Tell us about how you got into skateboarding?
It all started when I was about 9 years old. I grew up in New Jersey about 15 mins from “NYC” New York City. My parents would bring me into the city all the time and this is where I saw skateboarding first hand. We would end up in Battery Park where I would see dudes rolling up benches, flipping their boards, and grinding ledges. At this time I was familiar with snowboarding and realized skateboarding is something similar and I could do it anytime anywhere. Soon after I put my sister banana board aside and got my first “Popsicle” shaped board! Since then, I NEVER STOPPED!
How did you come up with the name Nuzzi Brand?
The reason I went with “Nuzzi Brand” and not Nuzzi Footwear or clothing was because I didn’t want Nuzzi Brand under one roof. I feel my brand is constantly changing; we started with headwear, moved onto grip tape, clothing, accessories, and now footwear! It’s always leading in new directions.
Is it hard to build a team? What does it take to be part of your team?
Building a team is a little harder than I thought. There is lots of talent out there! It’s finding the people with the right attitude, similar mindset as me, and someone who can express enjoyment out of what they do.
With the industry being flooded with new pros that we never heard of from smaller brands. What’s your opinion on that?
Thank god for smaller brands forming all the time! These are the “future core” skate companies in my opinion. Without them, we would never hear about up and coming pros or riders that support their talent! We can’t let these corporate brands run everyone out, skateboarding started as core and it’s sad to see all my favorite core companies growing up go out of business.
What makes “Nuzzi Brand” different than other brands out there?
At Nuzzi Brand, we make FUN our #1! It’s not about how good you are, it’s about having FUN and loving what you do! We don’t take things as seriously as other brands do.
Do you or do you have someone come up with the Footwear /Logo Designs for Nuzzi Brand?
When it comes to logos and whatnot, it’s the crew and me at “Club Nuzzi.” As for the Footwear, I had a little teamwork from my shoe designer to create Nuzzi Footwear. I wanted to design the “ultimate” slip-on shoe for skating while still keeping it classic. I rode slip-on my entire life and always dreamed of modifying areas that could be improved like the exposed elastic, ankle protection, comfort, and durability. I learned a lot about different fabrics, suede, and other textiles in school, so when it came to finding premium suede & vulcanized soles I knew just what I wanted!
Do you think it’s hard from being from California to get your brand out-there compared to some brand from Cali?
It’s always hard to get your brand out there! Especially here in California, we have a new brand coming out every day, it’s hard to keep up with haha!
Let’s say: I’m a shop owner, you come to my shop & you want me to carry your brand. How would you get me to carry Nuzzi Brand in my store?
First, I would chop it up with the shop owner. Feel out the vibe, aesthetic of the shop, and overall would it be an ideal place for both parties to sell in this location. I would also bring them a pair of shoes or a product to test out before placing an order. I want the owner to wear-test the product so they know the durability and specs if a future customer were to ask their opinion. 2
What is Spencer Nuzzi’s day like?
It honestly changes every day! Usually, on a good day, it’ll go a little something like this…
Coffee first! Get some food for the cats and my lady before packing up orders. Do the ritual social media business thing, answer emails, and make my way to see Phil at the post office. After that, it’s lunchtime and skate or snow time depending on the season! The session usually turns into a photo shoot, video shoot, or product shoot session. Then wrap up the day back on the computer uploading, emailing, and all that other good stuff until its couch potato time with the cats & my babe.
Thank you for talking with us & wish you the best of luck with Nuzzi Brand. Is there anything you want to say to someone that wants to start their brand?
Take chances! You never know until you try something, so if your gut says to do it, do it! – TZ
