i locked in for 1 year…

Summary

In this video, a young entrepreneur reflects on the past three years since graduating high school, detailing his journey from wholesaling sneakers to opening multiple stores. He shares the ups and downs of his business ventures, including the challenges of managing a growing enterprise, balancing personal life, and relocating to Los Angeles to further expand. Along the way, he discusses key milestones such as financial independence and setting ambitious goals for the future. With a focus on motivation and personal growth, he also hints at rebranding his YouTube channel to align with his entrepreneurial journey, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at his life and business evolution.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker spent over a year (and even more) focused on growing his business, and during this time, he didn't have much time for YouTube.
• 😀 He started his entrepreneurial journey right after high school in 2021, initially focusing on Instagram and a sneaker reselling business.
• 😀 A pivotal moment came in October 2021 when he partnered with a friend to open a store, giving him a sense of accomplishment at the age of 18.
• 😀 In 2022, the business rapidly expanded, opening three new stores and hiring 20 employees, with the Instagram following growing to 16,000+.
• 😀 While business success was exciting, he also struggled with balancing his work, relationships, and personal life, especially after getting a girlfriend in late 2022.
• 😀 Moving to Los Angeles in May 2024 was a major life challenge, requiring him to adjust to a new city and run a store while being away from family and friends.
• 😀 The speaker is proud of his achievements, including buying his first car at 18, reaching 1% income/net worth for his age group, and living independently without financial help from his parents.
• 😀 His primary goal at the moment is to open a second store in Los Angeles and reach a million-dollar net worth by age 23.
• 😀 He also wants to buy one of his dream cars and continue investing wisely, with a focus on building assets rather than accumulating depreciating ones.
• 😀 Looking ahead, the speaker plans to rebrand his YouTube channel, focusing on finance, lifestyle, motivational content, and business insights, while taking inspiration from his journey.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to start his business journey right after high school?

The speaker was passionate about sneakers and the idea of being his own boss. He realized that if he didn't pursue this path, he might not find happiness or fulfillment, as he would be following a traditional route that didn’t align with his interests.

How did the speaker's first business opportunity in 2021 shape his journey?

In 2021, the speaker partnered with a friend to open a store, which gave him his first real sense of accomplishment. It helped him gain valuable business experience and provided a foundation for the rapid expansion that followed.

What were the key factors that contributed to the speaker's rapid business growth in 2022?

In 2022, the speaker expanded by opening three new stores, hiring 20 employees, and growing their Instagram following. This expansion was fueled by a strong business model, hard work, and learning from previous challenges.

What role did social media play in the speaker's business journey?

Social media, specifically Instagram, played a key role in building the speaker’s brand, growing their audience, and showcasing their products. It also provided a platform for the speaker to connect with customers and document their entrepreneurial journey.

How did the speaker balance personal life and business responsibilities?

Balancing personal life and business was challenging. The speaker started a relationship, moved to Los Angeles, and managed four stores, which required time management, sacrifice, and staying focused on his goals. Despite the strain, the speaker emphasizes the importance of growth and learning from these challenges.

What was the most significant personal challenge the speaker faced during the transition to Los Angeles in 2024?

The most significant personal challenge was leaving his hometown and the people who mattered most—his parents, friends, and girlfriend. Moving to Los Angeles was difficult, but it was essential for expanding his business and pushing himself out of his comfort zone.

What were the speaker's financial milestones by the age of 21?

By 21, the speaker had reached several important financial milestones, including being in the top 1% of income earners for his age group, buying his first car at 18, and paying for everything on his own—housing, food, and transportation—without financial support from his parents.

What are the speaker's primary goals for the next few years?

The speaker’s primary goals are to open a second store in Los Angeles, grow his net worth to $1 million by the age of 23, and potentially buy his dream car, all while continuing to focus on business growth and smart financial decisions.

What impact has the entrepreneurial journey had on the speaker’s personal growth?

The entrepreneurial journey has transformed the speaker, helping him mature and gain a deeper understanding of life. He went from being a lost, immature 18-year-old to a confident business owner with a clear vision for his future. The experience taught him the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone.

How does the speaker plan to rebrand his YouTube channel?

The speaker plans to rebrand his YouTube channel by focusing on finance, lifestyle, and motivational content related to his business journey. He intends to share insights into entrepreneurship, personal development, and the lessons he’s learned along the way, aiming to inspire his audience.