P.E.I.’s Sean Fitzpatrick may be getting more of an education in the real world as the owner of a new streetwear business in Halifax than in a university classroom.
“Just learning to work with different manufacturers, to build my own website, to work with different companies (and) to do these photo shoots,” said Fitzpatrick, 21, owner and founder of 6 Zero and a business student at Saint Mary’s University.
“It’s been quite the battle, but I’m loving every minute of it.”
Originally from Souris (and a graduate of Souris Regional High School in 2014), Fitzpatrick started his business degree at UPEI before transferring to SMU.
He launched 6 Zero in January. And, with the help of his roommate Kenny McKinnon (also from Souris), he runs it out of their Halifax apartment.
“Even if this doesn’t take off like I hope it’s going to take off, I still would have learned so much from this that it will pay me back. And, it’s been amazing. I’ve had some sleepless nights for sure,” he said.
Fitzpatrick explained the name 6 Zero is related to the business goals he wants to achieve as well as the fact that there are six zeros in one million. It follows that those goals are a million in sales, a million customers and a million followers on social media, he said.
He started 6 Zero with the help of a small business loan from his grandmother, which he has since paid back.
“So, big shout out to my grandmother for having some faith in me,” he said.
The business sells its Navigator and Nautical design watches (unisex) and stainless steel rings as well as men’s, women’s and unisex clothing (sweatshirts and hoodies, short and long-sleeved shirts and tank tops), and bracelets.
The watches are sold online, stored in Halifax and shipped to customers while the clothing is shipped directly from the manufacturer.
Fitzpatrick said the business sold 25 watches in January and February at $100 each. He said the goal is to have $10,000 in watch sales by June. He admits that might be a bit optimistic, but he’s motivated to achieve that goal. Fitzpatrick added that the business is working on a new watch model called Maritimer.
Fitzpatrick said it took a while to find the right watch manufacturer. He started working with a Switzerland manufacturer on the design and prototype, but the costs of mass production were too high. So, he switched to working with a manufacturer in China, which he said has been a good experience in terms of service, price and product quality.
In addition to online sales, Fitzpatrick said he would eventually like to partner with a retailer and have products available for sale in stores.
He has also reached out to about 100 professional athletes and actors through Instagram to endorse the products. He’s received feedback from about 20 people.
One athlete endorsing the watches is Canadian UFC fighter, Elias Theodorou.
“He actually did a photo shoot for me, which was awesome,” said Fitzpatrick.
The business also recently shot a video commercial in a Halifax hotel that can be seen on 6 Zero’s website and social media accounts. The video was shot by P.E.I.’s Coltin Handrahan.
More information on 6 Zero’s products and ordering can be found at https://6zero.shop.
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