Turning a Passion for Sneakers into a Business

March 2026 – Meet Lynik. Today, he’s a self-made businessman and the owner of a sneaker restoration brand built from the ground up

His journey to entrepreneurship didn’t begin in a business classroom or design studio, it began in foster care, where his determination that would shape his future first took root.

Lynik came to The Children’s Village (CV) at nine years old, beginning a journey that took him through multiple homes before he eventually connected with programs designed to help young people prepare for adulthood.

As a teenager, he joined CV’s WAY program, which provides youth with complex needs mentorship, education, and employment opportunities. Through consistent participation, Lynik learned about financial literacy skills and saved money as he stepped into independence.

Along the way, supportive adults helped guide him. Jenisette “Jen” Perez, Director of Youth Services, Family Foster Care, stood out. Lynik met her when he first came to CV. Jen knew how to connect with him, displaying respect and nonjudgmental mentorship.

And as Lynik grew up, she encouraged him to think big. When Lynik first shared that he wanted to start a business, Jen was enthusiastic. Her involvement continued during Lynik’s entrepreneurial journey, as she encouraged him to push past obstacles and offered money management guidance.

But Lynik did not have a straight path to business success. After graduating high school, he first took a retail job for a few months and then enrolled in college. But when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted school and daily life, he rethought his plans.

Using his savings, Lynik rented an apartment in a rural upstate town. He invested most of his money to secure housing, giving himself the time to figure out his next move. Throughout the transition, he stayed in touch with Jen. With her support, he decided to turn his big idea into a reality and start a business.

His inspiration came from a gift: a set of sneaker paints from his girlfriend. To learn more about the craft, Lynik began researching sneaker restoration online. For months, he watched YouTube tutorials, studying different materials, paints, and techniques.