Meet Darryl Blanding

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darryl Blanding. 

Hi Darryl, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Since a younger child, sneaker have been my passion! I use to love everything from My converse with “react juice”, Jordan’s, and even sneakers with my favorite cartoon characters on them. I just couldn’t get enough. Keeping them clean was always my mission. As a kid, I would maintain my pairs, and my siblings to keep them fresh for school. I’d use a toothbrush, wet it, rub it into a face soap bar, and get to work. I figured if I could use this on my skin, it should be safe on our sneakers, and for that time it did the trick. 

I started in the sneaker industry by creating YouTube videos about my favorite sneakers. From there I curated several Art & Sneaker showcases while consulting for different sneaker retailers and helping them create content. When it came to Detroit Sneaker culture, I’ve always had my hand in something. 

I was a Showroom manager for the Canadian brand Kit & Ace; It was the best job I’ve ever had. After almost two years of working for them, they shut down all the US locations, and I was unemployed. I was never let go before, and I can admit now that I was heartbroken. Even though that was tough, the summer of 2017 was one of the best summers of my life. My first son was 3 at the time, and I spent my summer being close to him. I also got married to my amazing wife that year as well. 

The summer of 2017 was the start of many things for myself, and my business partner/friend Don, who was also a part of that lay-off with me. We used our free to create! When I wasn’t with my wife and son, I was with him sorting out ideas. We created some cool things, the biggest being Clean Sneaker Care. At the end of the summer, I started to work on the Management Team at the Carhartt store, but I was thinking, “what can I do with my hands to provide for my family.” Cleaning sneakers was it! I’ve always taken the time to maintain my collection. After I had kids, it became therapy and much-needed alone time. I shared the idea with Don and we haven’t looked back. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Like Talib Kweli said, it’s a “beautiful struggle.” It’s been tough, but it’s all been amazing! CLEAN was a part-time gig at first, that was being ran out of my apartment, and Don’s loft. We were doing pick-ups, drop-offs, and meet-ups. it was very unsustainable. As we grew people were pulling up with where I was, including my job at the Carhartt store. To solve this, we knew we had to find a space, and that was tough, but we stumbled on the Pony ride program through the Boys and Girls club, and it was an instant problem solver. 

Starting was a challenge as well. No one was bringing pairs to us at first. So, I started cleaning myself and my son’s sneakers and sharing it. We finally gained people’s trust and began to build our client base as we got better and better. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We are a lifestyle sneaker care company, that cleans and freshens up your favorite pairs. Outside of cleaning sneakers I’m a passionate influencer and curator. I’ve been blessed to create with brands such as footlocker, Shinola, and more. I’m most proud of just being able to contribute to the culture in many different ways. It could be sneaker care, art, fashion, all if it is exciting, and allows me to share my thoughts and ideas. What sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and my passion for creating memorable experiences. 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
First, my family. My wife and two sons are my everything! Providing for them, making them proud, and keeping a smile on their faces are what I live for. To get even deeper, my wife makes me happiest! If it wasn’t for her, I would not have been able to mentally be where I’m at, and push to where I’m going. She is incredible! Sneakers are right after my family. Sneaker culture has always made me happy, and now it’s allowing me to build a legacy! 

Pricing:

• Cleanings – $15 Light Cleans & $25 Deep cleans
• Paint touch-ups are also available.
• For all details check out Cleansneakercare.com

Contact Info:

• Email: info@cleansneakercare.com
• Website: https://www.cleansneakercare.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleansneakercare/?hl=en
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/clue313/?hl=en

Image Credits
@Jimmy_goldfingers