He’s only 7, but he’s already CEO of his own company and an entrepreneur. Sebastian Martinez’s passion for collecting bright and zany socks turned into a business when his mother suggested he design his own. The result was a company called “Are You Kidding” which Sebastian started at age 5. In 2014, Sebastian made $15,000 selling his specialty socks with the help of his director of sales and big brother Brandon Martinez. Since January, revenue has continued to grow. “We have been able to already reach the $15,000 that we made last year and are on track to double and hopefully triple our sales this year,” said Rachel Martinez, the president of the company and Sebastian’s mother.
Are You Kidding teamed up with organizations like the “American Cancer Society” and the “Live Like Bella Foundation” last year to raise more than $3,000 for cancer awareness. In April, the company partnered with “The Hue Studio” and donated 25 percent of all proceeds from its “Eye See You” sock sales to “Discovery Arts”, a charitable organization that brings art programs to children with serious illnesses.
Sebastian’s story is very inspiring! When I was researching young entrepreneurs, I read about him and almost did my post on this until I saw someone else beat me to it. It is really cool how he teamed up with various charity organizations in order to give back to other kids.
That is insane that he started his business at age five! It goes to show you that you are never too young to come up with good ideas. And when you combine the active imagination of a child with the means to implement the idea with an older person, great ideas such as this sock company easily take off.
I also did an article on a very young entrepreneur! I think its wonderful that more and more of these situations are popping up in today’s time! Young kids are great innovators and are creative beyond what you would think. That being said, I believe we should utilize their creativity more in the world of entrepreneurship.
Holy cow that is so fantastic. Not only a business man, but one who is socially motivated! I hope this carries into his adult life as well.
Wow. Simply amazing of what this kid has been able to achieve. Really inspiring because of his age and is charitable actions.