The Beginning: A 15-Year-Old Entrepreneur
At 15, I discovered my passion for business through sneaker reselling. What started as a hobby quickly became a full-fledged operation. I loved every aspect of the process—researching brands, copping limited-edition drops, and flipping them for profit. It wasn’t just about the money but the thrill of the hustle. I even wrote college essays about streetwear culture and the impact of iconic brands like Supreme.
By the time COVID-19 hit, I had built a solid foundation for my business. Despite the challenges of the pandemic—supply chain disruptions, store closures, and shifting consumer priorities—I adapted. I partnered with consignment stores to make my business more passive, allowing me to focus on school while still generating revenue.
The College Shift: From Sneakers to ATMs
When I started college, everything changed. Running a sneaker business required constant communication with customers and active sales efforts, which I couldn’t balance with maintaining a strong GPA. So, I decided to shift gears and explore a new revenue stream: ATMs. At that point in my life, the idea of consistent, predictable income appealed to me far more than the randomness of sneaker sales.
Around this time, I was fortunate enough to gain a business mentor who encouraged me to revisit sneakers but with a more focused strategy. He reminded me how I got my first sale—through consignment—and suggested scaling that model. Inspired by lessons on diversification from my business classes, I began contacting stores across the United States. My goal was to diversify by state and store type to mitigate risks like regional economic downturns or weather-related disruptions.
The Unexpected Pivot: Inventory in Limbo
Fast forward to today, and things haven’t gone as planned. Nearly half of the consignment stores I partnered with have either closed or changed their policies, making it less profitable to work with them. Now, I’m left with a significant amount of inventory sitting in my basement—valuable sneakers that need to be sold.
This spring break, I’m going back to basics once again. My plan is simple: sell most of my inventory online and reconnect with resellers I worked with back in high school.
This experience has taught me an invaluable lesson: your network truly is your net worth. The relationships I built years ago could now help me navigate this transitional period.
The Hustler’s Mentality
Reflecting on this journey, I’ve realized that going back to basics isn’t a step backward—it’s a recalibration. It’s about stripping away the noise and focusing on what works: hustle, adaptability, and leveraging your strengths.As I prepare for law school while continuing to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, this chapter is about documenting my experiences and sharing them with you here on Substack. Whether it’s flipping sneakers or brainstorming new ventures, this is my journey of rediscovery and growth.
What’s Next?
Sell most of my inventory during spring break
Reconnect with old contacts in the sneaker reselling community
Continue brainstorming scalable business ideas while balancing academic life
Going back to basics isn’t just about making money—it’s about reigniting the entrepreneurial fire that started it all.
Let’s build something extraordinary together!
#Entrepreneurship #SneakerReselling #HustleMentality #BusinessReset #NetworkIsNetWorth