Create how you Create with Diego
We sat down with Diego to see how he creates.
Story Writen by: Scott Morris
Taking over a failing business
is no easy task. Taking over a failing business that has lost the trust of its community is an even bigger fear. However, @divineshineee has turned a failing self car wash and detailing spot into the center point of a Houston community.
At 25, Diego wasn’t sure what he wanted to do outside of making some money quickly. And coming out of the tail end of the Covid-19 pandemic, he wanted to do something big. He took that leap by selling his house and purchasing an old, unreliable car wash in the heart of Second Ward.
When he took the carwash over, it was seen as a sore in the community. Not only was it outdated, but the machines were also unreliable and would take people’s money without providing any service.
“I saw what it was making and tried to think of ideas to bring this place back to life. People weren’t coming here because they did not trust it…”
He had two ideas once he took over; put his own touch on the place for personal high-quality detailings, and a place where a variety of events could be hosted. He prides himself in the work he does detailing cars because it allows him to not only connect with a ton of members near and around the community, but also bring joy to those wanting to treat their car right.
“It became falling in love with the process of not just learning businesses, but also being so welcomed into a community filled with so much love and unique individuals.”
The process of getting to this point was difficult with its reputation within the community. Diego made it his mission to get the business not only running, but a staple in their part of town. After three months of completely rebuilding the business, he began going door to door throughout the neighborhood his business was located in. Days at a time, he would spend time down the streets of Second Ward talking and getting to know his neighbors to build a sense of camaraderie that the business longed for.
“We started discussing potentially throwing events here and that’s exactly what we did. We showed the neighborhood there is life here.”
Divine Shine has three types of events throughout the year; a biannual block party, a Summer Nights on Canal event hosted twice in the summer, and other cars and coffee types of events with the possibility of adding a Winter Nights on Canal event.
During one of his first events, he remembers the party almost being shut down. Police officers showed up and told him how he couldn’t take up the street and parking lot. In the moment, he was able to tell the officer that it was his property and went about his night at the event. That night brought a great sense of pride for what he was creating in his business.
With both events and detailing, Diego is able to put his own touch on what a business can do. At face value, you do not expect much more from a car washing place than just that. However, Diego has proven that nothing can stop your creative desires to impact yourself and a community.
“There’s no replacement for hustle. I am pretty authentic when it comes to my [work]… It’s putting your own spin onto things. Seeing something and trying to put your own sauce to it.”
"Tell the homies youre proud of them before they are dust and bones" T-Shirt
"Tell the homies youre proud of them before they are dust and bones" in our Vintage Inspired Boxy Tee. Made with 100% carded cotton.
"Tell the homies youre proud of them before they are dust and bones" T-Shirt Size Guide
Size label | A | B | C |
---|---|---|---|
S
|
27.76
|
208
|
96
|
M
|
29.13
|
21.65
|
9.45
|
L
|
30.51
|
23.23
|
9.45
|
XL
|
31.89
|
24.8
|
10.24
|
2XL
|
33.27
|
26.38
|
10.63
|
3XL
|
346
|
27.95
|
112
|