Since his junior year of high school in 2009, customizing shoes has become a passion for Demetrius Mensah. To this day, he has designed and/or customized shoes for Platinum Hip Hop recording artist Young Jeezy, NBA All-Star John Wall, Founder of Dicks Cottons Sunglasses Rich Amundson, Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball Coach Buzz Williams, and many others. Demetrius received both local and national recognition for his work, but none of it would have been possible without the support and encouragement of family, friends, and mentors. For that, Demetrius remains eternally grateful.

Demetrius’ talent has expanded into apparel design/construction and accessory customization, and has now added articles of clothing separate from shoes and accessories to his Ground Breaker Customs inventory. His goals now consist of bettering himself with every piece of work he completes, giving customers a wearable piece of art they can take pride in, and working tirelessly to be a role model for others to find their own ‘sneaker drawing’. He wants to serve as an example of optimism and hope; and show that with nothing other than your M.I.N.D. (Magnificent Intuition and Neverending Determination), you can turn nothing into something.

Year born: 1992

Age: 22

City: Milwaukee, WI

Background: Marquette University, Art Institute of Portland, Model for Savage Models & Management, Entrepreneur, Personal Development Coach

Profession: Shoe Customizer & Freelance Designer

Tools of the Trade: Juki PLC- 1710-7 Postbed industrial sewing machine, Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint, Oregon Leather Co. (leather store: leather and leather supplies), Various shoe brands such as Adidas, Nike, Jordan, Puma, Reebok, Supra, Vans, and many more

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