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by The People’s Minister of Information JR
I recently was in Leimert Park, the Black conscious Hip Hop district of Los Angeles, and I met the owners of 2 Dollz, sisters Kamilah and Adrianna. 2 Dollz is a company that custom designs shoes. And when I looked down at these sistas’ feet, their shoe game was killin’ em.
So all of you shoe collectors and fanatics as well as those who like to look unique and chic, check these sistas out in their own words. Then go and support Black business by showing your financial support.
M.O.I. JR: What is the story behind how you two got started designing shoes and taking it seriously?
2 Dollz: We started designing shoes because all through high school we wore Jordans. We would make our dad take us to Chicago to get colors not yet in Cleveland. We first designed T-shirts, then started altering shoes we would buy – adding a bow or cutting off a buckle, painting sparkle on shoes.
M.O.I. JR: How did you two know that you wanted to work together?
2 Dollz: We grew up together in a tight knit family, where our mom sewed us a few outfits as kids, and dad had suits made for his wardrobe. We won “best dressed family” in high school with our brother. We were destined to work together. We started out making each other shoes, then decided to design for friends and fam.
M.O.I. JR: How would you describe your style of hand painting shoes, and how did y’all develop it?
2 Dollz: We started out painting with a color blocking technique – then decided to add stripes, polka dots, animal print etc. We are both students of art. We love art.
M.O.I. JR: How long has the 2 Dollz brand been around, and how have people responded to your products?
2 Dollz: We’ve been designing for 10-plus years. We have been freelancing. We made 2dollz a business in the last five years. Started a website, 2dollz.com.
We get most of our business from entertainers and people who want to stand out. Our motto is “Why blend in … stand out!”
M.O.I. JR: What is the price range for your shoes?
2 Dollz: Our prices start at $75 for basic design. We’ve sold shoes with swarovski crystals for $650. We give our customers what they want. If they have a vision, we bring it to life.
M.O.I. JR: What is the creative and mechanical process like for you to create these shoes?
2 Dollz: Sometimes people tell us colors they like and say do what you want. If we don’t know them personally, we inquire about their likes and interests. We get an understanding of the person, then design them something made for them.
M.O.I. JR: Do you mostly sell shoes in the Los Angeles area?
2 Dollz: We don’t only sell in LA. We are from Cleveland and started there so we constantly have orders from there. We sell in LA, all over the US and internationally. We have a client who’s a pop star in Norway. She loves our shoes. So do her fans.
M.O.I. JR: How could people shop with 2 Dollz online?
2 Dollz: People can shop with us by going to our website, 2dollz.com, or on Instagram @the2dollz. Leave us a message at customizing2dz@gmail.com. Thanks for your time, JR. Peace, love and sparkle!
The People’s Minister of Information JR Valrey is associate editor of the Bay View, author of “Block Reportin’” and “Unfinished Business: Block Reportin’ 2” and filmmaker of “Operation Small Axe” and “Block Reportin’ 101,” available, along with many more interviews, at www.blockreportradio.com. He can be reached at blockreportradio@gmail.com.
