Eddie Valentin has a vision: bling out Albuquerque from head to toe. It started in 2017 in California, but he moved back to ABQ in 2021 because home called him back.
He beat out 49 other applicants to get the kiosk at the Sunport. Pitched in front of a board and won it. Now he's got an NM trademark on his rhinestone work, a partnership with UNM Lobos, and a second location in Old Town across from the Candy Lady where you can see the full range—cowboy boots, tennis shoes, slides, handbags. Everything custom. Born and raised in ABQ. He's been running a salon for about 20 years, studied fashion in California for seven years, and knows exactly how to make things last. If you take care of them (turn inside out, hang dry, avoid heat), his pieces last 3 to 5 years.
He walks you through the Sunport pre-security—no ticket needed.