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

Hi Samuel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When it comes to the topic of work and life being in balance I have a unique approach. I never try to seek balance because I do not think or feel I could equally work hard and live my life just as “hard”. I dedicate my time in energy into my store , it has been given true blood, sweat, And tears to get to where it is now and it has such a long way to go it will continually evolve into a better and better store giving a better and bettwr experience for the consumer. I always give my family everything I have when I have the opportunity to give that, everything I am building is for them, they are my “why?”and when I get time with them I give them my all but it hasn’t been as much time as I would truly want……yet. Life of an entrepreneur!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Kicks Source is a destination where every and anyone can enjoy an environment that is centered around sneakers and acceptance for everyone’s individuality and style! I am excited for the growth and expansion of what we’ve built, excited about our reach through out Texas and the world! The way I got to where I am is by hustling sneakers for years and years. I have been buying, selling, and trading kicks since I was 8 or 9 years old…now I’m 27 almost 28 so it’s been awhile that I’ve been doing this. All of the wins and losses over the years molded me and The Kicks Source to what we both are today. People always say “You got a store so fast!” And I just laugh a little because in my head I’m thinking that this took me 19-20 years to get here. It was not easy, but I’ve learned to respect the peaks and valleys of life. I overcame so much by being ok with progress no matter how slow, and learning patience. I want the world to know that The Kicks Source is more than just a sneaker store or resell shop, it is a community that is sourcing off the happiness it can bring to others.

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.
If my best friend were to visit I would start off by eating a great breakfast from Ol South Pancake House right down from TCU! Then we are going to go grab a burger from M&O Grill they are so delicious and the ingredients are super fresh every single time. Them of course I would swing by Docs Records because they just always have something crazy and interesting to see. And for the late night vibe will swing over to serious pizza and grub on the huge slices. And of course show them what 7th street has to offer

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a huge shout out to my mom. I always tell people that she is the reason the store is where it is today. She has done so much behind the scenes people would have no idea, my mother definitely deserves the world for the help she has given me as well as The Kicks Source.

Website: Www.thekickssource.com

Instagram: @thekickssource

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKicksSource?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
John Benitez www.john-benitez.com @johnbenitez

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