Jones becomes sneaker head entrepreneur

Jones recently began his own shoe-selling business where he sells high-end sneakers.

“The reason I started my shoe business is because I’m a Sneakerhead, which means shoe collector. I’m involved almost every week in selling and buying. I’ve always wanted to own my own shoe store, and so I started young. I play basketball, and basketball and shoes go together,” said Jones.

The popularity of the multi-billion dollar sneaker industry comes from the thrill of the chase. Many collect and sell sneakers much like people used to collect and sell baseball cards.

“I’m really passionate about what I do, because there is a story behind every sneaker that comes out. I also like the different styles and colorways on shoes,” said Jones.

Selling waits for no man, and sometimes Jones has to take a quick break from class to purchase limited-edition shoes -- with teacher permission, of course.

“I actually just had to sell a pair of Jordans in class. My favorite sale so far was a pair that I got that my sister really wanted. An NBA player named LeRoy Buchanan bought a rare shoe, a pair of Blazers 77 mid Popcorn, from me. It got shared online, which was really cool,” said Jones.

With juggling school, sports, and now his shoe business, one might think Jones would drop the ball. However, with the support of his family, Jones is primed for success.

“My parents support my decision one hundred percent. They are the ones that really got me started. Really, my parents are the reason I wanted to start a business. My mom has a hair business, and my dad has a flooring business, too. If it wasn't for them, I probably wouldn't have this business,” said Jones.

Quite the social butterfly, Jones said one of his favorite aspects of his sneaker business, besides the cool shoes, is meeting other people.

“You get to meet other people and learn their tastes in how they dress and how they carry themselves. And there's a lot of personalities. And what makes me so happy is I just started a new travel basketball team, and they support me a hundred percent. They are my clients, but also like one of my co-workers,” said Jones.

Good shoes take you to good places, and it looks like L.J. Jones is going to very good places.