FATHERDAUGHTER DUO OPEN STORE IN HYDE PARK

Sneakerville 88 is owned by James and Jameee Denman. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAMEEDENMAN.
Sneakerville 88 is owned by James and Jameee Denman. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAMEEDENMAN.

FATHERDAUGHTER DUO OPEN STORE
IN HYDE PARK

BY TIA CAROL JONES

James Denman and Jamee Denman opened the second location of Sneakerville 88 in Hyde Park more than two months ago. The first Sneaker Ville 88 in Bronzeville is
located at 122 E. 35th, suite B. James Denman said he wanted to open a location of the shoe boutique in Hyde Park because the neighborhood was always a nice, diverse area and he enjoys the culture.

“When you come into this store, and to separate this store from just your typical shoe store, I feel like it’s more homey. You should feel more comfortable coming in here to spend your money with us. When you come in, we’re attentive, we want to help you find the shoe for you, not just any shoe,” Jamee Denman said.

Sneakerville 88 in Hyde Park has shoes that people might not be able to find at typical shoe stores. The location really caters to young people with its selection. Layaway is available for those high school students and college students who come into the store. Jamee Denman is aware that some young people might not have all the money to purchase shoes that day. She wants the young people to know they can attain the nice shoes they see in the store. The goal is to be more attainable and Jamee wants to work with them.

“I know how it feels to be in a CPS school and see all of the Jordans and stuff, that’s something that’s big in school. To have on the newest pair of shoes is something that’s super important to students these days. That’s something I want them to still be able to enjoy, regardless of whether they have the funds or they don’t,” Jamee Denman said.

James Denman’s first business was named after his
daughter, Jamee’s Italian Beef & Pizza. After that, he
opened Harold’s Chicken on 35th and Indiana. In 2019,
he opened Harold’s Chicken 88 Sports Bar, located at
1450 S. Michigan Ave. James Denman wanted Jamee to
get an opportunity to see what it takes to run a business.
He wanted to give her a head start, with the hope she will
be able to pass the businesses down.

Since she was a kid, Jamee was hands on with the businesses. Now that she is older, she can be more
hands on and step in and be the face. She is aware that father-daughter entrepreneurs is not something that
you see often.

James Denman said 88 represents good luck and he graduated from high school in 1988. So, all of the businesses have 88 in their name.

James Denman said owning businesses is not easy but if it is someone’s goal, they can accomplish it, it takes a lot of hard work, drive and patience. He wants people to
know: Things don’t come overnight.

James Denman recalled telling people years prior to owning his first Harold’s Chicken that it was something he wanted to do. He also realized that 20 years ago, he wanted to own sneaker stores and now he owns them with his daughter. “Whatever it is that you want, put it out in the world, and if you really work hard for it, you’ll get it,” he said.

Jamee Denman wants those who are entrepreneurs
to keep going. She has started a few businesses
and said being consistent is hard when things aren’t
turning out the way a person might expect. At 26, she
is just beginning and does see herself going further
with it. She has a vision for franchise locations of
Sneakerville 88 and Sneaker Ville 88 in other states.

“We’re here for the community. We’re a big part of the community and we’re looking forward to enjoying Hyde Park and being a part of Hyde Park for years to come,” James said. Sneakerville 88 is located at 5241 S. Harper Ave. The website is sneakerville88.myshopify. com.

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