Startup Club: Yo Sox

Over the past few decades, a growing number of small businesses involved in various industries have popped up around the world meeting the needs of an ever-growing, ever-changing market.

Jewish businessmen and innovators continue to excel throughout these industries, displaying their prowess as creative, forward-thinking entrepreneurs, and tapping into continuously developing markets with 'startup' companies.

In a bid to recognize these decorated entrepreneurs for their ongoing contributions and advancements to these fields, Shalom Life is pleased to present: Startup Club, highlighting the best and the brightest of Jewish entrepreneurs who continue to provide our community with new, influential and innovative ideas that will forever change the way we interact with the world, and with one another.

Follow our lead and we’ll follow yours – send us tips or suggestions via email, comment below or tweet us @ShalomLife, in our mission to celebrate the most visionary of Jewish entrepreneurs.

Check out last week's inductee into the Club here.

Business: Yo Sox (owned by Giftcraft Ltd.)

Base of Operations: Toronto, Ontario

Entrepreneur: Trevor Cohen

Industry: Fashion

Founded: 2013

Once upon a time giving the gift of sox was considered a horrible present. Kids around the world used to plaster on fake smiles and thank their overly friendly great aunt Mabel for their holiday socks.

But not anymore.

Recently the fashion world, particularly men’s fashion, has been overtaken by an love of brightly coloured and boldly patterned socks. Men are more often than not opting for unique socks with a fun flare to help brighten up their wardrobe - they look particularly awesome with suits. Women are also catching this season’s sock-love, as they opt for funky knee-highs to dress up an outfit or some boots.

This sock craze, more popular this year than seemingly any before it, is all thanks to a Toronto-based company called Yo Sox.

Founded in the summer of 2013, Yo Sox aims to make high quality socks that can appeal to any style. From the basic black, to bacon patterns, to martinis and sushi rolls, Yo Sox offers it all. Their website explains that regardless of your personal taste, you still have something to say and their socks can help you say it. They even have a collection of holiday themed socks perfect for anything from Valentine’s Day to the winter holidays.

“There’s nothing better than walking into a boardroom and being intimidated by these guys in suits, then they cross their legs and flash a pair of moustache socks,” explained Ryan Cohen, director of Toronto-based Yo Sox, in an interview with the National Post. “Women have more accessories to play with, but men have to work with the basics to show off their personalities.”

Currently, Yo Sox is sold online, and in over 3,000 North American retailers, including the Hudson’s Bay. The socks, which have extra deep heels and reinforced toes to keep your socks from wearing out and your feet warm, have been spotted on some big name celebrities including Daniel Radcliffe. Although these flashy socks have been popular since their release, they’re steadily gaining attention from consumers.

“We’ve doubled our business from the first year, and we plan on doubling again,” continued Cohen in his interview.

Yo Sox even offers a monthly “Soxscription” for the serious sock connoisseur. For roughly ten dollars a month, Yo Sox will send you a random pair of socks delivered to your door (shipping included) that you can look forward to sprucing up your outfits with.

If you’re looking for a great gift this holiday season, be sure to check out Yo Sox this December.