For many of his age, birthday money is meant for spending. But for 15-year-old Trey Brown, it is a startup capital. He has successfully turned his birthday money into a successful business and is on a journey to build a seven-figure lifestyle brand.
Brown is the founder of SPERGO, a trendsetting streetwear and lifestyle brand headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. He started his fashion company three years ago with just 16 T-shirts he purchased from the leftover of his birthday money of $178.
His brand combines luxury and urban activewear with sweatsuits, hoodies, boxer briefs, and accessories, according to this report. He was inspired to go into entrepreneurship at his age because he wanted to chart a new course in his community, which has increasingly become violent. His move was to inspire other kids like him and even the older generation to stay out of trouble and follow their dreams.
“There’s so much violence in my community. Kids are being killed; kids are killing kids. I created SPERGO to give myself and my friends another option,” he told PhillyMag. “SPERGO keeps me busy and off the streets.”
Since the launch of his company in 2018, his vision has caught on like wildfire, catching the attention of celebrities like Meek Mill, Diddy, and Tierra Whack. Other celebrities following his brand include Eric Thomas, Shaquille O’Neil, Charles Barkley, Grant Hill, GHerbo, Da Baby, and Ed Mylett.
Brown now has two locations. He opened his first shop in Philadelphia after receiving a $25,000 business grant from Diddy in 2020 and the second clothing store in The Pentagon City Mall located in Washington, D.C. According to the company’s website, Brown has sold over 30,000 units of merchandise and has grossed more than $200K in sales for several months in a row.
Also, SPERGO has secured several wholesale deals. One of his latest deals is with the Philadelphia 76ers. “I started SPERGO three years ago, and I would never have imagined that I would be officially stamped a 76ers partner by my home basketball team,” Brown told Baller Alert about the partnership.
Aside from being a teenpreneur, Brown has become one of the most sought-after youth speakers. He has spoken to high schools, youth groups, and youth summits. He was featured on Times Square and also tapped to be part of an advertisement by investment management firm Invesco.
Brown plans to expand his business beyond the borders of America and also mentor more teens like him.
“I’m in this for the long haul. SPERGO is going to be a household name. You’ll see SPERGO in Neiman Marcus, Saks, Macy’s, and many more big stores. This will be a part of my legacy that inspires people forever,” he told PhillyMag.
