A 22-year-old entrepreneur from Buckinghamshire has transitioned from a minimum wage warehouse job to earning £50,000 per month by selling second-hand trainers. Jack Long embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 12, selling unwanted items on eBay in anticipation of starting his own business in the future.
After working as a warehouse picker post-college to save money, Jack made a significant breakthrough in March 2023 when he discovered a pair of Nike Air Force trainers at a car boot sale. Buying them for £15 and selling them for double the price sparked the idea that led to the establishment of his pre-loved trainer business, Recycled Streetwear, in April 2023.
Initially selling around 30 trainers monthly, Jack’s business saw exponential growth after he joined the real-time shopping app, Tilt. Through Tilt, Jack now sells approximately 1,500 trainers each month, generating £50,000 in sales, which he largely reinvests back into the business. Jack’s commitment to sourcing, cleaning, and authenticating shoes is evident as he works tirelessly around the clock to maintain the business’s operations, including live streaming shoe showcases in the evenings.
Expressing his ambition to dominate the pre-loved shoe market, Jack mentioned that the current revenue is insufficient, as he reinvests most of it into the business. Despite the demanding workload, Jack remains focused on expanding Recycled Streetwear, with plans to hire additional staff to support the live stream sales.
With a vision to revolutionise online shopping and reduce environmental impact, Jack aims to position his business as a leading retailer for pre-loved shoes in the UK. By intercepting shoes before they reach landfills, Jack envisions providing customers with quality footwear at affordable prices, contributing to a more sustainable shopping experience.
Jack’s entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiring narrative of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference in the fashion industry. As he continues to navigate the competitive market of pre-loved footwear, Jack remains resolute in his mission to grow Recycled Streetwear into a household name synonymous with sustainable fashion choices.