How a Gen Z immigrant went from paycheck to paycheck to financial independence by turning her shoe collection hobby into a 7-figure business
Briefly

Val Zapata transformed her sneaker-collecting hobby into a thriving business, generating over $4 million in sales in 2024 through engaging live shows on Whatnot.
Amidst the pandemic, Val found solace in old memories of sneaker collecting with her father, sparking a profitable side hustle that led to unexpected success.
The emotional connection to sneakers, born from early morning waits outside Foot Locker with her dad, played a pivotal role in nurturing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Zapata’s journey illustrates the power of combining passion with opportunity, leveraging familial bonds to create a business that resonates both personally and financially.
Read at Business Insider
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