From $30 to CEO: Raynei Villarreal on Faith & Creative Entrepreneurship

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Raynei Villarreal

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Raynei Villarreal

Faith, Perseverance, and Custom Kicks: My Conversation with Raynei Villarreal

Every now and then on UPBEAT, I get to sit down with someone whose story feels like it’s speaking directly to me. This conversation with Raynei Villarreal, CEO and Creative Director of GMRT Customs, was exactly that.

Raynei’s story is one of grit, creativity, and faith. He moved to the United States from Venezuela at 18 years old, chasing the American Dream. Like so many of us starting out, he worked the kinds of jobs that keep you going but don’t light you up. Jobs like cleaning cars, washing dishes, waiting tables. But deep down, he knew he was made for more.

“The one recipe for success is: don’t quit.” – Raynei Villarreal

The Moment Everything Changed

GMRT Customs didn’t begin as a sneaker company. It started as a fitness clothing brand, shifted into streetwear, and even had retail stores. The turning point came when a friend introduced him to custom sneakers.

He started experimenting in the back of his store — painting logos, laser-engraving patterns, even taking shoes apart and putting them back together. In 2021, a mentor told him what he already knew deep down: the shoes were the business.

So he went all-in. He closed his stores, stopped selling clothing, and moved operations into his garage. When he made that decision, he had about $30 in the bank and 30 days to figure it out.

Today, GMRT Customs creates 1-of-1 wearable art for everyone from mom-and-pop shops to billion-dollar companies.

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Faith as the Foundation

Three years ago, Raynei became a Christian. That decision shifted everything for him. The way he runs his business, the way he views success, the way he carries himself.

I personally connected with that deeply. Before bringing UPBEAT back after nearly an 8-month hiatus, I spent months working to get aligned again — with myself, my values, and with God.

Funny enough, the moment he brought up Jesus during our recording, our tech started glitching. I even said on the show, “Someone doesn’t want this message to get out there.” But we made sure it did.

Why I’m Sharing This with You

UPBEAT is about voice, purpose, and alignment — building something meaningful without losing yourself. Raynei’s story embodies all of that.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or tempted to quit… if you’ve ever needed proof that perseverance, faith, and purpose can change everything… this episode is it. You were created to create! You have things you're passionate about. Those ideas you've had for a side hustle? They're there for a reason, and it's totally possible for you.