Sam Griffin has been holding down Griffin’s Independent Records in northeast El Paso for over a decade. Throughout his journey he’s encountered struggles that forced him to close his store down, but while down he’s never been out. Sam fought his way through adversity and gave himself to God and his church. His spiritual and religious enlightenment helped him reshape his business model while still keeping his ideas and products fresh. His store is literally a one stop shop that includes a music studio, tattoo shop, and a barber shop. You’ll also find ball caps, urban gear, sneakers, music videos, novelty items and gold grills to name a few. We caught up with Sam to discuss the Griffin’s concept.
What is Griffin’s?
It’s a little bit of everything: it’s a music shop, it’s a barber shop, it’s a music studio, it’s a tattoo shop. It’s a place where you get a little bit of everything. When you come, you’re definitely going to get a word from God, because I’m going to give you some before you leave.
How long have you been in business?
Since 1998.
Has it been the same concept?
It’s been the same concept. One of the beautiful things about it is I’ve had it, I’ve closed, I’ve had it and I’ve even told myself before, “I don’t like this, this is not what I want to do,” but for some reason this is what I’m good at! I’ve built it back from scratch, I tear it all the way down. I build it all the way back from scratch…
What are your favorite products?
I love the music. I love the music videos. I’ve been doing video’s since 2000’s. Having the tattoo shop, music shop, and barber shop together in one shop, that’s something that’s been a journey. Its been on my mind forever. Just to see it manifest is beautiful, thank you Lord! The other one is the gold grills!
Tell me about your Thursday events?
It’s “Love Revolution Thursdays” and love, God is love, so it’s God’s revolution. I’m just putting it as “love” to keep it a little toned down for people to come in. Its like a stepping stone for a lot of people I’ve been inviting to church.
We’re bringing Jesus to the streets. The Love Revolution, one God, one name, one destiny, it’s a business and arts ministry. We’re not in it for the income, we’re in it for the outcome. There’s going to be zero tolerance on alcohol, drugs, or tobacco on the premises.
We’re going to have Christian friendly live performances, music and dj’s by DJ Phame. One of the artists I’m really pushing is Kook Kang. We’re also going to be encouraging fitness and good health. We’re just here to honor and glorify our father.
We will be taking a Thursday collection of non-perishable foods, dry goods, canned food, baby formula, new clothes, and we’ll be turning this over to our church organization, the Destiny’s Family Christian Center.
www.griffinrecords.com
8626 Dyer St.
915-850-3868
PHOTO CREDIT: LAURA BUSTILLOS