Amy Rohler introduced Christopher Saldarriaga, owner of Uptwn Kix, who spoke to us about his entrepreneurial journey to opening his business in Jamestown with an eye to giving back to his community.
Christopher was born and raised in New York City. Adversity between Christopher and his parents caused him to move to Jamestown. His first job was with the YMCA as the “Y” guy; later he became the door man at CC Ring School where he was known as “SHOES”. His new business “UPTWN KIX” is located across the street from the Doubletree Hotel dining room.
Christopher’s first employer wanted to help him either with his education or to start his business. Instead, Christopher decided to move to Pennsylvania and there he learned more about merchandising.
Eventually, he moved back to Jamestown and once again his former employer said he would pay for his education or help start the business. Once you start to learn – you don’t know much.
Chris has several mantras – one is Give first and then receive. When he received a loan, he vowed to tithe 10% and give back to the community. He did this by giving free haircuts and free food. Christopher loves to give back to those less fortunate.
Christopher educated himself with audio books and developed new philosophies. “Don’t make excuses but opportunities.” “Build and create connections with all people in the community.” He learned to sell sneakers, continuing to learn about merchandising every day. He wants to bring the Big City to a small town.
UPTWN KIX is a path to bigger things. Custom futures will be next, and he will help customers customize shoes unique to themselves, workboots, dress shoes, etc. 5 to 10 kids could speak to rotary to give them a chance to engage. He also hopes to add other services such cleaning, restoration and coddling of favorite shoes that people already own.
Christopher’s journey on Second Street proved to not be the most desirable location for his business. It did force him to be a great marketer and become more resourceful. He found that you can learn more through adversity.
Christopher’s hope for UPTWN KIX is to become more fashionable and stay up with the trends. Sneakers have become a broader asset class – some have appreciated over time, and he highlighted sneakers designed by Mark Wahlberg and Michael Jordan. He intends to add more Nikes, Asis, Converse, On1cloud, and work on cleats. He is working on personalizing sneakers; he does have a customizer who can bring imagination into reality.
John Kinder of the Northwest Arena and Christopher took several kids to a class at the Credit Union. Speaking with these children gives them a safe place to talk; discuss; and foster plans to assist them attain their dreams. He is hoping to partner with the Randolph Academy and give the young people a chance to improve their lives.
