By ALEXANDREA
BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.
Skateboarding hobbyists, aficionados and professionals alike, from all over the Lower Rio Grande Valley are looking forward to round two of the Beach Bash Skate Jam taking place on South Padre Island, on its newest and only skate park. Slated for June 21 and June 22 in celebration of Go Skateboarding Day, this event was founded by RGV locals, Ruby Gamez, Michael De La Fuente and Sergio Martinez. This year, the trio has something special in store for the competitors. They have partnered with Houston, Texas, based celebrity jeweler Plugged By Geo, meaning that this year, skaters will be competing to win their very own diamond chain.
The 25-year-old behind Plugged By Geo goes by the alias “Plug Geo”. He’s been a jeweler for the last five years but says before that he had always kept up to date with the latest pieces acquired by celebrities. Starting as an interest, it soon became a hobby, and then over time, his career.
It wasn’t easy for “Plug Geo” at first, getting into the business, as the need for floor-people was not high, so he would have to start in the “back”. He began diamond setting at 19 years old before later becoming a salesman.
“They were just telling me “If you really want to be in the jewelry business, what we need people to do right now is the labor work.” I saw it as basically an opportunity – it’s not what I want to do, but it’s still a way to get into the business and to understand it fully,” said “Plug Geo”.
This would turn out to benefit “Plug Geo” in the long run, as possessing hands-on knowledge and the experienced skill of the jewelry making process set him apart from other salespersons.
He says the other thing that set him apart are the diamond grills he creates. In fact, according to “Plug Geo”, that is what he is most known for. He claims to create the most beautiful teeth, as well as the most expensive, one in particular costing up to $200,000.
“Every time I make a piece for a client, it is like a piece of art. I am able to bring their creativity to life,” said “Plug Geo”.
Recently, in 2022, “Plug Geo” opened up his first jewelry shop, Plugged by Geo.
“It’s been quite an adventure actually. We have been getting noticed a lot more, so we have been getting bigger clients. We deal with a lot of celebrity rappers, artists and athletes,” said “Plug Geo”.
“Plug Geo” says one of his favorite pieces he created was for football player Frank Clark, #55 of Kansas City Chief. According to “Plug Geo”, it was worth $400,000. Other big names “Plug Geo” has created pieces for include Trippie Red, Big Boogie, Big WalkDog, Lil Double O, Rod Wave, Shorty Shorty and Sauce Walker.
“Plug Geo” is grateful, and describes his success as a blessing.
“At the end of the day, I thank God for being able to have work,” said “Plug Geo”. “I just try to push forward and do the best I can, so that later on I can build a foundation for my kids.”
Also grateful for his team, “Plug Geo” says every single one of his employees works hard in a timely manner.
Taking great pride in his and his team’s craftsmanship, he puts quality over quantity and isn’t afraid to be picky with his work.
“I am a picky person when it comes down to expensive stuff, so if I don’t see myself wearing it…then I can’t sell it,” said “Plug Geo”.
Jam founder Martinez is a close friend of “Plug Geo”. Martinez reached out to “Plug Geo” regarding the Jam, and “Plug Geo” has been looking forward to it since, as he has been a hobbyist skater the majority of his life, and has a great appreciation for the culture. He especially admires the Beach Bash Skate Jam, calling it “a vibe”.
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