Sports Business Classroom Audio Experience is back with another episode of our “SBC Alumni Takeover Series,” and this time we have a new host, SBC Alum Alicia Solomon! Alicia is joined by MajorWavez Lab founder & designer, Ruben Barraza. Ruben is a major creator in the fashion space and has built his own sneaker customizing experience in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. MajorWavez offers classroom-style experiences for the public to get a taste of the designing and creative process for customizing their very own sneakers. Ruben was one of the most popular attractions at NBA Summer League in the past year with players and fans flocking to take part in the custom sneaker process.
In this episode, Alicia and Ruben discuss:
- How Ruben turned his hobby and interest in sneakers and fashion into a successful business model
- The marketing strategies needed in different markets
- Ruben’s experience at NBA Summer League and how it elevated his business
- Advice for anyone looking to break into the sports, fashion, and sneaker space
Prior to starting MajorWavez, Ruben worked retail for Guess and Urban Outfitters. While working in the retail space, he was customizing shoes as a hobby and showed potential as something more when notable designer Salehe Bembury reached out for a collaboration. This opportunity led to Ruben customizing shoes for the likes of A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, and many others. Ruben finally turned his hobby into MajorWavez, opening his first experience-based store in Los Angeles. After watching the growth soar, Ruben has expanded his operations out to a second location in Las Vegas and hosts popup workshops at different events around the country. Ruben shares his big plans ahead in this episode and we are thrilled to have him as a friend of SBC.
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Follow MajorWavez: Instagram
WHERE TO LISTEN
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SHOW NOTES
- Where is Ruben from? How Ruben began working in the fashion industry and his prior experience. What did parents think when Ruben first started MajorWavez? (2:15)
- How did Ruben turn his Hobby into a business? (4:15)
- Where does the name MajorWavez Lab come from? (5:25)
- How long has Ruben been in business for? What were the major transitions Ruben had to make when expanding MajorWavez? (6:50)
- How does Ruben create an experience people want to be a part of? (9:10)
- How to correctly price products and experiences? (11:00)
- What was Ruben’s sports background? (13:00)
- What was Ruben’s Summer League experience? How did the Summer League enhance business and relationship building? (14:30)
- What are Ruben’s biggest lessons he has learned on his journey? What is Ruben’s mindset when expanding business? (18:35)
- What is Ruben’s advice for looking to break into the fashion and sports space? (20:30)
- What is next for MajorWavez? (21:40)
- Where can people find MajoeWavez? (23:50)
