit the beautiful beaches that we have. My two favorite beaches are Hollywood and North Beach. We can enjoy some of the food around those area. I love to check out the best restaurants in Miami especially the mom and pops shops that locals know. Talking about local food, I would also take them to Pinolandia and enjoy some Nicaragüense food. I would then show them around where I grew up, in North Miami Beach. There isn’t much to see there, but the memories that were created there shaped who I am today.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A few people in my life have really changed and supported me in many ways. My mother, Gladis, my wife, Gabriela, my mentors, Ian and Sebastian. They have all helped me shaped my life and have given me advice on many different things.

Instagram: Thekid.soleddna