20+ Best Business Ideas For Hipsters
Looking to start a business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to innovate and build something creative in 2020.
We put a list together below of the most profitable hipster business ideas you can start today!
1. Start a book club
A book club consists of several people who read and talk about the books based on the topic or an agreed reading list.
Setting up your book club can be a great way to enjoy books and meet new people.
More importantly, a book club is a well-paying side hustle idea. Therefore, figure out who you invite to your book club and define the purpose.
Do you want to learn something new, or do you just want to bond with other book lovers? Having a defined purpose helps you reach like-minded people to keep the book club close-knit.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $13,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $75 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Two friends started an online book club that now has 570 members and generates £10,500 MRR, by addressing the problem of 'Tsundoku,' charging a monthly subscription fee for one non-fiction book, one inspiring meetup, and one custom cocktail, inspiring conversation and community.
2. Start a mobile karaoke experience
Karaoke service has become popular in urban places. Karaoke is fun for people because it allows them to socialize with friends, relieve stress while they perform a song they love, and it is also a way to let go of boredom.
Starting a mobile karaoke service in your home city or town can be fun and a way to earn extra money.
Identify a strategic location for your performances to start a mobile karaoke service. You can take the mobile karaoke to bars or restaurants or market your service to event planners and party organizers.
Compared to other entertainment-related services, mobile karaoke is one of the easiest to start and takes less time to move. All you need is to invest in a professional-level karaoke system which includes a karaoke machine, microphones, and speakers.
How much you can make: $12,000/month
Kelli Bielema and Vanessa Resler run The AirScream, a mobile karaoke lounge in a vintage Airstream located in Seattle, WA, which began as a successful Kickstarter campaign raising $45k.
3. Start a drinkware brand
A drinkware brand sells home and houseware products like cups, koozies, mugs, and other drinking accessories. If you've decided to try and create a business selling drinkware, there are certain things you need to know. You can do it from the comfort of your own home. You can get started for free, avoiding the hefty cost of setting up a brick-and-mortar shop. And if you take advantage of the right marketing strategies, you could be on your way to making money within a few weeks. The demand for custom-branded drinkware in the workplace has increased substantially over the past decade.
How much you can make: $416,000 — $12,000,000/month
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
4. Start a handmade goods business
A handmade craft business entails selling own-crafted products on online platforms like Alibaba, Etsy, an independent website, or social media.
To succeed in selling handmade goods, you'll need solid creative skills. Your creativity can help you build a strong brand.
And with online marketplaces, handmade shopping has become a popular trend.
In recent years, consumers worldwide have shown their support of independent businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those venturing into the handmade goods business.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
PortraitFlip is a successful startup that delivers handmade portraits globally with a clientele base in the USA and yields 3.5crs through their 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, and they started with an initial investment of only Rs.23,000.
5. Start a food delivery business
In today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, cooking is no longer a priority to many. People like to order-in food from their nearest restaurants or food joints and enjoy a meal in the comfort of their homes.
The food delivery business is like a courier service through which restaurants deliver food to their customers.
You can offer retail food delivery services to restaurants within your locality if you have a truck. Customers order through a restaurant or grocer’s website, and the owners contact you to deliver.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $83,333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services.
6. Start an art business
Starting an art business can be a great idea if you have a passion for art.
You’ll be able to work on your schedule, set your prices, and do something you love—while supporting yourself or even making money!
There are so many different avenues available to you as an artist-entrepreneur right now—from selling your work online (on sites like Etsy), through galleries or museums, or even at craft fairs and flea markets.
How much you can make: $876 — $415,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.
7. Become a temporary tattoo artist
Starting a tattoo business is not as difficult as you might think. If you have the talent, ability, and guts, you already have the essential qualities for starting your own tattoo company. The Tattoo Artists market size in the US in 2022 is $1.4B.
The tattooing business is profitable and famous, and it is one of the most rewarding careers that you can have. However, becoming a tattoo artist requires a lot of commitment and hard work.
Tattoo shops have strict standards for artists who work in shops, so to have an ideal career as an artist, you might have to go the freelance route. It can be a short-term or long-term career, so you must be prepared before taking on such a responsibility. It won’t come with a million-dollar salary at first, but once you’ve developed a good reputation and have completed enough work, the money will start rolling in.
How much you can make: $1,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Forgotten Mermaids creator Anslea shares how she started a passive income business while living out of a van, creating mermaid temporary tattoos and accessories, and has grown to average $1,000 per month in mostly passive income over the last six months.
8. Start a coffee shop
Starting a coffee shop is an exciting and rewarding venture. It's a business that can be started with relatively little capital, and there are many ways to make it profitable. Coffee shops feature a low-cost stock but are profitable businesses.
If you plan to open a coffee shop, you may purchase a franchise, buy an existing business, or start from scratch. Whichever the decision, ensure a strategic location and renovate the space to create an inviting atmosphere. Develop a fantastic offering and begin marketing the business even before you open.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $52,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study follows the co-founder of Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business which started as a hobby and now has 6 units that supply the UK's biggest sporting events, commercial and film shoots, generating around £150k from working only 70 days of the year.
9. Start an used book store
Starting a used book store may seem quaint and outdated in today’s digital age, but it can be a thriving and lucrative business.
For bibliophiles and avid readers, a used book store offers a treasure trove of pre-loved books at affordable prices. Not only do customers get to add to their libraries, but they also get to support sustainable practices by giving these books a second life.
A used book store can also serve as a community hub, providing a space for book clubs, readings, and other literary events. So why not dust off the old business plan and open the doors to your used book emporium?
10. Start a vintage reselling business
Designer vintage collection rises in value as it ages, making it a profitable business.
To start the vintage reselling business, research the market to find highly valued items. Then, analyze the target audience to determine what qualities they are likely to look out for when buying vintage products.
To start the business, you can source vintage products from craigslist and eBay.
Provided you can source quality products and target an audience with a bigger budget, you can earn good profits from a vintage reselling business.
11. Start a record store
12. Start a hipster clothing brand
13. Start a second-hand shoes and bags business
If you’re looking for a thrifty business idea, look no further than the world of second-hand shoes and bags. This innovative venture involves scouring thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces for gently used footwear and accessories and reselling them to customers looking for a stylish bargain.
The beauty of this business is that it can be run from the comfort of your home with minimal overhead costs. You only need a computer, internet access, and a keen eye for fashion. It’s a great way to make money while indulging your passion for fashion.
One of the critical aspects of running a flourishing second-hand shoes and bags business is to source high-quality, well-maintained products. Inspect each item thoroughly before buying, paying particular attention to any signs of wear and tear.
Another important tip is to offer a wide variety of products, catering to different styles and budgets. This can include everything from designer shoes and bags to vintage finds and trendy streetwear.
Another way to maximize profits is by offering customers free shipping or a local pickup option. This way, you can reduce the cost and maximize the revenue.
Finally, good customer service is critical. Make sure to respond promptly to customer inquiries and complaints, and keep in touch with your customers to inform them about new arrivals and sales.
14. Start a paper crafts designing business
A paper crafts designing business involves creating handmade items such as greeting cards, invitations, scrapbook layouts, and other decorative items using paper and other materials. It is a business that allows creativity and imagination to flow as entrepreneurs design and create unique and personalized items for their clients.
To start a paper craft designing business, entrepreneurs must have a good eye for aesthetics and a solid attention to detail. They will also need to be proficient in various crafting tools such as scissors, glue, and punches.
To run a successful paper craft designing business, entrepreneurs should focus on building a solid brand and marketing their products effectively. This can be done through social media, online marketplaces, and participating in local craft fairs and events. It is also essential to continuously learn new techniques and stay updated on the latest trends in the industry.
In addition, good customer service, working efficiently, and meeting deadlines are crucial for the success of paper crafts designing business. It is also essential to price products somewhat and offers a variety of options for clients.
Overall, a paper craft designing business allows entrepreneurs to express their creativity and turn their passion for crafting into a successful business.
15. Start a gift baskets business
A gift basket is delivered to the recipient at the workplace or residence. A gift basket business is a noble idea because, with a proper strategy, you can remain in business all year round.
To start a gift basket business, choose a niche or a sales channel, and register your business appropriately. Then, with a proper marketing strategy, you should be able to reach a broader customer base.
How much you can make: $550 — $125,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dick At Your Door is an e-commerce shop that grew almost 10x within the last eight months by selling anonymous pranks such as 5 oz chocolate penises, and its founder shares his journey that started as a joke to becoming a professional chocolatier.
16. Start a throw pillow designing business
A throw pillow designing business involves creating decorative pillows that can add comfort, color, and personality to a room. The business typically involves creating unique designs, selecting fabrics and materials, and producing finished products.
To run a successful throw pillow designing business, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind:
Develop a unique and cohesive design aesthetic: Creating a distinct and consistent design style will help your business stand out in the market and attract repeat customers.
Source high-quality materials: The quality of your materials will have a significant impact on the final product, so it’s essential to invest in fabrics and fillings that are durable and comfortable.
Stay on trend: Keeping up with current design trends will help your business stay relevant and attract new customers.
Invest in marketing: Marketing your business and products is crucial to attracting new customers and driving sales. Use social media, email marketing, and other online platforms to promote your products.
Offer excellent customer service: Providing excellent customer service is key to building a loyal customer base and maintaining a positive reputation. Respond to customer inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Following these tips can create a successful and sustainable throw pillow designing business.
17. Start a craft beer business
Are you passionate about beer and ready to penetrate a niche within the alcohol industry? Craft beer is a potential business idea you may want to start.
Craft beer is an important and attractive niche consumer market with the potential to multiply profitability.
The good news is that starting your craft beer brewery is not as difficult as you think.
You can start brewing craft beer with nothing more than a bucket, a bubbler, a siphon pipe, and a kit. Eventually, you will start bottling your craft beer and delivering it to the market.
How much you can make: $56,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Croatian craft brewery Varionica shares how they started with only 22 kegs and an old Opel Astra, grew to produce roughly 40,000 liters of beer per month, and expanded successfully during the pandemic through an online shop and retail store partnerships.
18. Start a cocktail class business
Cocktail classes teach the theory and techniques for creating basic bartender drinks. The mixology classes are ideal for bartenders and individuals who want to master the skill of mixing different flavors to make classic cocktails.
If you are in the catering industry, mixology classes is one of the easiest businesses you can start. If interested, you can begin lessons targeted to people interested in working in the bar and restaurant industry.
19. Start an antique instrument business
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
