Meet Octavio Peru | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Octavio Peru and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Octavio, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My partner and I both come from very retail-heavy backgrounds and were tired of working for massive corporations that didn’t really care about us, selling products we didn’t care about ourselves. I’ve been a self-proclaimed “denim nerd” for a hot minute now, and I’ve always wanted to open up a shop with that in mind. So when my partner and I noticed over the years that Tucson has a decent number of boutiques for women but not too many for men, we put two and two together and decided we should give it a shot.

With Old Pueblo Denim, we wanted to create a comfortable space for people to hang out, shop, and get a feel for some ultra high-quality clothing; we exclusively seek out premium clothing that’s made sustainably by employees who are treated fairly. And while we have a focus on menswear, we try to make our space as inclusive as possible since all clothing is unisex if you try hard enough!

Long story short, we felt Tucson had a need for a higher grade of menswear, and we decided to meet it.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Opening Old Pueblo Denim with my partner is easily the life goal that I am most proud and excited about! It’s really a dream come true albeit a challenging one at times.

The biggest challenge I faced was my own insecurities about the business. I was unsure that we would sell anything, unsure of the market for our products, and unsure that I would be happy. I am happy to say that I have proven myself wrong several times over! I have to remind myself that nothing worth it is ever easy. It has been an uphill battle since day one but one definitely worth fighting!

I want people to know that despite its name Old Pueblo Denim isn’t just for denim nerds! We have something for everyone! Stop on by and say hi!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Coffee – Black Crown Coffee, Decibel, Presta, EXO

Food – Ikkyu, Kukai, BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs, Tacos Apson, Floras Market Run, Prep & Pastry, Bobo’s Restaurant, Cup Cafe, Ermanos

Shopping – El Be Boutique, San Agustin Trading Co., Petroglyphs, Bloom Maven, Why I Love Where I Live, REP TUC, SAVIOR, Willows Bazaar Boutique

Drink – The Century Room, Tough Luck Club, Portal Cocktails, Mr. Heads, IBT’s, The Boxyard, The Side Bar at 81 Barbers

Things to see/do – The Loft Cinema, Tucson Botanical Gardens, San Xavier del Bac Mission, Sonoran Desert Museum, Tumamoc Hill

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have a ton of these and y’all definitely shouldnt have let me pop off like this.

My partner, Cheyanne Martinez, has pushed me through thick and thin in life and work. She has always been there offering encouragement and support! Love you!

My parents, Juan and Yoli Peru, are my number one fans and I could not ask for better parents! Love y’all!

My sister & BIL, Larissa and Danny, are definitely my other number one fans! Thanks for always stopping in, bringing coffee, and just being you! Love y’all!

My brother, Gustavo, for being such a style god and a fashion inspiration! Thanks for coming in and chatting with me and always being funny! Love you!

My non immediate family has come showered us with support and encouragement and I could not be more grateful!

My best friends who come in and say hi and hang out! Love y’all!

My neighbors in the Mercado District who have been nothing but supportive and welcoming!

And finally all the wonderful customers who have come to the store and been so nice and helped make my dream come true.

Thanks to everyone so much!

Website: oldpueblodenim.com

Instagram: @oldpueblodenim

Image Credits
Sergio Sanchez