12-Year-Old Turned $178 In Birthday Money Into Multi-Million Fashion Company Worn By NBA Players
Trey Brown is not your typical 15-year-old. Instead of just watching NBA players like most teens, Trey is watching NBA players wear his fashion line.
At 12 years old, Brown used $178 in birthday money to purchase 16 t-shirts. He customized the shirts and sold them out in a week. In January 2018, Brown launched his fashion company, Spergo. The name Spergo is a combination of the words “sports,” “heroes,” and “go-getters.”
Trey said he started the company because he was concerned about the violence in his community in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Brown – who is now in the 9th grade – wanted to do something meaningful to motivate his friends to stay out of trouble and follow their dreams instead.
“I wanted to be the light, and role model,” Brown said.
Brown is very close with the company’s COO – his mother Sherell Peterson, who is a retired seamstress.
Spergo sells apparel including socks, T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatpants. In only 36 months, Trey has sold over 30,000 units of merchandise.
Brown was selling his clothing door-to-door at local businesses in his community. Someone at a barbershop was so impressed by the young man’s hustle that he connected Trey with Sean “Diddy” Combs. The rap mogul awarded Brown with a $25,000 grant, which helped Brown open his first Spergo store. Brown now has three brick-and-mortar Spergo stores in Philly.
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But it isn’t just Diddy who is rocking the trendsetting streetwear brand. Other celebrities who have worn Spergo gear include NBA ballers Shaquille O’Neil, Charles Barkley, Grant Hill, and rappers Meek Mill and Da Baby.
This month, Brown appeared on the business reality television series Shark Tank. Brown landed a $300,000 investment deal from Daymond John in exchange for a 20% stake in Spergo.
At first, John was hesitant to offer the youngster an offer because Spergo was already successful.
“You’re already blowing up,” John told the 15-year-old. “I’m not sure if you are ready for a partner.”
Brown’s rise to success with a clothing company connected with John – who founded FUBU.
“Obviously, I relate to this,” John stated. “I started a clothing brand, and my mother was — and is — a huge inspiration in my life.”
Trey also has a mutual respect for John.
“I used to bring Mr. Daymond’s book to school and I would read it any time I would finish my work,” Brown revealed. “Now, to be partnering with [him], it’s still soaking in right now.”
Trey is making a difference and inspiring kids and adults alike. He is a youth speaker who has toured at Banneker High School, King High School, The Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia, Rowan University, Mastery Charter School, Delaware Youth Summit, Holland Elementary School, and the Forget Me Knot Youth Shelter.
Brown received a key to the city of Philadelphia for his outreach, including feeding the less fortunate.
Trey plans to open more Spergo stores, and wants to mentor young people. Brown said his goal is to become a billionaire by age 21.
Every morning, Brown goes through his list of affirmations: “I’m powerful. I’m strong. I’m a leader. I’m a billionaire.”
What Makes Spergo Special?
Spergo is not only an unbelievable success story, it is a real company. One that is dedicated to doing things the right way. So much so that Spergo prides itself on creating unique designs that reflect the brand’s commitment to sustainability. That’s why they combines high-quality materials, modern designs, and an eco-friendly approach to create stylish yet affordable apparel.
Spergo’s collections feature a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles that cater to different tastes. In addition to their clothing range, Spergo also offers a selection of accessories including bags, hats, and beanies. All of their products are crafted with the same attention to detail and quality materials, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality product.
Sounds to us like Trey Brown has a winner with Spergo.
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[Photo via ABC]