We had the good fortune of connecting with Devonn Vidal and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Devonn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have never done well as an employee. I’m sure most other entrepreneurs can relate to that sentiment. My work history is plastered with a combination of small startup concepts, and short-term employment runs. Sneakky Klean started as an idea in 2017 when I was in search of someone or company to clean my sneakers. I was always short on free time. During that period, I was a partner in 2 different restaurant ventures and detested the fact that my sneakers were always dirty, and I never had the time to properly clean or service them. That service was unavailable in Miami. After I exited the restaurant industry in 2019, I decided there was no better time to give this idea life and see if it had any roots. Not an immediate success but the need for the service was definitely confirmed with most customers expressing a combination of joy and relief verbalizing expressions like ‘ I’ve been looking for this service for so long! Thank you for doing this.’ That was confirmation enough for me to go full time into Sneakky Klean
What should our readers know about your business?
Sneakky Klean was the first of its kind in Miami Dade and Broward. We provide our customers with sneaker cleaning services and products. Our service model operates through pickup and delivery from customers home or office offering convenience and efficient service with only a 48 hour turn around. We focus on the quality of work we perform and hold our customers and their sneakers at the core of our business. Our goal is to improve the condition and durability of your sneakers. SUDS by Sneakky, our cleaning kit is the only kit on the market that contains a sneaker deodorizer which eliminates smells. I am most excited about the future of my business and the industry at large. It’s such a beautiful thing to see the sneaker culture adopted by individuals of all walks of life and embraced even more so by the younger generation. The technology that is now being used in sneaker designs and the creation of secondary industries is also very exciting to me. Nothing worth having comes easy! Sometimes I have to remind myself that success doesn’t happen overnight, and it requires consistency. Just keep on moving. 1 customer, 1 pickup, 1 pair of shoes , 1 delivery at a time . This business has taught me many lessons which will shape how I continue to grow and do business in the future. The biggest takeaway so far is the value of planning and creating systems in one’s personal and business life. Without proper planning we are like dogs chasing our tails in circles with no sense of direction.
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.
Coffee in Little Havana, Dinner and drinks in Wynwood, El Primos for Taco Tuesday, Bodega on South Beach, ( RIP Purdy ), Wood Tavern for the vibes, Riverside / The Wharf Miami ,The Anderson for low key vibe BlackBird,Victory (midtown)
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?
My family and friends have been supportive from the start. My brother Merv has played a key role as my main advisor and my parents has been supportive in every way possible. Love you mama! My friends for being my first customers (and critics) and my mentors for always being available for advice and guidance! Most importantly our customers! Without them our business is just an idea. Special thanks to Tash also!
Website: www.sneakky.com
Instagram: @sneakkyklean
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/devonn-vidal-078aa7a8
Twitter: @sneakkyklean
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/sneakkyklean/?tsid=0.15280882924349448&source=result
Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/sneakky-klean-miami
Image Credits
Image 1 @seriusmedia
Wow !!!!!!!! Such a wonderful idea …. such good work…. such a brilliant young man . The before and after pics?! Amazing!!!!!! Keep on doing your thing Devonn…. so awesome to see a young man with a good (and cute 😁)head on his shoulders . God bless you son .