(WSVN) — A little boy with a passion for fashion is now running his own company. And with the money he’s earning he’s also learning an important lesson in giving back. 7’s Lynn Martinez shows us in today’s Parent to Parent.
There’s nothing that Sebastian Martinez likes more than a good pair of socks.
Rachel Martinez: “He’s always had an obsession with socks.”
The 7-year-old has rarely been seen barefoot since he was a baby.
Rachel Martinez: “Any kind of sock you can think of, the higher the better, the more colorful the better. He must own at least over a hundred socks.”
His mom couldn’t help but notice his passion and that sparked a bright idea.
Rachel Martinez: “I saw Sebastian loved socks, so why not have him design his own socks.”
The suggestion got a great response.
Rachel Martinez: “He was so happy he ran to the table, he got out paper, crayons and started drawing his own socks.”
A family business was born.
Rachel Martinez: “We launched the Are You kidding? Socks by Sebastian Collection.”
And a pint-sized philanthropist started to emerge.
Sebastian Martinez: “I am the CEO of my company.”
Sebastian creates the socks and his 9-year-old brother, Brandon, sells them.
Brandon Martinez: “I am director of sales or you can call me DOS.”
Yet, it doesn’t stop there. Mom makes sure when the company makes a profit the kids learn the importance of *giving back* to those in need.
Rachel Martinez: “For the entire month of October, Sebastian designed his breast cancer awareness socks and he spent literally the entire month selling those socks.”
Sebastian sold the socks to his basketball team, the coaches and even the referees.
Sebastian Martinez: “Every time I have a basketball game we wear the socks.”
He raised $3,000 for breast cancer research and was even awarded a plaque for his efforts.
His mom says the experience has made Sebastian more aware of what others are going through and that kids should always know the reason why they are raising money.
“I think it’s very important to educate the kids and explain to them you’re raising money for x-cause but this is what that means.”
Lynn Martinez: His mom says once you spot your child’s passion try to motivate them to take it to the next level.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.areyoukidding.net