Welsh Artist’s Footwear Trampled During Live Performance: The Story Behind It

Tesni DeLuna, originally from Cardiff, started her painting business “by chance” while working in a gym in Austin, Texas. A young artist who began her paint business accidentally has worked for some of America’s biggest stars. Tesni DeLuna, hailing from Cardiff, designed custom shoes and products for celebrities such as Usher, Drake, and Lil Baby. She initiated the venture while employed at a gym in Austin, Texas.

Tesni mentioned that her job was “a lot of fun” and expressed excitement about the future ahead. Ms DeLuna stated she had utilized maternity leave to launch her mug business.

Ms DeLuna relocated from Connecticut to America when she was 12 years old, but after losing her job during the Covid pandemic, she moved to Austin. Her venture started by chance when a colleague noticed that instead of working at her desk, Ms DeLuna had been coloring shoes. The colleague then requested if she could paint some “boring” white sneakers he’d just bought for his daughter.

“I’ve been painting shoes ever since,” Tesni told BBC Cymru Fyw. Usher has performed on stage in the custom-made footwear, and there are pictures of Lil Baby holding three pairs designed by Ms DeLuna. Although she doesnt frequently meet these celebrities face-to-face, Ms DeLuna occasionally receives concert tickets – including for Drake and Usher.

“I really enjoyed working with them and then going to their concerts,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.” Currently, her work includes everything from painting shoes to designing other products. She has an impressive clientele that consists of renowned figures such as rapper Rod Wave, professional golfer Sergio Garcia, basketball player Cameron Brink, and CrossFit athlete Noah Ohlsen.

Ms DeLuna expressed hope to collaborate with more female athletes in 2025. “I want the business to grow,” she said, adding that she intends to give it more attention now since she had previously only worked on shoes in her spare time after a nine-to-five job. She is expecting a baby girl soon and has already painted several pairs of shoes for her.

Ms DeLunas family plans to return to Wales during Christmas, highlighting the significance of that country in both their history and her child’s future: “Wales holds a big part of my story but will also be an important part of hers. I can’t wait to come back and show her why I love it so much.”