DM: Hey Uzo & Jazz, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to enlighten us about this trendy business that you are running first and foremost
DM: where are you all from?
UZO: I’m originally from Silver Spring, MD; born and raised in the DC metropolitan area.
JAZZ: I’m from Hampton, VA, 7 cities, 757. Met Uzo as a student at the University of Maryland.
DM: How long have you been a sneaker head?
UZO: Well I started showing a serious interest in sneakers back in 2001 – 2002. That’s when I really started getting into the sneakers, as a young kid in middle school. I used to work at a summer camp and cut yards in my neighborhood to save up to buy whatever Jordan’s I had my eye on.
DM: When did you know you can turn this into a viable business?
UZO: When I was in middle school and guys would offer me cash for shoes I was wearing at gym and in class. They would offer me cash because those shoes could no longer be available in stores. A lot of times they would offer me what I paid for or more and I realized that it was a profitable investment.
DM: Do you have a business partner?
UZO: Yes. My Spouse! A lot of people say you shouldn’t mix family and business. But together we realized that we were better as a team than separate. It built up the trust we had in each other and in each other’s talents. I know what she can do, she knows what I can do and it has given us a great opportunity to learn together. We trust each other.
DM: Are some of the shoes so rare they can be hard to part with or does it not affect you to sell the shoes?
UZO: My interest is deeply rooted in the culture. When I come across an item that is very hard to find, there is a tendency for me to feel that sentimental value and want to hold on to them. But at the same time I have to realize that this is business, and our investment needs a return.
Uzo & Jazz Ihekwoba
Owners and operators of
Sneaker Motsy
WWW.SNEAKERMOTSY.COM
Images courtesy of Uzo & Jazz
Interview By Tripple O.