An Inspired Chat with Marissa Cervantes

Marissa Cervantes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Marissa, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have a deep love for creating custom sneakers and making art—it’s something that brings me real joy. I’m also incredibly grateful to work alongside two amazing nonprofits. The experiences and people I’ve met through them have been nothing short of inspiring.

But if I’m being honest, some of the most meaningful moments lately have been at home with my uncle, who’s currently on hospice care. It’s a hard thing to witness—seeing someone you love slowly lose what their body once allowed them to do. But being with him has reminded me just how precious and fleeting time really is.

Even in the heaviness, there’s beauty. We sit outside while I barbecue, listening to the music he used to dance to, the songs that still bring a smile to his face. We drink coffee and eat pan dulce while watching old movies, sharing quiet moments that feel bigger than words.

This experience has taught me that even in the darkest times, there’s light—sometimes small, sometimes flickering—but always there if you’re willing to see it. And when that light begins to dim, maybe it’s not about fighting the darkness, but shifting your perspective to find a new kind of brightness.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Marissa Cervantes was born in 1996 on the Southeast side of San Antonio. A huge age gap, and family health conditions set her up for a caregiving role. Though caregiving was a difficult task at such a young age, Marissa still managed to create trinkets for her family and friends.
After graduating from the University of Houston-Victoria with a Criminal Justice/Psychology degree, Cervantes had aspirations of joining the military, however, a past back injury prevented her from pursuing that path. While rediscovering herself, she stumbled upon an instructional YouTube video that taught her about custom wearable art. Once she posted her first pair of custom sneakers on social media she received both good and terrible feedback. The criticism inspired her to develop skills, which led her to improving her technique in the art form.
Today, Marissa Cervantes is the owner and operator of DGU Customs. DGU Customs is a motivational custom sneaker business that offers custom sneakers by Cervantes, while offering elite popup art experiences that teach the art of customized sneakers. Currently, Marissa’s designs are displayed at markets and pop-ups throughout San Antonio. DGU customs has been featured on Great Day SA-KENS5 and has worked with brands such as Coach.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My siblings, Claudia and Cris, have always seen me clearly.
They watched their little sister reach for the stars and share them with the world. They saw me hustle, stay motivated, and push through adversity. They believed in me—knowing I’d always do my best to make a difference, no matter how big or small.
Even though Claudia is no longer physically here, Cris continues to show up, reminding me that they’re both proud of me.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Continue to be your real authentic self and let those who are supposed to be in your life come naturally, you’re already amazing kid.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is living with purpose-sharing my lessons and blessings, protecting those I love, and honoring my sister’s legacy. I lead with a giving heart, always seeking peace and wanting others to be happy. I value being reliable and transparent, even in tough moments, and I strive to go above and beyond, never letting circumstances define how I show up.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Marissa was the kind of person who always made sure others were taken care of—often putting their needs before her own. She did her best to lift people up, no matter what they were going through. Life threw its share of challenges her way, but she didn’t let those struggles define her. What stood out was her ability to keep going, to stay kind and compassionate through it all. She helped organize events for artists, local businesses, and the community, all while running her own business. On top of that, she created art that ended up being shown in galleries around the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dgucustoms.com
• Instagram: dgucustoms