11-Year-Old Opens Thrift Store in NYC to Help Low-Income Families

When young people set their minds to something positive, thereâs little we can do but step back and watch in awe. So when 11-year-old Obocho Peters was presented with an obstacle, he found a way to overcome it while helping others in his own community in the process.
It all began when Obocho asked his mom for some new superhero toys. His mother Sasha having to explain that money was tight, not just for their family, but for many in the area. Undeterred, Obocho decided to sell off some of the old clothes he longer wore â a smart idea that has now blossomed into a full-on business.
Obochoâs Closet began as an online thrift shop, selling not only the pre-teenâs clothing but other items that had been donated as well. In just two years, the humble online operation has found a new brick and mortar home in Brooklynâs Flatbush neighborhood. Obocho telling Good Morning America âI was inspired by all the superheroes helping to make the world a better place,â adding âI wanted to be a hero myself by helping my mom.â
Seeing the spark of entrepreneurship in her young sonâs eyes, Sasha enrolled him in a small business course offered locally. With the skills learned and the generosity of friends and strangers who helped Obocho raise over $13,000 to get the business off the ground, the youngster is giving back in more ways than one. Beyond providing affordable clothing, the business has found unique ways to put profits back into the community.
“Since my business is for-profit, my company gives back to the community by investing a percentage of the profits in providing FREE financial literacy seminars geared towards teaching parents and kids how to save for college or pursue other goals like entrepreneurship.”
While Obocho certainly has the drive and know-how to continue growing the business, itâs thanks to the ongoing encouragement from his mom that he found this path in the first place. âYou have to nurture kids when they come up with ideas, and you have to pay attention to everything they say because theyâre telling you how to groom them to be a better version of themselves,â Sasha said.
Itâs kids like Obocho and parents like Sasha that give our nation hope for the future. We salute all those who feel a need to give back and especially the ones focusing on real solutions in their own communities.
Kudos, Obocho, and good luck in the future! Perhaps Shark Tank needs a new guest judge?