MAKER: MONXI GARZA

The idea for SUAVS shoes came from the need for a comfortable, versatile, yet stylish shoe for everyday wear. After more than a year of research, sketching, designing and prototyping, Monxi created SUAVS Shoes. All the materials are carefully handpicked and rigorously tested for chemicals proving they are the softest and safest for your feet, while maintaing the design and production is kept clean and minimal.

SUAVS comes from the English and Spanish versions of the word ‘suave.’ It means soft in Spanish, and in English the word describes someone as being sophisticated, charming and classy. SUAVS Shoes are the epitome of modern, stylish comfort. The slip on is made of the most comfortable fabrics and come with microfiber terry insocks, which provides elasticity, air venting and moisture wicking. Designed for women and men on the go, the everyday shoe is specifically designed to prevent blistering even when going sockless.

Discover why Monxi chose Austin to be SUAVS Shoes home by checking out the interview below.

WHY DOES SUAVS SHOES CALL AUSTIN HOME

SUAVS launched and is based here in Austin, TX! We design everything and operated out of our offices here.

SUAVS Shoes are made for people with an active lifestyle. They’re designed to empower people’s lives instead of dictating what you can or can’t do or where you can or can’t go. Austinites are everything we envision the SUAVS person to be and this is why we’ve decided to make Austin SUAVS’ home!

FAVORITE SONG/ARTIST/ALBUM FOR A SPARK OF CREATIVITY

I usually have Spotify make a random playlist for me. Currently, I really enjoy listening to Alaska by Maggie Rogers.

BIGGEST DEBATE OF ALL: COFFEE or TEA, BE SPECIFIC ;)

Coffee 100%! I can’t function without my cup of black coffee first thing in the morning.

WHO DO YOU FOLLOW FOR INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

Jonathan Anderson, Christopher Kane, Nathan Lewis, the Parsons School of Design Instagram accounts, Del Pozo, Alessandro Michele, Hypebeast, Highsnobiety.

Tim Ferriss for – I also really enjoy listening to his podcasts.

GO TO MID-DAY SNACK or ROUTINE FOR CREATIVE FUEL

I’m a regular at Juice Austin. I always get their Double Awesome Smoothie with added Kale for an extra pump of energy.

If I’m working really late at night and have a deadline for next morning, I will make myself some coffee and buy a chocolate bar to give me a boost.

WHERE DO YOU DESIGN BEST? EX: HOME, STUDIO, NATURE, ETC.

I enjoy designing at the SUAVS office. The space is brighter and we have a large table and computer where I can sketch and photoshop. We also do our Product photography there, and sometimes I’ll bring in some fun props to create new, fun imagery.

WHY DID YOU CHOSE TO BE A DESIGNER

I’ve always loved art and design. I also loved experimenting with clothing by trying on my mother’s vintage clothes or creating things on my own by hand stitching or later on with a sewing machine.

I love soft and comfortable fabrics and materials. So I knew the moment I wanted to be a designer, I also wanted to focus on making clothes or accessories that would be super soft and comfortable when worn.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING MOMENT SO FAR OF SUAVS SHOES

There have been 2 very exciting moments for SUAVS so far. The first was when we first started noticing random people wearing SUAVS Shoes out on the street! This was an amazing experience!

The second was earlier this year when we reached a 400% from our funding goal on Kickstarter and were able to make the new Lace Up sneaker collection.

HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE THE SUAVS SHOES BRAND STANDS OUT

SUAVS is a minimalist brand. So our main focus is to create shoes that don’t stand out too much and are great for versatility and every day wear. At the same time, we do put a lot of emphasis on the details. We want people to remember the comfort and style once wearing their shoes or hearing about them from their friends.

WHO HAS HAD THE MOST CREATIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE

My Design teacher in Fashion Design School was probably the person who gave me the tools to bring the most out of my creativity. She taught me how to organize my design and brainstorming process.

HOW HAS SOCIAL HELPED SUAVS SHOES

Social Media has been a great tool to build brand awareness. Since SUAVS are mostly sold online, the best way to reach our audience has been through social media.

WHAT OTHER ARTISTS HAS SUAVS SHOES LOVED COLLABORATING WITH

We are currently collaborating with NYC artist JayDee. She hand paints her art on clothing and footwear, creating incredible, unique and one of a kind statement pieces.

She created 6 unique works of art on our shoes, which you can order online.

HOW IMPORTANT IS SHOPPING LOCAL TO YOU

I try to shop local as much as possible. Especially when I’m gift shopping, I look for brands that are based here in Austin. Gifting local product is not only great because you’re helping out with your purchase, but you’re also helping by promoting the local brand to your friends and family.

HOW HAS THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU

The Austin community has been amazing! There are so many networking events, so much local talent that we’ve been able to work and collaborate with. One group I especially like and have attended is Boss Babes. I’ve been able to meet a lot of babes in the creative industry and created great connections and friendships.

WOULD SUAVS BE OPEN TO A DESIGN COLLAB WITH A LOCAL AUSTIN ARTIST

Absolutely! We’re always looking for new and fun collaborations.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT SUAVS

The fabric we use are super comfy and breathable, and their insoles are removable, breathable and sweat wicking, making these the comfiest shoes to wear without socks!

WHERE CAN SUPPORTERS FIND SUAVS DESIGNS

SUAVS are available online at www.suavs.com

WHAT SETS SUAVS APART FROM OTHER CASUAL FOOTWEAR BRANDS

SUAVS Shoes focuses on all day comfort and versatility. You can wear these shoes every day from work to running errands to the gym, and you can also take them on your travels!

AUSTIN LOCAL INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS

MUST-SEE RECOMMENDATION(S) FOR THOSE TRAVELING TO AUSTIN

People coming to Austin for the first time should definitely make time to see the bats. It’s something you don’t see everywhere and very unique to Austin.

If it’s warm out, I like to recommend a dip in Barton Springs to cool off and then having a nice, big lunch around the area.

FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD TRUCK

My favorite food truck is the Gyros Authentic Greek Food Truck on South 1st. Their Gyros are the closest thing to a Gyro I’ve tried this side of the Atlantic! They’re seriously great, you have to try them out.

FAVORITE LOCAL CURATED BOUTIQUE

My favorite boutique is Hacienda Collection. They really like to support local talent, while offering really nicely curated products.

FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP(S)

My favorite coffee shop here in Austin is Radio Coffee. It’s really close to our office and I love that they’ve got Veracruz Tacos right outside and you can have a complete breakfast or brunch right there.