profiles
HOUSE OF SOLES
African American Twin High School Football Players become Entrepreneurs
Two of the top brands the twins plan to offer.
Twins Lennie (L) and Lonnie (R) Smith, Young Entrepreneurs on a mission
By Roberé Lett | Publisher | Style Editor | Edited by LaVonne Trent
Lennie and Lonnie Smith, 16-year-old twin football and basketball players at Haslett High School in Haslett Michigan are launching a new athletic shoe and apparel store. With “The Black Lives Matter” movement as inspiration these twin brothers plan to do more than just be black teenage athletes, the movement inspired them to step up, speak up, stand up, and give back. The twins are looking to partner with St. Vincent Home for Children, St. Jude Children Hospital, Black Lives Matter as their way of giving back to the community.
Read more below…
It’s a hot July day and a few weeks away from the twins turning 16, on July 16th. Finally, eligible to drive, Lonnie was looking forward to getting his driver's license. He told his mom he wanted to get a job to buy himself a car. Indicating he wanted a BMW like the one his Godfather Carlton Guthrie had. Lonnie spent a few days this past summer with Guthrie, a Harvard Alumni and the CEO of several companies, one of which employs over 300 African Americans in the heart of Detroit.
Lonnie’s mother, Nadia Sellers, the CEO of a permanent staffing agency and several small companies, explained to him the difference between his millionaire Godfather and his young-self, reality hit him hard. She told him he would have to work a lot of hours to afford his desired car. Further, she told Lonnie instead of getting a BMW he should focus on building wealth. He hung his head and asked her how he would do that. She said, “son, you need to start your own business, and that way you wouldn't have to worry about anyone not hiring you because of the color of your skin”. Something she has seen happen many times during her 20 plus years in business.
Lonnie sports his Nike Jordan 1 Retro (High Fearless UNC Chicago).
Lonnie’s face lit up, as she asked him what he was good at? Without hesitation, he stated, “selling shoes” for years he had been selling shoes and that most of the kids are flipping shoes. “Ok, open up a shoe store and sell shoes” but you need to do the research first, she explained. Lennie being the financial wizard out of the two and the saver in the family chimed in and said mom we make money from flipping shoes. This came as a surprise to their mother because she was the one buying the shoes they were now flipping.
Mom Sellers scheduled a meeting with her twin teens to help them plan and launch their new store. The plans are to sell new and used tennis shoes pending approval from Nike and Adidas to become a retail customer. They love their Nike’s and Yeezy’s and for now, want to focus on those brands. Lennie who wears a size 17 shoe knows how hard it is to find shoes in his size. He is determined to attract the attention of other athletes with the same problem so they can become “House of Soles” resale customers.
Lonnie the CEO, and Lennie the CFO, convinced their sister DeShayney to help them create an LLC which they will control 100% when they turn 18. After finding and renting a retail space, together the family began cleaning out the building, painting, and designing the feel of the store. According to their mom, some days were harder than others. Instead of painting and cleaning the store they wanted to hang out with their friends. Lonnie and Lennie had to learn how to prioritize their time and their mom made sure they did just that.
Lennie Smith in his signature Yeezy’s!
The twins are looking forward to this new business venture in their young lives, attending Haslett High School online, practicing football and basketball when it resumes and working in their retail store in the evening and on the weekends. Determined to make their business successful and hire what they call “Sneaker Heads and Shoe Consultants,” the positions they created are to help build future entrepreneurs like themselves. Sneaker Heads and Shoe Consultants can be any age, the only qualification needed is (they must know sneakers”) their vision is to be a role model for other youths especially individuals who look like them.
grand opening event
October 10th marked the special occasion launching of Lennie and Lonnie Smith as official entrepreneurs! The crowds came in mass to help the twins celebrate the store opening with highlights such as special guest NFL Hall Of Famer football great Willie Lanier signing sneakers and official Kansas City Chief jerseys.
Lennie and Lonnie know that to effect change it must start with them. They understand the need for minority businesses and what those businesses can mean to the community they serve and young people who look like them.
Lonnie would hire all his friends if he could help them build wealth too. With the help of a friend, they came up with the name “House of Soles” because of their love for Nike and Adidas. They decided to focus on these brands for retail and resell since they own so many of the brand's shoes.
The House of Soles Crew (L-R) Keith Whitfield - VP Of Sales, Lonnie Smith-CEO, Jakari Conway - Sneaker Head, Lennie Smith - CFO for House Of Soles.
Lennie and Lonnie decided to sell their own brand of clothing under the brand name “House of Soles”. The twins designed and created the House of Soles brand, logo, and all of its apparel, now available online at www.houseofsolesus.com and in their store location soon to open at 1737 West Grand River Ave, Okemos, Michigan 48864
For more information on “House of Soles” contact H.O.S at 517 619-9915 or robere@hautemgmt.com
All Images Asia Hamilton for Photo Sensei | www.asiahamiltonphotography.com
Please help them raise enough funds to purchase Nike and Adidas shoe’s so they can qualify as a retailer. We are asking for your support. You can make a donation by clicking on this go fund me link below!