SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, some businesses suffered. However, one Sioux Falls shop born during the pandemic thrived and continues to expand.
Victor Hernandez-Diaz has had a passion for shoes since high school.
“I started noticing classmates with, like, the newest pair of Jordans or like Air Force ones. And then I got super into it, did my research, fell in love with it. And then through that, the passion turned into a business,” PBT Owner, Victor Hernandez-Diaz said.
PB&Thrift opened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So I actually grew a decent little following on TikTok. Just making a ton of, sneaker related content, clothing related content through a following on there. And then through that, I was able to start an online store. The online store did pretty well, and, was able to raise enough capital and inventory that once Covid ended, I was able to open up my first shop,” Hernandez-Diaz said.
But now, a few years after he started the store, Hernandez-Diaz is rebranding. He now calls the store PBT.
“The word thrift kind of put us in a little box of, ‘oh, they’re a thrift store there,’ like, you know, a second hand spot and whatnot. And that wasn’t really what we’re trying to go with,” Hernandez-Diaz said.
With the rebrand, the shop’s also relocated to The Bridges at 57th.
“As you know, the city evolves and gets bigger. We also want to evolve and get bigger with the city,” Hernandez-Diaz said.
Showing that a high schooler with a vision and passion can do amazing things.
“Life is so short. You have to take risks. You have to take chances on yourself,” Hernandez-Diaz said.
