Meet Chase Reed. He's 16, he's adorable... and he owns his own business. Kill yourself.
View this video on YouTube
Reed runs Sneaker Pawn, a shop where sneakerheads can pawn, customize, or purchase coveted kicks (for sky-high prices).
In the video above, Reed talks about what inspired him to open the store, and showcases some of the kicks showcased in his shop. The precision and expertise with which Reed talks about his sneakers and his sneaker business is impressive for someone his age and, also, makes me want to buy a pair! (if only I had the $900 some of them are worth!)
Being a sneakerhead is so often painted as a negative phenomena. The craziness that surrounds sneaker releases is both crazy and incredibly unfortunate.
There have been far too many instances of violence, looting and rioting as a result of the large crowds sneaker releases attract. In most reported cases, those involved are young, black men and women who deal with a society that requires they be on edge and on the defensive.
Although collecting sneakers is not the only beloved activity that brings out the worst in people, these instances of violence are used to exacerbate the already negative portrayals of black people in the media.
It's great to see Chase turn his passion into a profitable business instead. Young people of color are often made to feel that their interests are marginal. Chase proves to people his age that their interests can be an impetus for social productivity.
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