Starting a business from scratch isn’t easy. It takes grit, determination, and a whole lot of hustle. That’s exactly what defines Kenzo Sobrie, the founder of KZ International. From selling Pokémon cards as a kid to running a multi-million-dollar Amazon FBA business by the age of 22, Kenzo’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Let’s dive into how he turned his early side hustles into a thriving eCommerce empire.
The Early Hustle
Kenzo’s entrepreneurial spirit sparked early. Growing up without much money, he was always on the lookout for ways to make a buck. As a kid, he traded Pokémon cards, getting a taste of supply and demand. By middle school, he was selling custom T-shirts.
“I was always that kid trying to make an extra buck,” Kenzo recalls. “Whether it was selling T-shirts or flipping items online, I was hustling from a young age.”
Taking the Leap into eCommerce
At just 15 and a half, Kenzo made a bold move. He took $2,500 he’d earned from odd construction jobs and invested it in an eCommerce course taught by Jeffrey Bunting, a pioneer in dropshipping. Convincing his skeptical mom to let him attend wasn’t easy, but his determination won her over.
“Ignorance is bliss,” he says. “I didn’t overthink the risks; I just went for it.”
And it paid off. In his first nine days, he made $1,900 on eBay, selling items like Adidas backpacks. But he quickly realized that dropshipping margins were thin. He needed something more profitable.
Discovering Wholesale FBA
At 16, Kenzo shifted gears to Amazon’s Wholesale FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) model. With $7,500 saved up, he bought two pallets of Sharpie markers. It was a game-changer. He made a $2,500 profit, and the potential was clear.
“That’s when it clicked,” Kenzo explains. “I saw that focusing on high-demand products and letting Amazon handle the fulfillment could really scale.”
He started sourcing everyday items like ChapStick and vegan soups—products that people buy all the time. By reinvesting his profits and expanding his inventory, his business started to take off.
Skyrocketing Growth
Kenzo’s business didn’t just grow; it exploded.
In 2020, his companies generated over $3 million in revenue. By 2021, that figure skyrocketed to over $14 million, and in 2022, the company surpassed $50 million in annual revenue, bringing its total earnings to over $65 million. So, how did Kenzo achieve this remarkable growth?
He relied on data-driven choices, using software tools to analyze top-selling products, evaluate competition, and identify the profitability of various items. Additionally, he practiced smart reinvestment, choosing to reinvest profits back into the business to expand operations and inventory rather than taking them out. Kenzo also embraced diversification, broadening his product lines to enter new markets and mitigate risks, ensuring sustainable growth across multiple fronts.
“I was surprised we reached multiple eight figures based on how lean our operation was,” Kenzo admits. “But focusing on buying low and selling high with products people already wanted to make all the difference.”
Facing Challenges Head-On
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In 2022, Kenzo faced a major setback when a supplier sold him illicit products, leading to significant financial losses.
“I had to take responsibility and fix the issue to keep our reputation intact,” he says. “It was tough, but it made me more vigilant.”
Managing a growing team was also challenging, especially at such a young age. He learned to delegate and focus on strategic growth. Navigating Amazon’s strict policies required careful attention to quality control.
Through it all, Kenzo stayed adaptable. He adjusted his strategies as the market changed, and he didn’t shy away from learning from his mistakes.
Family Life and New Priorities
At 22, Kenzo isn’t just a business mogul; he’s also a husband and father. He met his wife at 19, and becoming a father shifted his perspective.
“When you have a family depending on you, your priorities change,” he notes. “I became more focused on creating a stable future for them.”
This new responsibility motivated him to make smarter business decisions, emphasizing long-term stability over quick wins.
Looking Beyond Borders
Kenzo isn’t stopping at the U.S. market. He’s exploring international opportunities, like opening a warehouse in Brazil. He’s exporting high-demand products to the U.S. and importing goods from the U.S. to Brazil.
“We’re finding incredible opportunities by sourcing products internationally,” he shares. “It’s about staying ahead of the curve and finding value where others haven’t looked.”
He’s also building his personal brand, sharing insights on Instagram @knzo, and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. He’s considering new investments and continues to offer courses and mentorship programs about Amazon FBA and wholesale strategies.
Lessons from Kenzo’s Journey
So, what can we learn from Kenzo’s story?
Starting young and staying persistent is never a barrier to success. Kenzo began his journey early, giving him a significant head start. He also prioritized investing in himself, recognizing that money spent on education and acquiring knowledge always pays off in the long run.
Kenzo practiced wise reinvestment, choosing to channel his profits back into his business to fuel growth instead of spending them elsewhere. Along the way, he embraced challenges, understanding that setbacks are inevitable. Rather than being discouraged, he learned from them and kept moving forward.
Finally, he focused on proven strategies, selling products that people already wanted, which minimized risk and ensured steady success.
“I risked it all for a dream no one else saw,” Kenzo reflects. “But I was relentless. My ambition is unmatched, and that’s what separates me.”
Wrapping Up
From flipping Pokémon cards to running a $80 million eCommerce empire, Kenzo Sobrie shows what’s possible when you combine hustle with smart strategies. His story is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and the power of reinvesting in your own success.
For anyone inspired by his journey, Kenzo’s advice is simple: “Stay focused, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Your life can change fast.”
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Stay Connected with Kenzo
Want to keep up with Kenzo’s journey? Follow him on Instagram @knzo and tiktok @kenzosobrie. If you’re interested in his mentorship programs or want to collaborate, reach out through his social media channels.
