We had the good fortune of connecting with Brody Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brody, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been a sneaker-head growing up, I did not have the money to buy all of the new releases, but I always dreampt of having them. I always have had an entrepreneur mindset, I wanted to turn my passion into a way to make money. It started off as just reselling my own personal collection, and meeting up with people on Facebook marketplace, attempting to flip shoes. Next thing you know I created an instagram page, at which I conducted most of my business on there, I was traveling across the country going to sneaker conventions, and continuing to flip shoes. I did this for about 2 years. It then got to the point to which I was so busy with day to day meetups, and had so much inventory, that I was unable to do it on my own anymore. I figured the next step would be opening up my own brick & mortar!

What should our readers know about your business?
I explained a little a bit in the opening question on how the business started and how it led me to opening the store. I believe what sets my business apart from others is my friendly nature. I create a relationship with every customer that walks through that door. I want my customers to know that they are shopping off a genuine sneaker head, who has a passion for what he sells, and cares about his customers.

There were many challenges throughout my journey. Before the strore, I had a local meetup on Christmas Eve, I got robbed for a few pairs of sneakers worth about $1,000. This was one of the first moments that I felt vulnerable, and realized that I am potentially risking my life by being in this game. I did not let it knock me off my feet, only motivated me. Ironically enough, last Christmas of 2023, my store got broken into on Christmas night. 2 high-school kids smashed my front window, ran in and grabbed $4,000 worth of sp5der hoodies. That was one of the worst phone calls I have ever woken up to. Rushed to the store at 3am to my store being filled with cops and broken glass.

A big thing I have learned on the way, is that connections & relationships are more important then profit. At the end of the day, we are called onto this earth to be Christlike, and to be a difference in others lives. I do everything in my power to share the Love of God, and build friendships in this business. That will get you a long way!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely the Short North of course!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the grace of God. I truly give Him all the glory & my success has resulted from being faithful throughout the entire journey.

Website: https://614Sneaker.com

Instagram: 614Sneaker

Youtube: 614Sneaker

Other: TikTok: 614Sneaker

Image Credits
I have all rights to these photos.

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