When you walk in the doors of Retro City Sneaker Boutique, it is unlike anything else in the El Dorado area. The store is a haven for sneakerheads and casual buyers alike.
Owners Brandon Mack and Lawrence Teasley went through quite the process to start the business and introduce a concept that was new to the area. With guidance from the Southern Arkansas University ASBTDC, they opened Retro City in 2022.
Teasley recently responded to questions about their experience.
Q: What was it like starting a small business?
A: Starting a small business is not for the weak. I would definitely say it was harder than expected. It didn’t happen overnight. Starting the business took a lot of leg work and determination.
One of the most important things we did was get a solid business plan put together that really made the difference when going to lenders. It took hours of research and lots of hard work, but the plan made it possible to get the funding we needed.
Q: What led you to the decision to start your business?
A: There were several factors that led us to start Retro City Sneaker Boutique. The first, of course, was a love of shoes. We also wanted to have a positive impact on the community and provide a place where sneakerheads could get their shoes locally.
Last, like anyone else starting a business, our biggest drive is to pursue financial freedom and be our own bosses.
Q: How did you decide to be partners?
A: We grew up together. Being childhood friends, there was a trust factor and a bond already in place. It was also so much easier to share the workload than it would have been if one of us had tried to pursue this alone.
Q: What does each of you bring to the table?
A: Brandon, being a small business owner already and a sneakerhead himself, brings knowledge of the product and entrepreneurship,
I have a history in real estate and business, as well as a military background, and bring a business-minded approach and structure to the partnership.
Q: If you could do anything differently, what would it be?
A: Starting a business is something that can’t be done perfectly, but we learned a lot along the way. We would try to be better prepared and learn to use less of our own money for the startup process. It also would have been extremely useful to reach out to more resources like the ASBTDC.
More Than Shoes
This isn’t just a shoe store; it’s a shrine for sneakerheads and a haven for those seeking footwear with style and comfort. Mack and Teasley have created something unique and something that is more than just a place to buy shoes; it is a reflection of their vision and values.
You can learn more about Retro City Sneaker Boutique by visiting their Facebook page and see more about their progress in our national report.