Mark Lopez of Tolleson on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Mark Lopez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Mark, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Mental health. I think a lot of creatives quietly struggle with fear of failure and self-worth. These are battles most won’t admit out loud. It eats at them—feeling like they’re not good enough, even when they’re showing success in their work or business

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mark Lopez, and I am the creative director and founder of Por La Familia. I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects with Nike Cultivator, New Era, Hat Club, the Phoenix Suns, and Holo Footwear.

About the brand, Por La Familia is more than just what it means; it’s about connection, community, and creating experiences that celebrate traditions and strengthen bonds. The name originated from my 2019 Air Max 1 collaboration with Nike Cultivator, where I was selected among designers nationwide to tell my story through a sneaker. The theme was appreciation, and I chose to honor the women in my family and my Mexican/Salvadorian heritage through the color-way.

At the time, I never imagined that project would grow into a brand. The story resonated with others, and I realized it carried a meaning larger than myself. In our culture, the man is often seen as the provider, and through Por La Familia, I embrace that role not just for my own family, but for everyone who wears the brand. I want them to be reminded daily of who they’re doing it for, and the experiences and responsibilities that come with providing for their loved ones.

I’m currently working on the upcoming Fall/Winter collection, with future pop-ups and collaborations planned throughout the year. This brand is dedicated to all who have played a significant role in my life and helped shape me into the person I am today.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before starting the brand and becoming what some might call a “sneakerhead,” I worked in law enforcement. After graduating college, I was still figuring out what I truly wanted to pursue. I had always been drawn to the idea of becoming a therapist because I’d enjoy mentoring others, but the additional years of schooling and more student loans kept me from going down that path.

Instead, I entered law enforcement, influenced by my uncle, who encouraged me with the promise of stability and benefits. I worked as a detention officer for a year, but I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. Deep down, I knew I was a creative. Outside of work, I found myself constantly reading about sneakers and taking photos of them. What fascinated me most was the design process—the stories behind each pair, and how colorways were used to communicate meaning.

I had been collecting sneakers since high school, and creating my own pair had always been a dream. After leaving law enforcement, I joined StockX, where I spent five years authenticating sneakers before moving up to a Supply Chain Team Lead role. During that time, I not only learned about the materials and craftsmanship of sneakers, but I also developed valuable supply chain and leadership skills.

It was during this period that I applied to the Nike Cultivator program to design my own sneaker. That opportunity became the turning point—and the beginning of the journey that led to Por La Familia.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
One of the biggest fears that has held me back in life has been the fear of judgment—worrying about what people would think or say about my work. As a creative, that fear can be paralyzing. You put so much of yourself into what you create, and the thought of it being dismissed or criticized negatively can make you hesitate.

Por La Familia was founded in 2019, but in the beginning I only worked on projects every couple of years. I struggled with believing in myself and often let fear dictate my pace. Instead of pouring energy into building the brand, I stayed in the comfort of a 9-to-5 job, which kept me from fully pursuing my vision.

In 2024, everything shifted. I was laid off early in the year, and without the safety net of a steady job, I finally committed to Por La Familia full time. It hasn’t been easy, but taking that leap allowed me to collaborate with Hat Club, the Phoenix Suns, and Holo Footwear. The journey came with challenges, but it’s been a blessing to grow through them and see what can happen when I truly believe in myself.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I always stay true to my authentic self, and my brand will always reflect that. Por La Familia represents who I am as an individual—I could never pretend to be someone I’m not. What I share on both my personal and business platforms shows my true self and what I stand for, and I wouldn’t change that for anyone or anything.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I see the hours of work I’ve poured into my brand being enjoyed and represented by others in their day-to-day lives. The first step is always the hardest when it comes to working for yourself or pursuing something you’ve always dreamed of.

For me, the true peace comes from releasing the ideas I’ve created—sharing my story and experiences through my brand, and allowing others to connect with what it means to them. Selling out collections is always rewarding, but the deeper fulfillment comes from putting the work out into the world instead of holding back and wondering what if. It’s up to me for my family to change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Porlafamilia.com
• Instagram: @whosmarky , @Por.lafamilia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whosmarky
• Twitter: @whosmarky