In 2018, Jay Villanova decided to pursue his passion for shoes professionally and launched Casino Kicks.
Villanova, who is a dealer at the casino at Encore Boston Harbor, says he started his business on Instagram as more of a side gig.
But through posting daily, attending sneaker shows and consistently buying, selling and trading shoes online, Villanova was able to grow his following to almost 13,000 people.
This success online helped Villanova fulfill a lifelong dream in December when he cut the ribbon on his brick-and-mortar store in Johnston.
“Just years and years of growing and staying consistent,” Villanova said. “It took a long time.”
With the storefront up and running, Villanova says it’s much easier for customers to come in and check out the wide variety of shoes in all sizes and price ranges he has in stock. He also posts shoes that are available in the store almost daily on Instagram.
Now that he’s accomplished his goal of opening a physical location, Villanova says he hopes to continue growing his business and spend more time in Rhode Island.