Reporter Tanya McRae with Spectrum News recently visited our Chrysalis San Fernando Valley center to film a story about a Chrysalis client who overcame addiction and homelessness and went on to run his own business. Watch the piece, and check out Antonio’s success story in our newsroom!
Not long ago, Antonio Lorea could fit all of his worldly possessions in a cardboard box. Today, he runs his own company.
“Every time I see one I get excited, like a little kid. I want to see it come out and I want to see it shipped. I want to see people wearing it,” says Lorea.
What he is excited to see people wearing is the artwork he designs for his streetwear line.
“My style is just basically where I come from. I come from the streets. And I love art.”
Lorea’s love for art is apparent. With tattoos from one ear to another, his face could be considered a work of art itself.
“I want people to know that I like artwork and it’s different. I know it’s a little extreme, but I like being different,” he says.
One of his tattoos is of the letters “D.U.E.,” which stand for the name of his brand, Don’t Under Estimate.
Lorea works with a team of young artists coming up with ideas together and selling DUE brand t-shirts and streetwear online to people all around the world. One of his artists is Chris Patrone.
“Young people like us, we pave the way and show you what we interpret. But you are the root,” says Patrone to Lorea.
But just two years ago, Lorea had none of this. He was in the throes of a methamphetamine addiction that tore his life apart.
“In one year I lost my wife, I lost my kids, my house, my car, and my job. I didn’t know what was going to happen in my life. I really didn’t,” he says.