Sebastian Martinez is only 8 years old and he is already the CEO of his own company. At a young age Sebastian had a passion for collecting bright and colorful socks with cool designs on them. His mother saw his creativity and suggested that he design his own socks. With the help of his older brother, who is only two years older than him, Sebastian started designing socks. The result of this was the company Are You Kidding.
In its first year, the company made $15,000 selling its socks. At the time Sebastian was only 5 years old! It is remarkable that someone that young can create such a successful business right away. Sebastian did not stop here. In the next year sales were tripled and the company partnered with companies like the American Cancer Society and the Live Like Bella Foundation and helped to raise over $3,000 dollars for them.
The boys have continued to expand their brand making socks for adults and specific charities. The mission behind the brand is to give back to these foundations, so people know when they are buying from Are You Kidding, their money is also going to a good cause. This truly is an inspiring story, and these boys have a set a high standard for young entrepreneurs around them.
This example reminds us that we do not have to reinvent the wheel when we are looking for ways to be entrepreneurial. If we have a passion for something, regardless of age and resources, if others have the same passions, one can be successful even if they are not extremely innovative.
Even a passion for something as simple as socks can lead to a successful entrepreneurial venture. These young kids perfectly exemplify how creative thinking can turn into a thriving business. I am sure this experience will be of great benefit to them in their lives because they will probably continue to think like entrepreneurs.