Brandon Avaroa's journey began in Amecameca, Mexico, and took him to Glendale, Arizona, before he finally found his home in Arlington, Texas. Immigrating at the tender age of 6, Brandon's career in the hospitality industry started from the ground up, working as a busboy and eventually becoming a bartender at one of DFW's most exclusive spots, where the 1% gather to network and mingle.
While mixing drinks, Brandon's passion for sneakers grew, eventually flourishing into a full-fledged business during the pandemic. He started by selling sneakers directly to clients at gas stations and out of the trunk of his car, later transitioning to traveling the country's sneaker conventions from coast to coast, from New York to Los Angeles. Witnessing the progress and feeling the excitement, Brandon knew it was time to take the next logical step and open a storefront.
With unwavering support from his incredible team and guided by faith, Brandon took a leap of faith. Within just two years, his dream turned into reality, and Commodities opened its doors. Nine months into this thrilling venture, they're encountering learning curves and facing adversities, but every obstacle is embraced as an opportunity to grow.
Located in the heart of downtown Arlington, Commodities channels Brandon's passion for sneakers and offers an unforgettable shopping experience. The brand believes in perseverance, continuous improvement, and above all, innovation. Join Brandon and the team on this exhilarating journey as they explore the world of sneakers and build a brand that resonates with sneakerheads from all walks of life. Together, they'll lace up and walk the path towards success.
Ashley Nichole Flores is a 24-year-old Arlington, Texas native, on a mission to break generational curses and build a lasting legacy for her family. She is a first-generation honors graduate of the class of 2021, holding a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a minor in Business from the University of Texas at Arlington.
One year after graduating, Ashley, alongside her business partner Brandon, made the bold decision to turn their side hustle into a full-time business venture. They opened their boutique, Commodities, in downtown Arlington. The goal at Commodities is to strengthen the social fabric of downtown Arlington by offering pop culture attire, collectibles, and sneakers, attracting a diverse range of demographics and consumers to visit their shop and others in the area.
As a First-Generation Latina, Ashley is driven to inspire others in her community, showing them that they are more than capable of achieving their dreams. Her roots are deeply engrained in Arlington, from Blanton Elementary to Carter Jr High and Arlington High School. Ashley even attended Cisco College on a full-ride soccer scholarship in West, Texas, before finishing a few classes at TCC and ultimately graduating from UTA.
Ashley's dream is to one day establish an organization that gives back to students in her community while becoming a highly influential community leader. Her roots will forever be engrained in Arlington, Texas, and she's committed to making a positive impact on her community and beyond. Join Ashley on her journey to success with Commodities, a brand deeply connected to community values.