Welcome back to The Attorney Sekou Podcast, where law meets life and stories create legends. In this powerful and creative episode, Sekou sits down with Juan Felipe “Pepe” López, a world-renowned Colombian artist whose custom sneaker art has taken him from painting in his bedroom during the pandemic to collaborations with Adidas and major reggaetón stars like Anuel and Manuel Turizo.
But Pepe’s story isn’t just about sneakers — it’s about legacy, originality, and building a global brand while staying true to your roots. From embedding emeralds into Air Force 1s to showcasing his art in luxury galleries, Pepe shares how his Colombian identity and family history in the emerald trade shaped his artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit.
Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or creative professional—this episode is full of gems on what it takes to create lasting, original work in a crowded industry.
IN THIS EPISODE:-The journey from painting sneakers during COVID to working with Adidas
-Why originality matters more than perfection
-The story behind emerald-encrusted sneakers and art in global galleries
-How to protect your creative voice without gatekeeping
-What artists must understand about business to truly grow
-Pepe’s personal definition of success, happiness, and legacy
-How to start—before you're “ready”
Connect with Pepe:Instagram:
@artbypepeWebsite: https://www.artbypepe.com
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