We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonnathan Guerrero and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jonnathan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have friends who are avid sports fans, and they often invite me to major sporting events—whether it’s basketball, soccer, or football—the designer in me immediately thinks about what I am going to wear, especially my shoes. At the time I couldn’t find anything that resonated with me or fit my style beyond gameday. Most options were either luxury items that were extremely expensive and not readily available or poorly made with no real design aesthetic. As I researched further, I realized that fan gear didn’t align with today’s lifestyle. I wanted to create something that could take you from the office to dinner and still look great at the game. That’s how SportSaints was born.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is deeply rooted in merging fashion and functionality, particularly through footwear that speaks to today’s active lifestyle. What sets me apart is my ability to design shoes that transition seamlessly from work to social events, including gameday. I noticed a gap in the market for stylish, durable fan gear that could match the elegance of high fashion without being inaccessible. My designs aim to fill that space with thoughtful craftsmanship and a keen sense of what today’s professional and sports enthusiast wants.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I faced a lot of challenges as an immigrant raised by a single mother. The journey required taking risks, and I’ve learned that trusting the process is key. If things flow smoothly, I move forward, but when obstacles arise consistently, I take it as a sign to reassess. Persistence and passion for my craft have been my driving forces.
One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of evolving—both personally and professionally. The world of design is always changing, and staying engaged with your audience is crucial. I also believe in creating products with purpose, which is why I’m committed to exploring sustainable practices as my brand, SportsSaints, grows.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that SportsSaints is more than just footwear; it’s about designing for people who want to look stylish while embracing their love for sports. We blend athletic inspiration with premium craftsmanship, ensuring our products resonate with both athletes and the style-conscious.
Starting my own business came from a desire to solve a problem I personally experienced. I wanted to create something I was proud to wear, something that would last beyond gameday. That passion continues to drive everything I do today.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is one of the reasons I love LA! There are so many areas to explore, and as a foodie, I tend to plan my outings around good food. For first-time visitors, I recommend hitting some of the classics: spend a day in Hollywood, take a stroll along the Walk of Fame, and visit the park below the Hollywood sign for a great photo op. We don’t often appreciate how iconic that sign truly is! End the day with a steak dinner and martini at Musso & Frank’s—it’s a place filled with so much history.
Since I live near Larchmont Village, it’s my go-to spot for picking up the latest fashion magazines at Above the Fold. If it’s lunchtime, I recommend grabbing a delicious pasta dish at Louise’s—make sure to say hi to Julio, the manager; he’s the best!
Lately, I’ve been enjoying walks around Silver Lake, where I stop for a glass of wine and a bite to eat at La Pharmacie du Vin or Café Stella, depending on the time of day. I also love classic architecture, so getting in my 10,000 steps by wandering around DTLA is always a win. I like to visit the public library and end the day with a cocktail and meal at Hotel Figueroa.
As you can tell, I love walking! Koreatown is just down the street, with great shops at the California Market. Don’t miss out on one of the best sandwiches from Ggiata while you’re there.
There are so many spots to see in LA, I don’t think a week is enough for anyone!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be here today and have the strength to continue on this journey without the love, support and encouragement of my mom and my fiancé!
Website: https://www.SportSaints.com
Instagram: @SportSaints
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsaints
Twitter: @SportSaints
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083967790263
Youtube: @SportSaintsOfficial
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportsaints
Image Credits
Photographer Matthew Seifnia