Thomas Boyle, 24, from Childwall, has officially opened the doors to his first shop for Crep Recovery at 161-163 Queens Drive. The business began as a side hustle cleaning trainers in his bedroom and has grown into a full-time venture.
From bedroom to shop floor
Boyle spotted the opportunity while cleaning his own shoes, realising the service could benefit Scousers who buy expensive trainers. He told the ECHO: "I started cleaning trainers for my mates and so on and so on. Then I started getting them from other people, like my mate's mates started asking me, 'Can I do them?' So I thought I'll start charging now."
After about four months, he was working with businesses around Liverpool that sold second-hand shoes. He decided to quit his job, and the business has been "non-stop" since. Boyle's journey took him from his bedroom to the shed, then the loft, and finally an office before the new shop.
Viral moments and recognition
The business gained attention after Boyle's TikTok videos went viral, including a standout moment with Spudman. He cleaned the TikTok star's work shoes at Liverpool Christmas Market, a moment he described as "weird." He said: "We turned up because we were getting spuds from his trailer and the next minute I am taking the shoes off his feet, and bringing them home to clean them."
Recognition has followed him abroad, with someone buying him a pint in the airport. Boyle said: "It's nuts." More information can be found on the Crep Recovery Instagram page.
