From sleeping on benches to becoming a sensation on social media, Lorenzo Ruzza’s ascent from homelessness to wealth exemplifies resilience and innovation. At 46, the Milanese watch dealer has amassed over 500,000 followers on both Instagram and TikTok, showcasing not just his luxury timepieces but his extraordinary life story.
Born as the seventh of ten siblings, Ruzza faced numerous hardships early on. He experienced family struggles and even homelessness, spending nights in various temporary shelters including garages and cars. “I’ve slept on benches and worked delivering pizzas, and now I don’t check prices when shopping,” he recounted, reflecting on the stark changes in his quality of life.
Before venturing fully from poverty, Ruzza had to navigate through various jobs after the family business, which produced tram door valves, failed. This marked the beginning of Ruzza’s working life at just 16 years old. He now talks about living on the streets of Milan, using the city's public transit to keep warm during the cold nights.
With his determination, Ruzza eventually sought work as a salesman, where he encountered yet more challenges, including being fired after two months due to his living situation—a full-time job hindered by the fact he was often caught sleeping overnight in his car. Despite these issues, perseverance drove him forward.
His breakthrough came when he began to sell watches—a passion ignited by early experiences at the dealership after securing a 30,000 euro loan. “I started with 30,000 euros from loans, and by the second year, I had made 500,000 euros,” Ruzza stated, illustrating the growth of his business from humble beginnings.
Ruzza's initial selling ventures were modest; he bought his very first watch for 2,200 euros and flipped it for 3,000 euros. The momentum really picked up when he sold one for 100,000 euros. “With the web master, I made money with ads; my first big sale was for 400,000 euros,” he explained. Through strategic buying and selling practices, he navigated his way to exceptional profit margins.
The transformation was greatly influenced by Ruzza’s innovative use of social media. “The web was decisive for my success,” he remarked, acknowledging the power of platforms to cultivate his clientele and expand his brand. Leveraging social media, he devised unique content strategies, including dramatic showcases of destroying fake watches, which drew significant audience engagement.
Success has its perks, and Ruzza has been enjoying his newfound wealth. From purchasing luxury vehicles like Lamborghinis to high-end watches, he has had his share of indulgences. “I spent 10,000 euros in one night, and I used to think I'd never reach those heights,” he admitted, transitioning from frugal living to appreciating opulence.
Despite his stunning success, the watch dealer remains grounded and wants others to learn from his life. He has spoken about the importance of perseverance and has built his platform to inspire others who might face similar struggles.
When asked about the aggressive competitiveness he faced, Ruzza revealed the darker side of his success, “I’ve faced several attacks both inside and outside the shop; I had to hire armed guards from opening to closing hours.” Such realities underline the price of success, underscoring the challenges he has overcome.
Ruzza’s story serves as more than just a rags-to-riches tale; it is one of tenacity, transformation, and the undeniable impact of social networks on modern business success. His experiences are now reflected not just on his social media pages but also on his burgeoning empire, all built from the ground up.
To sum it up, Lorenzo Ruzza’s rise from the streets of Milan to the opulent lifestyle he leads today encapsulates not only personal triumph over adversity but also the potential we all hold to redefine our destinies through hard work and creativity.
