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

Hi Monique, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Ever since I was little I’ve had a gift of art and been looking for a way to use it. I would spend most of my days just drawing, there would be times I wouldn’t even go outside to play just would sit in the house and just draw. My mom would even sometimes force me to go out and play. But as I got older and with things happened in life I had felt I had lost and gotten away from my gift of art. So, one day me and my boyfriend were just having a conversation on the phone and he asked me? “ Have you ever thought about drawing on shoes?” I said no “ I never thought about it but that sounds like a good idea and something to try out.” So I watched a bunch of you tube videos on the process on customizing shoes and researched on the best products to use. He bought me my first set of paint and supplies and gave me a pair of his shoes to customize and said “Let me see what you can do. “ I painted them and they came out pretty good but we both saw things I could improve on. I can admit I was holding back on really going all out because the whole process was new to me. So he gave me a second pair of shoes. Now keep in mind you know guys these days are shoe fanatics and don’t play about their shoes. And he’s one of them . This dude has like 200 or more pairs of shoes. So I knew this dude must really have faith in me. This time he gave me the assignment of some “Sho-nuff” from the movie “The Last Dragon.” This time when they were finished he was like “ Babe…you kilt these!” So finally, He bought a fresh pair of nike airforces and I customized them with the theme of “ Dragonball.” For those that don’t know it’s a popular anime that comes on. I had put them online and sold them. Ever since then, people would see my work online and message me for shoes and that’s how I started Erratic Kickz. So I am so grateful for him and everybody that has supported me on this journey. I’m just glad I’ve finally found a way to do something I love and in a way that also people really enjoy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me apart from other shoe artists is that my key goal is to make one of a kind artwork. I always say “ Why spend money on something everyone else has when you can invest in something one of a kind?” So I work closely with all my clients to create personalized pieces to their liking. Also since I make one of kind pieces I’ll never repeat the same artwork. So I’ll never do the same shoe exactly the same. I think what also is a big attribute to my business is that I communicate with my clients. I’m always a phone call or text away if my clients have any questions or issues. I can surely say this process hasn’t been easy especially dealing with the pandemic at the same time. There has even been a time I barely had any business coming through. I just kept pushing and prayed. Kept posting on social media advertising and showing my work. More and more people started to take notice and next thing I knew the orders started flowing. One thing this process has taught me is patience cause you will have your ups and downs running a business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Now you know us ladies love a good brunch and you know there’s got to be mimosas. Also we would probably do some pampering like get some manicures and pedicures. Do some shopping. At night get glammed up and go to nice lounge with a good dj. Just enjoying a good night out.

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?
I want to thank Tyrese Pretlow for helping me get started on this journey. I also I’d like to thank Hannah McCrary for referring you guys to interview me. And also everyone who has supported my business. None of this would be possible without you guys.

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Website: www.erratickickz.com

Instagram: @erratic_kickz

Facebook: Erratickickz

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