Meet the Hamptons’ Tween Tycoon!

by Eddie Roche

Mitchell Sozio (Photography: William Jess Laird)

Who needs camp when commerce awaits? Mitchell Sozio, a 13-year-old city kid who summers in Southampton, has turned his generation’s sneaker obsession into his main hustle. How does he hunt down the buzziest sneakers on the market…and resell them for top dollar? Listen and learn, kids!

So, what exactly do you do?
When Kanye West’s first Adidas Yeezys came out, I got a few pairs for myself. After walking into my sneaker closet, I realized that I had the connections to get more limited-edition brands and to make money from them by reselling at a higher price.

How do you do it?
I sell to friends and family or to connections I’ve made at sneaker stores. I also sell on the Internet. I have a database of people who want the sneakers. I’m never stuck with a pair.

How much money are you making?
I usually buy the shoes for around $220, and I resell them for between $1,000 and $2,000. The big deals have really come through in the past three months.

So you’re the guy to come to for a loan! What are you doing with the money?
I keep it in a savings account, and I use that to buy even more shoes to make more money. I have a savings and a debit account. For every deal that earns a profit, I have to put a certain percentage into savings.

Do you know what you’re saving for?
The Rolex Submariner in blue and gold.

Glad we asked! When do you think you’ll be able to get it?
Very soon. Probably in the next month.

Will a Rolex even fit on your little wrist?
It might be a little big! I’ve always wanted a Rolex. They just look cool—like success.

Why do you think people want to pay so much for these shoes?
People want to be in the latest fashion! It’s hype. People want to be like celebrities. There’s a limited quantity released, so it’s hard to secure them.

Why do people feel the need to have them?
People want to be the one on the spot that everyone is talking about. Having the latest sneaker has been a trend before Kanye West. And people want the attention.

Which sneaker stores do you frequent?
I can’t really reveal those. If you walk down Soho, you’ll see.

Will you be selling in the Hamptons?
Definitely. I have a ton of friends out here.

Let’s say I bought a pair from you. Could I make money selling them to someone else?
You probably would. If you’ve done many deals with me, I’d probably lower the price then.

Who are your role models?
I’ve never thought of that before! It would probably be DJ Khaled, because he’s inspirational. When he wants to get something, he gets it.

Did you sell lemonade as a kid?
No, I never did that. I’ve always been into making money. Fashion and making money are my two favorite things.

What do your friends think of this?
They think it’s cool. I’m known in my school as the sneaker guy. High schoolers come up to me. I have a good reputation. I’m only in seventh grade!

Are the girls finding you to be more of a stud with your new job?
I’d say so! My social media presence has grown.

Do you have plans to expand the business?
Definitely. Hopefully soon, we’ll be doing pop-up stores and bulk orders. We’re going to try to get media attention. I’m going to take a booth at [the convention] Sneaker Con because I’m also selling merchandise. I’ll have my own hoodies and T-shirts to promote my brand, Litty Sneaks.

Do you ship internationally?
I haven’t done that many out-of-country deals, because those are the sketchy ones that never pay you. I’ve shipped to California, though.

Are you a regular at the post office?
Of course not. My nanny does that. She’s the shipping department. She’s good at packing. I also meet up with some clients in person.

What advice do you have for other aspiring teen entrepreneurs?
If you have a goal in life, go for it. Nothing is holding you back. If you are determined, you’ll be successful.

Have you ever thought about a normal summer job, like lifeguarding or working at an ice cream store?
Never.

Why not?
Sneakers are what I’m really into, and you’re not making as much money doing something else

Camp?
Do you know how much money I’d lose going to camp?

Do you do a lot of business online?
I have multiple ways of getting shoes, and one of them is online. I can’t reveal the technology that I use, but it’s very low-key.

Assuming there are no ties to Putin!
There’s no Russian hacking here!

We noticed your Supreme bag. Do you like labels?
Oh, yeah! I wear an Hermès tie with my school uniform.

What other kind of ties do you like?
Only Hermès! All my friends wear them, too.

Phew! What do you want to be when you grow up?
An entrepreneur. I’ve never had a dream of working for someone. If I was going to have a job, I’d be my own boss.

What does your family think of this?
My mom is very supportive of it. She’s always looking over my shoulder. She was helpful when I wasn’t able to fund myself at the beginning.

How many pairs of shoes do you personally own?
About 65.

You’re like the Imelda Marcos of teenage boys! [Pause] Do you even know who that is?
No.

Never mind.

Read the issue HERE.

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5 comments

Avatar
andy May 25, 2017 - 4:41 PM

“Of course not. My nanny does that.”
🙁

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Jay May 25, 2017 - 6:54 PM

“If you have a goal in life, go for it. Nothing is holding you back. If you are determined, you’ll be successful.”
Also if you have a trust fund and are extremely wealthy parents that spend their summers in their Hamptons it helps.

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Avatar
Jay May 25, 2017 - 6:39 PM

I’ve never read a more cringey article.

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Austin May 26, 2017 - 11:58 AM

this kid is a joke. Calling him a hamptons kid is also a joke. If you come here for 3 months out of the year, youre not a local. Is someone thats 70% irish and 30% italian an italian kid? no. This article makes him look like he hustles, which hes never done a day in his life and i can tell without even knowing the kid. if youre gonna write articles, write them about actual interesting people, not some fake 13 yr old prick hanging on to mommy and daddys checkbook.

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Avatar
Nick May 30, 2017 - 10:32 PM

doubt he makes any money

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