Inside 43215: Downtown Draw
Mr. Ruff shares the low down on Shine Me Up (and a tidbit about foot sweat).
Inside 43215: Shine me up from Downtown Columbus on Vimeo.
LITTLE LUXURIES
Want to be top dog? King of the mountain? Here’s a little status question to consider:
Does the guy who shines YOUR shoes own a pair of Ferragamos?
No? It’s time you met Damon Ruff and his new venture: Shine Me Up (37 E. Gay Street). For the shamefully low price of $6.50, you can afford the luxury of having your shoes shined by someone who is not your mother. It only takes five minutes, and Ruff’s team will send you away looking and feeling like a millionaire.
Yes, Mr. Ruff owns a pair of Ferragamos. He knows shoes; he appreciates shoes. It comes from years in the shoe business – everywhere from Just For Feet to the upscale Nordstrom. Shining up those shoes takes a little know-how and the right equipment. Ruff explains, “It starts with saddle soap and horsehair brush, then the right color and more brush… it really takes polishing and moisture to bring out the gloss.”
And it takes a little magic: the proprietor is charismatic like that. Just talking to him puts a little spring in your step. Shine Me Up has products and does repairs too. It’s truly a great (and affordable) luxury for yourself or someone who deserves a little royal treatment.
Tags: columbus, Downtown, Downtown Columbus, Gay Street, Retail, Small Business
September 29th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Great to see a fellow Westerville South alum bringing a great new business downtown!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:09 am
I’ve had a fabulous pair of heels for approximately 3 years and Mr. Ruff put new soles on them and new heels, polished them and WOW, just like new!!
September 29th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Damon really does love shoes. So much, in fact, that he stole a pair of my shoes at a party and lied about it for a month. Now that’s passion for fine footwear!
Good luck, Damon.
September 29th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
He made my shoes look better than when they were new.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Damon has always been very ambitious! I think he has finally found his niche! Not to mention his LOVE for shoes! Good Luck in your new business!
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Big Dame! I like it man… Stay on the straight path.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
This is only the beginning for this multi-facet individual * The best has yet to be revealed * Keep the FAITH Andreas’