95 Inspiring CPG Companies & Their Success Stories
A CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) company is a company that sells packaged items that are purchased by consumers for daily use. These products are usually sold in retail stores, but they can also be sold online or in other ways.
CPG companies make products that are generally easy to use and accessible to any consumer. These include household items such as cleaning supplies and toothpaste as well as food and beverages like juice or beer.
Starting a CPG business requires finding an idea for a product, researching the market to determine if there is room for your product in the marketplace, getting a manufacturer or distributor to produce and distribute the product, and coming up with enough capital to get started.
Here are some real life success stories of starting a CPG company:
1. Benjamissimo ($120K/year)
Milen Yordanov, the founder of Benjamissimo, a brand of organic vegan chocolate with superfoods, came up with the idea after his friend, who co-founded the brand Roobar, asked for help registering the trademark in Canada. Milen saw this as an opportunity to leave his teaching job and pursue something he was passionate about. He started distributing the energy and protein bars himself, and later added the Benjamissimo chocolate brand to his business.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 1
As a non-English speaking immigrant and former teacher in Montreal, Milen Yordanov started a business by distributing Roobar organic protein bars and expanded to distributing Benjamissimo vegan chocolate with superfoods in Canada, making $120,000 in sales last year and growing despite the global crisis.
2. Ka-Pop! Snacks ($1.2M/year)
Dustin Finkel, the creator and CEO of Ka-Pop! and Awakened Foods, came up with the idea for his snack business after realizing the lack of genuinely authentic and delicious snacks in the market. As a certified personal trainer and nutritionist, Finkel wanted to create snacks that were both healthy and tasty, leading him to develop the Ka-Pop! line using 100% Ancient Grains and natural seasonings. Since its launch, the business has experienced impressive growth, with over 300% annual growth and projected annual sales of nearly $10 million by the end of 2021.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
Current team size: 50
Ka-Pop! is an Ancient Grain snack company that has grown over 300% per year, reaching nearly $10 million in annual sales by 2021, through innovation, passion, demos, social media, TV appearances, and driving relationships with retailer partners.
So... can you actually make money with a CPG company?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
3. Pilly Labs ($66K/year)
Ronell, the founder of Pilly, came up with the idea for his health and wellness company after trying a liquid herbal tincture for stress relief and experiencing amazing results. However, he realized that the product lacked modern packaging, marketing geared towards a younger demographic, and convenient delivery. With a determination to create a brand that checked all the boxes, Ronell started Pilly while working an 80-hour a week job, and after months of hard work and overcoming obstacles, he successfully launched the brand and is now generating around $5K in monthly revenue.
How much they make: $66K/year
Current team size: 1
This case study follows the journey of a founder who, while holding down an 80-hour job, launched a health and wellness company selling all-natural, herbal-based supplements, generating $5K in revenue per month, and relying heavily on Google PPC ads for traffic.
4. FATCO ($480K/year)
Cassy Burnvoth, the Founder & CEO of FATCO, came up with the idea for her business after discovering the dangers of conventional skincare products and the benefits of using healthy fats for the skin. With a background in engineering and a passion for Paleo lifestyle, she started making her own natural and organic personal care products using tallow from grass-fed cows. She rebranded the company as FATCO in 2015 and launched a full line of products, including their flagship Stank Stop Natural Deodorant.
How much they make: $480K/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 2
This case study follows the story of Cassy Burnvoth, founder & CEO of FATCO, a natural and organic personal care brand that uses tallow (rendered beef fat) in their products, which garnered $200,000 in revenue in its first 9 months and launched in Target stores in January 2018.
So... can you actually make money with a CPG company?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
5. Volcanic Earth ($504K/year)
The founder of Volcanic Earth, Linda Trenkner, came up with the idea to start a cosmetics manufacturing business after realizing the potential of volcanic ash and natural remedies found in Vanuatu. She and her cousin initially started with a volcanic ash resort clothing line, but quickly pivoted to developing natural skincare products using ingredients like Tamanu Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil. Despite limited financial resources and a small market in Vanuatu, they focused on reaching larger markets outside of the country through online sales and a wholesale drop ship reseller program, successfully attracting customers around the world.
How much they make: $504K/year
How much did it cost to start: $3K
Current team size: 7
Volcanic Earth CEO Linda Trenkner started a successful cosmetics manufacturing business in Vanuatu that specializing in natural skin care products for a variety of skin issues; Trenkner takes pride in working with indigenous families and villages in Vanuatu that collect the nuts, coconuts, and volcanic ash used in her products.
6. FBI Cosmetics Inc. ($102K/year)
Alexis Evans, aka Da Mademoiselle, started FBI Cosmetics amidst the pandemic after struggling to find employment due to her felony record. Her passion for flawless makeup and skincare routines led her to create her own cosmetic and skincare company, grossing over $62,000 in sales and partnering with Walmart marketplace in just a few months. Despite initial setbacks, Evans has learned the importance of consistent posting and thorough research, and she continues to strive for success in the beauty industry.
How much they make: $102K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.5K
Current team size: 2
A former felon's passion for makeup and skincare led her to launch FBI Cosmetics, which has grossed over $62,000 in sales since July 2020, through social media marketing, brand partnerships, and online sales at Walmart.com.
So... can you actually make money with a CPG company?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
7. Ugly Duckling ($720K/year)
Ishan Dutta, founder of Ugly Duckling Los Angeles, started the hair products company five years ago after noticing the growing trend of women seeking fashionable and bold hair colors. Recognizing the potential of the online beauty market, Ishan decided to provide high-quality hair color and hair care products specifically catered to stylists and colorists. With a conversion rate between 1%-2% and an average cart value of $60, Ugly Duckling Los Angeles receives 600 to 900 orders per month.
How much they make: $720K/year
How much did it cost to start: $250K
Current team size: 2
Ugly Duckling Los Angeles, a professional haircare products business founded by Ishan Dutta, takes in anywhere between 600 and 900 orders a month, totaling around $50,000 per month in sales, with almost 60% of business coming from repeat orders; their objectives for 2020 include increasing profitability, growing digital traffic, expanding to trade shows and events, and releasing more innovative products.
8. Beautiful Disaster ($7.2M/year)
Founded by Christina DuVarney, Beautiful Disaster Clothing is a successful women's clothing brand that empowers women to embrace their imperfections. With over 4 million in revenue per year, Beautiful Disaster offers a wide range of products, including hoodies, tees, tanks, leggings, and jewelry. Through relentless determination and a commitment to exceptional customer service, Christina has built a brand that inspires women to embrace their inner strength and find confidence in their wardrobe.
How much they make: $7.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20K
Current team size: 10
Women's clothing line Beautiful Disaster generates over 4M in revenue per year and has grown its tribe to over 230K followers due to its personalized approach and commitment to exceptional customer service.
9. AlmondClear ($180K/year)
Leslie had been suffering from red bumps on her body for 20 years. She visited several dermatologists but the problem persisted. One day, she decided to visit an aesthetician who recommended mandelic acid. Within three weeks of using it, her problem was gone, bringing her immense relief. This experience motivated her to start her own business so that she could share her discovery with others.
How much they make: $180K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 0
Almond Clear, a line of skincare products formulated with mandelic acid, saw a revenue increase of about 20% each month for the first nine months after launching on Amazon in December 2017, finishing the first year of sales averaging around $15,000 per month in revenue.
10. Olakino Skincare ($48K/year)
Kristie Chee, the founder of Olakino skincare products, was inspired to start her business after experiencing the loss of her baby due to toxic liver. Realizing that many skincare and makeup products marketed as "non-toxic" still contained harmful ingredients, she decided to create her own line of 100% non-toxic products. Through research, formulation trials, and feedback from family and friends, she developed high-quality, non-toxic skincare and makeup products that are healthy for the body.
How much they make: $48K/year
How much did it cost to start: $35K
Current team size: 1
Learn how Kristie Chee started a $4k/month, 100% non-toxic skincare and makeup brand, Olakino, after suffering from toxic liver and being disappointed with the quality of natural skincare products available in the market.
11. PocketGel ($30K/year)
Nathan Failla, the founder of PocketGel, came up with the idea for his on-the-go hair care company when he got caught in the rain and wished he had a portable styling product. After creating a prototype and finding the right manufacturers, Nathan launched his business with a Squarespace website and social media accounts. His big break came when Walmart accepted his products, leading to nationwide distribution and recognition in Forbes. Marketing strategies like targeted Facebook and Instagram ads have helped attract and retain customers.
How much they make: $30K/year
Current team size: 0
PocketGel, founded in 2015, offers packets of on-the-go hair styling products and has sold in over 200 Walmart locations nationwide. Their top strategies for attracting and retaining customers include social media marketing on Instagram, using email marketing via MailChimp, and offering free samples.
12. Mellow Cosmetics ($240K/year)
Ima, the founder of Mellow Cosmetics, started the online beauty store in her garage during her maternity leave. She wanted to create products that would boost women's confidence and enhance their natural features. With no experience in the e-commerce or beauty industry, she followed her inner calling after watching a makeup tutorial on YouTube and has since grown the business from making $0 in the first year to over $400,000 per year in online sales, with distributors and retailers stocking her products as well.
How much they make: $240K/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 4
The Founder of Mellow Cosmetics explains how she grew her company's online sales from $0 to over $400,000 per year, while also expanding her brand's reach through distributors and retailers, with a focus on social proofing and email marketing.
13. Heavy Metal Merchant ($540K/year)
Dave Harrison, the founder of Heavy Metal Merchant, came up with the idea while working in the music industry and realizing the demand for licensed heavy metal merchandise. Starting with just a laptop and his own record collection, he bootstrapped the business and grew it to 6-figure weekly sales, shipping thousands of items per month worldwide. With a focus on authenticity and catering to a niche market, Heavy Metal Merchant has become a successful online retailer in the music merchandise industry.
How much they make: $540K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 2
Heavy Metal Merchant is an online retailer that has grown sales to 6-figures/week and ships thousands of items every month to people around the world with a focus on licensed music merchandise specializing on the heavy metal genre and has been profitable for over 12 years straight.
14. Gold Spectrum ($300K/year)
Yanet Caliz, CEO and founder of Gold Spectrum Lifestyle CBD Brand and Silk Bombs CBD Spa Products, came up with the idea for her businesses after experiencing the incredible benefits of CBD first-hand. After seeing the market flooded with low-quality products, she decided to create her own high-quality, all-natural CBD brand. Since launching in the middle of the pandemic, her businesses have seen impressive success, with an average monthly revenue of $20,000 and plans to expand to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon in the future.
How much they make: $300K/year
How much did it cost to start: $135K
Current team size: 5
CEO Yanet Caliz discusses how she launched her health-focused CBD brand, Gold Spectrum, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an average monthly revenue of $20,000 and plans for continued growth through digital marketing campaigns and influencer partnerships.
15. Annmarie ($12M/year)
Kevin Gianni, the founder of Annmarie Skin Care, stumbled upon the idea for his business while researching natural health therapies. After traveling the world and discovering a line of skincare products that aligned with his values, he partnered with the owner to bring the line to the wider public. With a platform already established through their YouTube channel, the business was able to launch successfully and continues to grow.
How much they make: $12M/year
Current team size: 26
Kevin Gianni, CEO and founder of Annmarie Skin Care reveals how he and his wife went from being youtubers to having the ability to run their seven-figure, natural, organic skincare and beauty company, with over 105k subscribers, using their existing platform.
16. Swipies ($24K/year)
Caylee, the founder of Swipies, came up with the idea for her reusable paper business when she received lamination samples for a project and wanted to write on them. After experimenting with different materials and designs, she created portable whiteboards that don't smudge and started selling them through her Shopify store. Despite initial challenges, Caylee has grown her business to ship products to 42 states and 30 countries, with an average revenue of $2,000 per month.
How much they make: $24K/year
Current team size: 0
Founder Caylee shares the story of how she started a reusable paper company, Swipies, whilst working at Facebook, growing it into a business that has been shipped to 42 states and 30 countries, with clients including Airbnb and General Assembly, and revenue averaging $2,000 per month.
17. AMANO Tongue Cleanser ($60K/year)
Mano came up with the idea for his tongue cleaning business after realizing the benefits of cleaning his own tongue with a scraper given to him by a friend. He conducted extensive research and validation to support the concept, and partnered with a leading manufacturer in the oral care sector to create a high-quality and safe product. Now, his premium tongue cleansers are gaining popularity among various target markets, from oral care to wine drinkers and elite athletes.
How much they make: $60K/year
Current team size: 1
This case study follows an entrepreneur's journey to establish and grow the market for tongue cleaning in Europe and North America while building a premium tongue cleaning brand.
18. Nourish Foods Co. ($2.16M/year)
Mary Drennen and her partner Tiffany Davis started Nourish Foods, a high-quality, healthy meal delivery service. The idea was born out of their experience working in the culinary industry and seeing the need for convenient, nutritious meals. In their first year of launch, they did $250k in sales and relied on grassroots efforts and word of mouth to attract customers.
How much they make: $2.16M/year
Current team size: 20
Bootstrapped meal delivery startup Nourish Foods, founded by two chefs in 2014, has grown consistently and sustainably to generate $2 million in revenue per year, with no investment and a loyal following thanks to grassroots marketing, partnerships and social media advertising.
19. BeatBox Beverages ($132M/year)
Justin Fenchel, co-founder and CEO of BeatBox Beverages, came up with the idea to create a party version of boxed wine with his friend Brad Schultz. They noticed the popularity of boxed wine like Franzia, but realized people weren't buying it for the taste, but for the affordability and convenience. Inspired by flavored malt beverages, they decided to create a fun flavored version of boxed wine for millennials. After testing their product at parties and receiving positive feedback, they knew they were onto something. With no prior alcohol industry experience, they navigated the complex laws and manufacturing process to bring their unique product to market. Since launching, they have grown their sales to $2.4 million in 2018 and hit $2 million in revenue in 2019.
How much they make: $132M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
Current team size: 164
BeatBox Beverages, a wine-based cocktail company, grew sales from $700k in 2016 to $2.4m in 2018 and is on track to hit $6m+ in 2019 through a unique and differentiated product, social media marketing, and an appearance on Shark Tank.
20. DetraPel ($7.2M/year)
David Zamarin, founder of DetraPel, came up with the idea for his business when he wanted to create a spray to protect his new Jordan shoes. However, lacking the chemistry knowledge, he started a shoe cleaning business instead. After discovering a harmful competitor's product, he sold his first business and invested the money into developing his own non-toxic and eco-friendly protective coatings, which has led to over $512,000 in sales in the last year.
How much they make: $7.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $60K
Current team size: 24
DetraPel is a company that manufactures and distributes eco-friendly liquid repellent sprays designed to protect fabric and leather belongings, which has made over $512,000 in sales last year and has successfully partnered with Shark Tank.
21. Just Panela LLC ($2.1M/year)
Scott Unkefer, the founder of Just Panela LLC, came up with the idea for his business when he moved to Medellin, Colombia and discovered Panela, an organic, unprocessed, and natural cane sugar. After experiencing its unique taste and health benefits, Unkefer decided to reposition Panela for the North American and international market. Despite facing challenges in packaging and manufacturing, Just Panela has achieved annual sales of $1.5 million and has gained recognition for its design and product quality.
How much they make: $2.1M/year
Current team size: 10
Founder and CEO of Just Panela LLC, Scott Unkefer, tells the story of his $1.5M unrefined, artisanal and organic cane sugar business, including how he repositioned the product, designed and manufactured the first product, and launched the business with multi-national operations.
22. Auric ($3.6M/year)
After a backbone fracture led him to explore yoga and Ayurveda, the founder of Auric had a lightbulb moment to make Ayurveda more convenient and aspirational for others. With a background in consumer brands from his time at Unilever, he launched Auric as a beauty and wellness brand based on Ayurveda, creating 100% natural and low-calorie beverages that offer visible benefits. With already selling 150k bottles monthly, the future looks bright for Auric as they aim to penetrate more consumers in India, the US, and the UK.
How much they make: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500K
Current team size: 9
A beauty and wellness brand based on Ayurveda, Auric, is making 150,000 sales per month after launching in September 2018 and is currently 95% bootstrapped, with the company focusing on social media and D2C strategies and driving traffic to its website to understand its end consumer.
23. Drink Shrub ($54K/year)
Aaron Weast, the founder of Drink Shrub, came up with the idea for his business after going through treatment for alcohol addiction. He realized that there was a lack of sophisticated zero-proof beverages available for those who didn't drink alcohol. Using his background in product development and innovation, he created Small Barrel Shrub, an all-natural balsamic beverage that serves as a "mocktail in a bottle." Through networking and crowdfunding, Drink Shrub has grown its customer base and secured funding to expand its business.
How much they make: $54K/year
Current team size: 1
A former alcoholic and Nike product developer created a sophisticated zero-proof beverage called Small Barrel Shrub, which has seen tripling sales growth since a rebranding and recipe overhaul in May 2018, and has raised the majority of start-up funding via crowdfunding platform Pie Shell.
24. MamaSuds ($420K/year)
Michelle Smith, founder and CEO of MamaSuds, came up with the idea for her business after researching the harmful ingredients in household products. She taught herself how to make liquid soap and formulated a laundry soap that would clean her daughter's cloth diapers. After receiving positive feedback from friends and family, she decided to turn her passion into a business. MamaSuds has since experienced incredible growth, with an average revenue of $18k a month, and is now sold in all 50 states and over 9 countries.
How much they make: $420K/year
How much did it cost to start: $395
Current team size: 1
MamaSuds, a natural cleaning and soap company created by Michelle Smith, has an impressive monthly revenue of $18k, has sold products to 9 countries and all 50 US states, and has just undergone a rebrand that contributed to significant traffic growth.
25. Rwanda Bean Coffee ($1.08M/year)
Mike Mwenedata, a Rwandan immigrant, started Rwanda Bean Coffee Company after realizing the potential value of Rwandan coffee and the need to support coffee farmers in his home country. By reinvesting 50% of their profits back into the farming communities, Rwanda Bean has grown rapidly, expanding from 10 lbs of coffee to a container of 40,000 lbs and increasing revenue from under $3,000 to over $45,000 per month in less than a year.
How much they make: $1.08M/year
Current team size: 20
Rwandan immigrant Mike Mwenedata co-founded Rwanda Bean Coffee Company, which increased revenue from under $3,000 per month to over $45k per month in less than one year, by sourcing and roasting single-origin coffee from Rwanda and investing 50% of the profits back into the farm communities.
26. Goods That Matter ($60K/year)
Tippy Tippens, Chief Eternal Optimist at Goods that Matter, came up with the idea for her business after witnessing the BP Oil Spill unfold. She designed a black, bird-shaped soap with a smaller, white ceramic bird at its center to raise funds for oil spill cleanup. Starting on Kickstarter, Tippens raised $6,000 and used that as proof of concept to launch Goods that Matter, which has since donated $31,000 and became the first Benefit Corporation in Louisiana.
How much they make: $60K/year
Current team size: 1
Goods that Matter is a Benefit Corporation focused on eco-friendly products that also give back to social and environmental causes, with $31k donated and a goal of $1 million, using handmade local makers, research and development, and a mix of online, wholesale, and brick-and-mortar sales channels.
27. Tolago ($816K/year)
In December 2019, Nicholas Greeninger and a group of like-minded individuals came together to create Tolago Hard Seltzer, a better-for-you, all-natural hard seltzer. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tolago pushed ahead and launched their product in October 2020, generating impressive results with over 68,000 unique website visitors and $220,000 in revenue by December 2020. Their unique approach of pre-selling brand awareness and aligning with a major wholesaler contributed to their success.
How much they make: $816K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2M
Current team size: 5
Tolago Hard Seltzer, a California-based brand launched during the pandemic, has generated over $220k in revenue since October 2020 with over 68k unique website visitors in the first four days, using sustainable, all-natural ingredients and pricing itself as a premium product in the hard seltzer category.
28. VADE Nutrition ($6M/year)
Joe Johnson, a former athlete and entrepreneur, came up with the idea for VADE Nutrition while sitting beside his wife Megan's hospital bed. They wanted to create a convenient solution for consuming protein powder on the go, which led to the development of Dissolvable Protein Scoops. After facing challenges with manufacturing and finding the right partners, VADE Nutrition has grown to be sold on various e-commerce platforms and has even landed a deal on Shark Tank. The company continues to attract and retain customers through engaging on social media and offering high-quality, convenient products.
How much they make: $6M/year
Current team size: 7
VADE Nutrition provides on-the-go consumers with convenient and portable Dissolvable Protein Scoops featuring 20 grams of protein, 4.4 grams of branch chain amino acids and only 90 calories, which has expanded from selling only through the website to retail stores and e-commerce sites such as Amazon, BodyBuilding.com, Groupon and GNC.com, culminating in a successful Shark Tank pitching to get a deal with Mark Cuban and A-Rod.
29. Presidio Natural Pet Co ($360K/year)
In 2014, Spyq and his co-creators started a pet supplies store. They discovered that cats loved bonito flakes and decided to create their own product, Cat Sushi. After designing striking packaging, they began making the product themselves in the back of their store. The success of Cat Sushi led them to form their company, Presidio Natural Pet Company, where they now design and manufacture high-quality pet food products.
How much they make: $360K/year
Current team size: 3
Cat Sushi went from repackaging tuna flakes to creating a unique pet treat brand by leveraging their connections to the pet industry and focusing on a beautiful design that set them apart from their competition.
30. RIPT Apparel ($2.4M/year)
TJ Mapes, along with his friends Matt Ingleby and Paul Friemel, came up with the idea for RIPT Apparel after discovering a website that sold limited edition t-shirts with a countdown timer. Impressed by the FOMO-inducing business model and the opportunity to showcase artists' work, they decided to create their own platform for pop-culture parody artwork. With their combined skills in web design, logistics, and art, they launched the business with just $1,000 each and have since worked with hundreds of artists and paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
Current team size: 0
Three college friends created a full-fledged business with initial investments of $1,000 each, resulting in RIPT Apparel, a destination for nostalgic, pop-culture parody and limited edition mashup artwork sold on t-shirts, hoodies and more, working with hundreds of artists and paying out hundreds of thousands of dollars to their community of talented artists.
31. Sprëtz ($13.2K/year)
Tony Gauthier, the creator of Sprëtz, came up with the idea while hosting a party and realizing there was no product to freshen breath and remove odor from hands simultaneously. After perfecting the all-natural formula with help from a chemist, Tony hit the streets, selling hundreds of units before auditioning for Shark Tank and officially launching the business in 2015. Sprëtz has since become a black-owned company based in Oakland and has customers worldwide.
How much they make: $13.2K/year
How much did it cost to start: $4.5K
Current team size: 3
Sprëtz is the world's first all-natural 2-in-1 freshening spray that instantly removes odors from breath and hands, currently serving customers in all 50 states and internationally, featured on ABC's Shark Tank and created by creator and co-owner Tony Gauthier.
32. Peaceful Fruits ($180K/year)
After serving in the U.S. Peace Corps and realizing he wanted to start a sustainable business, Evan Delahanty decided to launch Peaceful Fruits. He identified a lack in premium fruit snacks, focused on creating a product with a strong backstory, and started prototyping and manufacturing the snacks using a small dehydrator and commercial kitchens. Through digital sales and a successful Kickstarter campaign, Peaceful Fruits experienced steady growth, culminating in an appearance on Shark Tank.
How much they make: $180K/year
Current team size: 4
Peaceful Fruits, an award-winning for-profit social enterprise, sells organic, clean label, natural fruit snacks and has gone from $8,000 in sales in 2015 to $150,000 in 2017, employing 30 people with disabilities in their production facility and is an excellent example of a successful, mission-based business.
33. Emu Joy ($396K/year)
Carole Rains, the founder of Emu Joy, came up with the idea for her business after reading a blog post about emu oil and its benefits for eczema and joint pain. Intrigued by the potential of emu oil to help others, Carole decided to create a line of natural products based on the ingredient. She has since shipped over 50,000 products and continues to receive positive feedback from customers.
How much they make: $396K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 1
Emu Joy is a profitable business that has sold over 50,000 bottles, jars, and tubes of all-natural emu oil products online, with more than 90% of sales on Amazon, and founder Carole Rains shares tips on success from bootstrapping and branding, to using multiple checking accounts, and fostering relationships.
34. Coffee Pixels ($180K/year)
Raivis Vaitkus, along with his two cousins, came up with the idea for Coffee Pixels while running a coffee shop in Riga, Latvia. They wanted to create a sustainable and healthy edible coffee product, and after discovering the concept of combining roasted coffee with cocoa butter, they began experimenting and refining their recipe. With their coffee industry connections, they were able to find early sales partners, and through customer feedback and adjustments to their product and packaging, they were able to attract and retain customers. Despite initial financial struggles, they eventually received funding and were able to launch their webshop, upgrade their equipment, and expand their sales to retail chains and gas stations.
How much they make: $180K/year
Current team size: 5
Coffee Pixels is a sustainable, wasteless coffee bar made from whole coffee cherry that is rich in antioxidants, high in fiber, uses fewer resources, and includes a smart dose of caffeine, selling about 15K units per month across Northern Europe with an eye towards Ireland and the US.
35. Golden Root ($48K/year)
A Phlebotomist by profession, Andrea quit her job to work in many food startups, and her experience in the farm lit a fire in her to provide healthy food to people.
How much they make: $48K/year
Current team size: 0
Denver-based founder Andrea Slinde built her own organic food start-up, Golden Root, which sells trendy Turmeric Latte Mix online and now in 50 coffee shops nationwide, with an average monthly revenue of $4K, a long term objective of expanding into traditional grocery sales, and uses Shopify, Recharge, Mailchimp, Shipstation, and QuickBooks to manage e-commerce and finances.
36. Spuds ($180K/year)
Paul Dickey, the founder of Spuds, came up with the idea for his men's performance apparel company after realizing the lack of versatile clothing options for men that combine both style and performance. Fed up with having to choose between workout gear and everyday clothing, Dickey set out to create performance apparel that could be worn anywhere. Through extensive research, meetings with manufacturers, and the help of a mentor, Dickey developed his first product, The Classic Short, which focuses on fit, color, and a unique double-sided fabric.
How much they make: $180K/year
Current team size: 0
Spuds, a men's performance apparel company founded by Paul Dickey, successfully raised funds on Kickstarter in 2017 to create their unique Classic Short range, made with a fabric that combines style and comfort but is also packed with technology and high-performance features, and hopes to fill the gap in the market for men's activewear that looks good but also performs well.
37. Zirui ($12K/year)
Regina Ye, the founder of ZIRUI, came up with the idea for her business after experiencing the frustration of leaky toiletry products while traveling. As an international student who had traveled to more than 20 countries, she realized there was a need for a better solution. Through interviews and research, she discovered that many people shared the same pain point and were excited about her idea.
How much they make: $12K/year
Current team size: 2
Regina Ye created ZIRUI, a modular magnetic travel toiletry case, after experiencing the pain of traveling with easily spilled liquids, and is now raising funds to turn ZIRUI into an "on-the-go" lifestyle brand with multiple products and expand internationally.
38. Golden Made Kafé ($24K/year)
Laure Lemboumba, the founder of Golden Made Kafe, came up with the idea for her business after working at a coffee manufacturing plant and realizing the impact that a single cup of coffee could have on someone's day. With a background in technology and logistics, Laure spent two years researching the coffee industry and collaborating with coffee roasters and packaging designers to bring her vision to life. Since launching, Golden Made Kafe has generated monthly revenue of $2,000 and is focused on expanding their customer base through word-of-mouth, paid advertising, and partnerships.
How much they make: $24K/year
How much did it cost to start: $7K
Current team size: 1
This case study follows the journey of Laure Lemboumba, Founder of Golden Made Kafe INTL, LCC, an online coffee supplier generating monthly revenue of $2,000 and planning to open 1-2 Coffeeshops in Houston and Gabon, while donating 10% of its profits to providing educational opportunities, safe water, and better sanitation around the world.
39. ChipMonk Baking ($1.08M/year)
The founders of ChipMonk, David Downing and Jose Hernandez, came up with the idea for their low carb, gluten-free dessert business after Jose, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, baked his own low carb chocolate chip cookies. Realizing the opportunity to fill a market gap, they started selling their cookies at local farmer's markets before scaling up production and launching their website. They have since raised $350,000 and are focused on building their own bakery and warehouse space to support future growth.
How much they make: $1.08M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 10
ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.
40. Funky Fat Foods ($240K/year)
Louisa Mesquita Bakker, the founder of Funky Fat Foods, came up with the idea for her business while traveling in South America and learning about the health benefits of cacao. After realizing there was a demand for a high-fat, low-carb chocolate bar with simple ingredients, she decided to create her own. Despite having no expertise in chocolate making or starting a business, she took the risk and launched her company.
How much they make: $240K/year
Current team size: 1
Learn how Louisa Mesquita Bakker started an organic food company called Funky Fat Foods, which produces high-fat, low-carb chocolate bars using only high-quality ingredients and MCTs, and now generates $20,000 in monthly revenue with aspirations to enter the organic retail market in Europe.
41. Blvck Paris ($1.2M/year)
Julian O'hayon, the co-founder of Blvck Paris, came up with the idea for his business through his passion for minimalistic design and his success on Instagram showcasing black-themed images. After his photos of everyday items edited to be completely black went viral, Julian knew he wanted to create an all-black lifestyle brand, and thus Blvck Paris was born.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $80K
Current team size: 2
How a co-founder started an all-black lifestyle brand that grew to over 640k followers on Instagram and reached $100k/month revenue within 2 years.
42. Raganaturals LLC ($120K/year)
Dr. Garima Jain, the founder of RaGaNaturals, came up with the idea for her skincare brand after realizing that many creams and lotions on the market contained unnecessary chemicals, especially when it came to her son's dry skin issues. She decided to formulate her own products using basic and essential ingredients, and after receiving positive feedback from friends and family, she launched RaGaNaturals to provide minimalistic, natural, and effective skincare products.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 2
RaGaNaturals is a minimalistic skincare brand that provides products free from unnecessary chemicals and fragrances, made with natural ingredients and effective in moisturizing and nourishing the skin, generating $5k per month in sales and focusing on expanding its reach in North America.
43. Brine Brothers ($120K/year)
Harris Derner came up with the idea for Brine Brothers when he realized that drinking pickle juice cured his hangovers in 2015. Unable to find a drinkable pickle brine on the market, Harris and his friend Michael Belicose decided to start their own business. With a total investment of $11,000 in 2016, they now generate over $10,000 per month and have recently won an investment from Barstool and Jon Taffer, determined to make Brine Brothers a million-dollar beverage company.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $-2
Current team size: 0
Brine Brothers sells all-natural pickle brine (pickle juice), generating over $10,000/month and winning an investment from Barstool and Jon Taffer, and is determined to become a million-dollar beverage company.
44. Blue Coffee Box ($780K/year)
Jon Butt and his son, Harvey, launched Blue Coffee Box in the UK after being inspired by specialty coffee subscriptions in the US. They saw an opportunity to bring a curated selection of specialty coffees from various roasters to the UK market, offering customers a unique coffee experience. With a monthly revenue of $14,000 and steady growth, Blue Coffee Box is set to continue expanding in the future.
How much they make: $780K/year
Current team size: 3
Blue Coffee Box increased its monthly revenue to $14,000 by offering a specialty coffee subscription service that curates from various roasters after being inspired by a trip to the United States and learning about the niche coffee subscription service they offer.
45. LoLo Body Care ($1.1M/year)
Kismet Andrews, the founder of LoLo Body Care, came up with the idea for her business after starting it as a fundraiser for a medical center. She formulated solid moisturizing bars as a creative solution to funding holiday decorations, and when the decorations ended, people continued to contact her privately to purchase the products. Now, LoLo Body Care has reached impressive sales of $96,000 per month and plans to increase sales by 50% this year.
How much they make: $1.1M/year
Current team size: 4
LoLo Body Care, founded by Kismet Andrews, is a sustainable moisturizer brand that reached sales of $96k last month and plans to increase sales by 50% this year, using eco-friendly packaging and creating a healthy future through innovation and inspiration.
46. Simple Goodness Sisters ($84K/year)
Belinda and Venise, the Simple Goodness Sisters, came up with the idea for their business while running a mobile bar company. Clients constantly asked how to recreate the fresh, farm-fresh drinks served at their events, leading them to develop their own small-batch, homemade mixers made with ingredients from Venise's farm. After much research and hard work, they launched their farm-to-bar mixers and accessories in Fall 2018, with their products gaining popularity in the cocktail and alcohol-free cocktail scene.
How much they make: $84K/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
Current team size: 0
Simple Goodness Sisters is a lifestyle beverage brand that produces "farm to bar" cocktail mixers and accessories made with natural, sustainable ingredients, growing at a rate of 4 times their original production.
47. CoBionic ($96K/year)
Louise Hendon, the CEO and owner of CoBionic, came up with the idea for her business after being diagnosed with various health conditions. She switched to a healthier diet but realized there were still vital nutrients that were hard to get through food alone. She and her husband created their own line of supplements, starting with a prebiotic fiber, and eventually expanded to include other products like chocolate collagen.
How much they make: $96K/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
Current team size: 2
CoBionic, a health-oriented supplement company, has scaled up and hit $100k/month in revenue, offering a range of health supplements and foods designed for both taste and effectiveness.
48. Battle Balm ($120K/year)
Dylan Jawahir, founder of Battle Balm, came up with the idea for his business after experiencing minor injuries in sports and wanting a high-quality topical analgesic for his own use. After studying medicine and treating patients in his alternative medicine practice, he decided to create his own all-natural pain relief balm. Since launching in 2013, Battle Balm has doubled in business year over year and is now being courted by private investment firms.
How much they make: $120K/year
Current team size: 5
Battle Balm, an all-natural and organic topical pain relief balm, has doubled its business year over year since its launch in 2013 and is now being courted by private investment firms.
49. Nimble Made ($60K/year)
Tanya Zhang, co-founder of Nimble Made, came up with the idea for their D2C e-commerce menswear brand after observing the struggles of her co-founder Wesley Kang in finding a well-fitting dress shirt for his slim build. They created their own unique, actually-slim sizing based on height and weight and launched the business in late 2018, reaching $40k in revenue in their first year. Their mission is to increase Asian American Pacific Islander representation in fashion by offering slim-fit dress shirts that actually fit off-the-rack.
How much they make: $60K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 0
A year-old D2C menswear brand that sells "actually slim" dress shirts, uses grassroots marketing, SEO, and Facebook/Instagram ads as their top customer acquisition channels with $40k in sales and plans to expand their product selection to pants, accessories, and more.
50. Soak Society ($216K/year)
Natalie founded Soak Society after realizing there was no niche bath products brand in Australia. With limited funds, she started with a basic website and one product, gradually expanding her range as she gained more capital. Now stocked in luxury department stores in Tokyo, Soak Society is on track to turn over $200,000 this year.
How much they make: $216K/year
Current team size: 2
Soak Society, a bath products brand founded in Australia, has tripled its profits from last year and is on track to turn over $200,000 this financial year, largely due to their wholesale partnership with Japanese department stores.
51. SustainABLE Start ($360K/year)
Chloe Trujillo, the 16-year-old founder of SustainABLE Start, came up with the idea for her nonprofit after a chance encounter with a man experiencing homelessness who offered her directions. Inspired by his selflessness and the lack of hygiene products available to those in need, Chloe began carrying supplies and eventually founded SustainABLE Start, which has distributed over $380,000 worth of eco-friendly hygiene kits to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 11
A teenager founded a 510(c)(3) nonprofit that creates eco-friendly hygiene kits for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness that provided 9,000 hygiene kits in all 5 boroughs of New York City totaling over $380,000 in value in just 10 months.
52. Liberated Specialty Foods ($1.2M/year)
After her daughter was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases, Stacey started hand-making food to meet her daughter's dietary needs. Realizing the need to help others in a similar position, she founded Liberated Specialty Foods to provide baked goods and sauces that are free from additives. The business has grown rapidly, with over 1,000 retailers now selling their products, including major chains like Whole Foods and Walmart.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
Current team size: 20
Liberated Specialty Foods saw impressive growth, going from 100 retailers in 2016 to over 1,000 currently, while selling a range of foods online and in stores that are suitable for Keto, Paleo, Atkins, and trending diets, with a focus on helping those suffering from autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s and Colitis.
53. janori ($36K/year)
Raphael and Johanna Spannocchi founded janori after realizing the flaws in the current food distribution system. They wanted to create a platform that connected customers directly with local food producers, allowing them to support small businesses and enjoy delicious, organic products. After launching in November 2020, their best-seller was the Christmas box, containing chocolates, sugared almonds, and more.
How much they make: $36K/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 0
Janori, an online store founded by Raphael and Johanna Spannocchi, sells local, organic food and offers monthly food boxes with 80+ products from 14 vendors, with its best-seller being the Christmas box, and aims to create a circle of support for suppliers by focusing on the people and creating compelling content.
54. Beardbrand ($1.2M/year)
Eric Bandholz, the founder of Beardbrand, came up with the idea for his business after experiencing the pressures of conforming to corporate grooming standards. He wanted to create a brand that catered to "urban beardsmen" like himself who didn't fit the traditional stereotypes. Through content creation and a strong focus on owning their audience, Beardbrand has grown from a $30 investment to seven figures in a short period of time.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
Current team size: 11
American men's grooming company Beardbrand has grown from a $30 investment to seven figures and bootstrapped its expansion, thanks to a focus on content creation that allows the firm to control its audience and own its email database. The company originated after founder Eric Bandholz attended a beard enthusiasts' gathering and coined the term "urban beardsman" to describe traditional men who "didn't fit the typical stereotypes," and has benefited from coverage including a New York Times piece and TV appearance on Shark Tank.
55. Meowijuana ($2.4M/year)
Chris Glissman, the founder of Meowijuana, came up with the idea for his catnip company while working as a cable guy and using "Meowijuana" as a code word for arranging meetings with his co-workers. The idea stuck with him, and in 2005 he claimed the domain name and eventually acquired the business. Today, Meowijuana is an emerging global brand with a wide range of catnip products available in thousands of pet retailers worldwide, generating $200k in monthly revenue.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 11
Meowijuana, a catnip company founded in a one-car garage, has now become an emerging global brand with $200K in monthly revenue, selling catnip products in thousands of pet retailers worldwide, with 90% of sales coming from brick and mortar stores and national retail chains.
56. CanYouHandlebar ($1.2M/year)
Doug Geiger, founder of Can You Handlebar, came up with the idea for his men's grooming product business when he realized there was a lack of high-quality and transparent beard and moustache products available. After numerous experiments and research, he launched the business with a humble credit card investment, and it has since grown to generate millions in revenue, with products stocked in major retailers like The Art of Shaving.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $400
Current team size: 10
Men's grooming product company Can You Handlebar grew from a kitchen countertop with a stolen crockpot to making a million dollars in the first three years, expanding to a 10,000 square foot building and a network of international retail partners, with a focus on quality products and customer service.
57. SmartyPits ($2.2M/year)
Stacia Guzzo, the founder of SmartyPits Deodorant, was inspired to create her aluminum-free deodorant after her mother's battle with aggressive breast cancer. After learning about the links between aluminum and breast cancer, she began experimenting with creating her own skincare products, which eventually led to the creation of SmartyPits. In just 21 months, SmartyPits grew from making under $100,000 in 2016 to over $500,000 by the end of Q3 in 2018.
How much they make: $2.2M/year
Current team size: 13
SmartyPits is a fast-growing deodorant company that has gone from making under $100,000 in 2016 to making over $500,000 by Q3 2018, after the founder's experience as a breast cancer survivor led to developing an aluminum-free deodorant.
58. Healthy Chew ($720K/year)
TJ, the co-founder and CEO of Healthy Chew, joined the company as a dishwasher and helped his partner Peter scale the business. They rebranded from PNF Meals to Healthy Chew and experienced tremendous growth, selling over 10,000 bowls each month. With a focus on delicious, calorie-friendly meals, Healthy Chew has generated over $1.8 million in sales in just over 3 years.
How much they make: $720K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 7
Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.
59. Flowerdale Valley ($60K/year)
Mel, the founder of Flowerdale Valley, came up with the idea for her skincare business when she realized that the beeswax and honey from her farm could be used to create a hydrating and anti-aging cream. She started selling her first product, Bee Balm, along with honey, and gradually expanded her product range over the years. Now, her business brings in approximately $7,500 in sales per month and provides her income for her and her children.
How much they make: $60K/year
Current team size: 0
A mother-of-two started a $5k/month skincare business after experimenting with beeswax and honey to create luxurious all-natural products, growing her business to attain over $7,500 in sales per month via multiple sales streams, including $4,000 per month at markets.
60. Jess Mi Boutique ($6K/year)
Jessica Carter, also known as Jess Michelle, came up with the idea for her online women's boutique, Jess Mi Boutique, after experiencing frustration with seeing other women wearing the same outfits as her at nightclubs. She decided to start her own boutique to offer unique, classy, and sexy clothes that reflected her personal style. Through research and starting with a budget-friendly wholesaler, she began her business and evolved her clothing items over time to align with her own personal growth and style.
How much they make: $6K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 1
Jess Michelle started an online women's boutique catering to dressier styles, and through consistent marketing and dedication, has grown her business from $75 per month to making about $500 in sales per month.
61. Neuro ($6M/year)
In October 2015, Ryan Chen and his college friend Kent Yoshimura co-founded Neuro, a functional gum and mint company. The idea for Neuro came to fruition during a scuba diving trip when they realized the need for a portable, healthy, and effective alternative to energy drinks and supplements. With over 12 million pieces sold and $500k in monthly revenue, Neuro has become a popular choice among a wide range of customers.
How much they make: $6M/year
Current team size: 12
Neuro co-founders Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen developed their functional gum and mint products to offer a portable, healthy, and efficient alternative to energy drinks and supplements, hitting 12M pieces sold and generating ~$500k in monthly revenue with over 25% repeat customer rate and retail presence in over 6,500 locations including 5,000 CVS stores.
62. OceanZen ($300K/year)
The founder's passion for marine life led her to notice the environmental impact of plastic waste and fishing nets during her travels. Through extensive research, she found a sustainable way to dispose of these materials and established a swimwear company that uses fabric made from the waste.
How much they make: $300K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 0
OceanZen is a successful sustainable swimwear brand that has manufactured and sold thousands of bikinis worldwide, after being launched by Steph with only $5000 in her final year at university.
63. Natural Stacks ($2.4M/year)
Benjamin Hebert, co-founder of NaturalStacks.com, came up with the idea for the supplement company after experiencing the lack of transparency and trust in the supplement industry. As a consumer, he realized the need for a brand that would provide honest information about ingredients and formulas. With the launch of their flagship product, CILTEP, Natural Stacks has gained success and built a loyal customer base.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
Current team size: 10
NaturalStacks.com co-founder Benjamin Hebert shares how the company thrives in the competitive supplement industry with a patented nootropic formula and prioritizes transparency, customer experience, and niche marketing to grow its business, which generated over $100,000 in revenue in its first 100 days.
64. The Purple Sage ($48K/year)
Sandy Engels, the founder and artisan of The Purple Sage, came up with the idea for her business after realizing that there are women like her who have cared for others for decades and are now ready to prioritize self-care. She started making soap and bath products and eventually created her signature product, Bubbleaux, a bubble bath that provides a luxurious and pampering experience. With her rebranded company and a loyal client base, Sandy's business has grown steadily, and she is now focused on leveraging videos and live streams to connect with her customers in the future.
How much they make: $48K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2.5K
Current team size: 0
A modern midlife woman crafts a soap company that encourages women to live and love boldly, garnering an average revenue of $2,800 a month by focusing on a collection of scents and products that results in a loyal client base.
65. Jigsaw Health ($12M/year)
Patrick Sullivan Jr., along with his father, founded Jigsaw Health in 2005 after his dad struggled with health challenges for years. The idea for their dietary supplement business came when they realized the need for a magnesium supplement that didn't act as a laxative, and they created MagSRT. Now, Jigsaw Health has grown 181% in the past 5 years, with over 80% of revenue coming from direct-to-consumer sales.
How much they make: $12M/year
Current team size: 24
This case study follows the journey of Jigsaw Health, a dietary supplement company that grew 181% in the past 5 years, with 80% of revenue coming direct-to-consumer, bridging the gap between health and entertainment.
66. Doppeltree ($840K/year)
Tony and Faye started Doppeltree as a side hustle, inspired by Tony's brother's success in the DTC business. Tony wanted to find a way to pay for his expensive lunches and saw the demand for cold brew coffee. Faye, on the other hand, wanted to create natural self-care products. They launched their website and started selling on Amazon, focusing on product innovation and improving upon customer pain points.
How much they make: $840K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 0
Doppeltree, a natural self-care product company in San Francisco, started in 2017 with an $800 investment and now averages $40,000 in revenue per month with 40-50% net profit, offering eye and face masks, a Vitamin C Facial Serum with Real 24K Gold Essence, and an Organic Cotton Cold Brew Filter Bag.
67. Bailey's Blossoms ($9M/year)
Erin E. Hooley, founder and CEO of Bailey's Blossoms and Peyton Bre, started her e-commerce children's clothing line from her kitchen table in Arizona. With no formal training or sewing skills, she began selling hair accessories on Etsy to financially support her family. Through listening to customer feedback and constantly evolving, Bailey's Blossoms has now become a multi-million dollar business.
How much they make: $9M/year
Current team size: 35
This case study is about the founder and CEO of multi-million dollar e-commerce children's clothing brands Bailey's Blossoms and Peyton Bre, who started selling hair accessories on Etsy from her kitchen table and grew her businesses into a total customer base of around 750,000 with a goal of surpassing 1 million by the end of 2020.
68. Alitura Naturals ($1.8M/year)
Andy Hnilo, the founder of Alitura Naturals, never intended to start a business. However, a life-changing accident that left him with multiple injuries and scars led him to create his flagship product, The Alitura Clay Mask, during his healing period. With a mission to provide the highest quality skincare, Alitura Naturals now offers a full line of products and has garnered over 1000 reviews with an average rating of 4.9/5.0.
How much they make: $1.8M/year
Current team size: 6
Andy Hnilo, founder of Alitura Naturals, shares how his life-changing accident led to the creation of a successful all-natural skincare line with over 1000 reviews at an average 4.9/5.0 rating, sold in 76 countries and counting.
69. Bristle Products- L. Archie Brands LLC ($6.6K/year)
Leslie Wheeler, founder of Bristle Products and Bristle Hair Shop, came up with the idea for her haircare business after noticing a demand for products that catered to teenagers. Through extensive research and experimentation, she created a line of all-natural haircare products that are sulfate and paraben-free. Despite facing challenges with manufacturers, Leslie launched her business both online and in-store, leveraging her role as a hairstylist to attract and retain customers. She also gives back to her community by offering free hair services to foster youth. Although facing initial losses and the impact of COVID-19, Leslie remains optimistic about the future of her brand and focuses on helping others.
How much they make: $6.6K/year
Current team size: 2
Bristle Products' Leslie Wheeler shares her journey of starting an all-natural haircare product line; going from prototypes to two different manufacturers and the process of launching both online and in-store.
70. Boystrous ($1.8K/year)
Anastasia Osindero, a designer, launched her menswear brand, Boystrous, during the COVID-19 lockdown in August 2020. Inspired by her partner's desire for a consistent men's clothing store, she created graphic t-shirts using her design skills and printed them at home. With popular designs and the support of influencers such as Josh Denzel, Boystrous quickly gained attention and success.
How much they make: $1.8K/year
How much did it cost to start: $126
Current team size: 0
Boystrous is a rising menswear brand launched during the pandemic, which commenced with an assortment of graphic t-shirts attracting worldwide influencers and an impressive 90% traffic increase on social media platforms through using a paid advertisement strategy.
71. Evolue Skincare ($2.4M/year)
Jean Seo, the creator of Evolue x Lue Skincare, came up with the idea for her business after one of her clients expressed interest in natural anti-aging alternatives. As a pioneer in the clean, multifunctional, and non-binary skincare market, Jean used her knowledge of skincare ingredients and formulations to create her hero product, the Super Oil Face Serum, which has sold over 300k units. With a focus on quality, transparency, and exceptional customer service, Evolue has retained a loyal client base and attracted endorsements from A-list celebrities.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 10
Evolue x Lue Skincare generated $2.4 million revenue last year, selling 300k units of spot treatment and winning 3 Instyle Beauty awards, while pursuing transparency in ingredients, excellent customer service, and non-binary branding.
72. Everlasting Herb Farm ($73.2K/year)
Wendy Mackenzie, a former teacher, discovered her passion for herbalism during a guest speaker session in her classroom. She started Everlasting Herb Farm as a side hustle, experimenting with formulations and products. After receiving positive feedback and a lucrative opportunity from a Vermont retailer, the business began to grow, eventually leading to the construction of a dedicated workspace in Wendy's backyard.
How much they make: $73.2K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 2
Everlasting Herb Farm co-owner Wendy Mackenzie made $6,100 in revenue on average each month selling plant-based, organic skincare products, including a Skin Salve, and is working hard to grow her business by taking courses, formulating new products, rebranding, and finding large retailers to white label/wholesale to.
73. Hair Fetish ($84K/year)
Diane German, the founder of Hair Fetish LLC, had a passion for hairstyling from a young age. She started styling her friends and family and eventually opened her own salon. In 2011, she launched Hair Fetish and in 2012 added the product line Agape Fetish. Through determination and perseverance, Diane has built a reputable business that has made over 90k in 2020.
How much they make: $84K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.5K
Current team size: 1
This case study follows Diane German, founder of Hair Fetish LLC, who has built a successful styling service and hair product business with over $90k in revenue, and plans to expand to an organic hair care line, despite experiencing setbacks and failures along the way.
74. Height Of Fashion ($300K/year)
Natalie Matthews, the founder of Height-Of-Fashion, came up with the idea for her online clothing store for tall women after experiencing the frustration of not finding fashionable options for her own height (6'3). Through her personal Instagram account, she gained a following of tall women who were interested in purchasing the outfits she showcased, which validated her decision to start the label. Since launching in 2017, Height-Of-Fashion has doubled in profit, products, and customers, shipping to 15 countries.
How much they make: $300K/year
Current team size: 1
Height-Of-Fashion, an online clothing store for women 5'10" and over, saw double profit, products, and customers YoY, with a notable 43% retention rate, as the founder shares how Instagram, PR, and sports influencers are preferable to acquisition channels like Facebook for a niche market.
75. Felony Case ($1.44M/year)
Felony Case founder, Andrew Moore, stumbled upon the idea for his iPhone case business after seeing a photo of a metal studded case on Twitter. He decided to try making one himself and received positive feedback from friends and eventually retailers like Holt Renfrew. After initial success, he sought out a factory in China to manufacture the cases and expand his business.
How much they make: $1.44M/year
Current team size: 1
Felony Case, a Toronto-based company designing unique iPhone cases, started as a small shop on Etsy and has grown to become an internationally recognized fashion iPhone case brand sold in top tier retailers like Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Indigo, Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Free People, and made over half a million dollars in revenue last year.
76. Outlaw ($4.56M/year)
Danielle, the founder of Outlaw Soaps, started the business out of a desire for adventure and escape from the corporate world. On her honeymoon, she discovered a bar of soap that reminded her of the joy and excitement of her adventures. Realizing she could make her own soap with unique scents, she and her husband Russ launched Outlaw Soaps in 2013 with just $13.72 worth of supplies. Since then, they have built a loyal customer base and expanded their product line to include body wash, cologne, lotion, and more. With an average monthly revenue of $23,000 and a strong emphasis on customer service, Outlaw Soaps has found success by tapping into their customers' love for adventure and their desire to break free from the mundane.
How much they make: $4.56M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
Current team size: 13
Outlaw Soaps, a soap company that started with just $13.72 of supplies, now makes an average of $23,000/month, with 46% of website orders from repeat customers who are loyal to the company's unique products and top-notch customer service.
77. zapato FEROZ ($6M/year)
In this case study, Lau García, a shoemaker by trade, came up with the idea for Zapato FEROZ when she couldn't find suitable footwear for her baby. She wanted to create comfortable, natural shoes that would promote healthy foot development. With the brand's focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Zapato FEROZ has experienced incredible growth, increasing their monthly revenue from $900-1000 to $60k in just two years.
How much they make: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 6
Zapato FEROZ is a thriving children's footwear company whose sales have grown exponentially to reach $60,000 per month in the last 12 months, with 80% of sales made directly through their website, due to their dedication to producing the highest quality, healthy shoes for babies and children.
78. SHEATH LLC ($3.6M/year)
Robert Patton, CEO of SHEATH, came up with the idea for his premium men's pouch underwear company while serving in the Army in Iraq. Frustrated with the discomfort and chafing caused by his issued underwear, he conceived the idea of a pouch that would separate the male anatomy from the inner thighs, keeping everything cool and dry. After hand-stitching prototypes, finding a seamstress, and working with a manufacturer in Pakistan, Patton finally launched his business.
How much they make: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 7
Learn how Robert Patton grew a premium men's pouch underwear line to generate over $4K a day in sales with his latest women's line projected to double by the end of summer 2019 through persistence, learning from past mistakes, and keeping things simple.
79. Nooks ($9.6K/year)
the influencer marketing game, as I think it could be a great way to reach a larger audience and build brand awareness. Overall, I'm optimistic about the future and excited to continue growing Nooks into a successful and sustainable business.
How much they make: $9.6K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.24K
Current team size: 1
A sustainable men's underwear brand, Nooks, started with a $500 investment and has grown through unconventional marketing routes like Imgur and Reddit, as well as email marketing and a small but engaged Instagram community.
80. Stonekin ($960K/year)
Marc Debnam, the founder of Stonemen, came up with the idea for his underwear brand after observing an elderly man doing stretches in short shorts and no underwear. He realized there was a need for comfortable and stylish underwear that featured unique artwork, which led him to collaborate with artists globally to create beautiful images printed on the underwear. Stonemen has since experienced steady growth, with a turnover between 40k and 200k a month, and is expanding internationally.
How much they make: $960K/year
Current team size: 2
Australian underwear brand, Stonemen, collaborates with artists globally to create beautiful images which they print on their underwear, and has grown to a 10% YoY growth business, with turnovers ranging from $40-200k per month, 22k Instagram followers and active members of a US subscription service.
81. TomboyX ($24M/year)
Fran Dunaway, CEO and Co-Founder of TomboyX, came up with the idea for their gender-neutral underwear and loungewear company when they launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund their button-up shirt production. However, they soon realized that the name "TomboyX" was resonating with a wide audience, leading them to pivot and focus on creating boxer briefs for women, which became their hero product. With consistent revenue growth of over 100% each year, TomboyX has become a successful and inclusive lifestyle brand.
How much they make: $24M/year
How much did it cost to start: $40K
Current team size: 34
TomboyX, a gender-neutral clothing company, has consistently increased its revenue over 100% each year and expanded from zero employees to 15 in just two years by focusing on quality underwear and listening to customer feedback.
82. Boutique Rye ($120K/year)
Gia, the founder of Boutique Rye, came up with the idea for her online women's clothing and accessories boutique when she got pregnant with her son and realized she didn't want to teach forever. After working at a local boutique and loving every minute of it, she decided to start her own online business to allow her to stay home with her son. Through live sales on Facebook and giveaways, she organically grew her customer base to over 3,200 people.
How much they make: $120K/year
Current team size: 0
Boutique Rye is an online-only women's clothing and accessories boutique that has grown to 3,200 Facebook Group members and a successful website through organic customer sharing, live sales, and open communication with customers.
83. Joah Love ($468K/year)
After working in fashion design and noticing a lack of cute and stylish clothing options for kids, Ahyoung Kim Stobar and her friend Joy decided to start their own children's clothing brand, Joah Love. They focused on creating high-quality, timeless pieces that would be comfortable for kids to wear and easy for parents to care for. Over the years, Joah Love has gained a loyal customer base and plans to expand its offerings, including launching a line for adults and incorporating sustainability into their brand.
How much they make: $468K/year
Current team size: 7
Joah Love is a children's lifestyle clothing brand that generates over $40,000 a month through its direct-to-consumer website, and has plans to expand to Europe and Asia, while also prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity for children with special needs.
84. Jimmy Joy ($7.2M/year)
Joey van Koningsbruggen, founder of Jimmy Joy, came up with the idea for his business after getting frustrated with having to choose between healthy or fast food. He set out to create healthy fast food and partnered with a large manufacturer of baby food to create his first recipe, which was as close to health recommendations from the World Health Organisation as possible. Despite being initially validated by friends and media outlets, he faced challenges such as rebranding and manufacturing difficulties before growing his company to make $440,000 per month.
How much they make: $7.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 30
This case study features a 29-year-old founder who started a meal replacement company offering nutritionally complete meals targeting high-earning and sustainability-conscious individuals, generating a staggering $440k per month, with plans to expand globally and launch new products.
85. CoziGo ($312K/year)
Emma Lovell, the founder of CoziGo, came up with the idea for her business while flying with her overtired baby and struggling to help her sleep in an in-flight bassinet. After realizing there was nothing on the market to solve this problem, Lovell designed a pop-up sleep and sun cover called CoziGo. Since launching, CoziGo has sold thousands of units worldwide and has won numerous awards for innovation and baby products.
How much they make: $312K/year
Current team size: 2
Case Study: CoziGo, a pop-up sleep & sun cover for strollers and car seats that helps babies sleep on the go, generated a gross profit margin of 57% and net profit margin of 25%, with a 420% increase in sales in 2017 and a recent UK distribution partnership, with a focus on expanding to the US market next.
86. Birdseed For Humans ($99.6K/year)
Ashley Chase, the founder of Birdseed Food Co., came up with the idea for her craft granola brand after her homemade granola was requested by a coffee shop and another restaurant in town. She realized the potential of her product and decided to create a brand around it, eventually securing a small business loan and working with a co-packer. Since launching, Birdseed Granola is now distributed in over 75 locations and has seen quadrupled sales.
How much they make: $99.6K/year
Current team size: 1
This case study is about an entrepreneur named Ashley who started Birdseed Food Co., a craft granola brand that currently generates $8,300 in monthly revenue through retail markets, Amazon, and direct-to-consumer.
87. Klondike Kettle Corn ($54K/year)
Katie Young came up with the idea for Klondike Kettle Corn after a friend suggested starting a kettle corn business in Carcross, Yukon. She bought the business from her friend and began selling Sweet and Salty kettle corn at the Fireweed Community Market. Over the years, she expanded her product line and now sells over 30 different flavors, including unique combinations with locally sourced ingredients. With the business's success, she has been able to give back to her community through sponsorships and donations.
How much they make: $54K/year
Current team size: 1
Klondike Kettle Corn, a gourmet popcorn company in the Yukon Territory, has grown its revenue by 67% and its Q1 revenue is up 39% from last year, by expanding its product line and collaborating with local businesses, while maintaining a strong social media presence.
88. Trini Pepper Sauce ($27K/year)
Mustafa Mannan, co-founder of Trini Pepper Sauce, came up with the idea after his family's pepper sauce recipe from Trinidad and Tobago received much praise from friends in North Carolina. To bring the sauce to a wider audience, Mustafa launched a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $32,000, enabling them to import the peppers, manufacture the first batch, and distribute the sauce domestically and internationally.
How much they make: $27K/year
Current team size: 3
Trini Pepper Sauce co-founder and co-owner, Mustafa Mannan, shares how he successfully imported and manufactured his family's unique pepper sauce recipe and launched it through a Kickstarter campaign, now selling an average of $3,000/month in revenue.
89. Matcha.com ($8.5M/year)
Andre Fasciola and Dr. Andrew Weil founded matcha.com after experiencing the high-quality matcha tea in Japan. They saw an opportunity to bring the same level of quality to the US market and educate consumers about matcha. They have become the largest supplier of ceremonial grade matcha in the US, with a monthly revenue of $100K.
How much they make: $8.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $60K
Current team size: 15
Matcha.com started as a passion project by two founders, now the largest supplier of ceremonial matcha outside of Japan with a monthly revenue of $100k, using podcasts, micro-influencers, and email campaigns to attract and retain customers.
90. VIRTUE Tea ($108K/year)
Andrea Legg and Alex Balcer, founders of VIRTUE Tea, left their careers in the circus industry to start their organic tea and matcha business. After experiencing high-grade tea while traveling in Europe, Andrea became hooked and they decided to create a business focused on quality, ethical sourcing, and minimizing environmental impact. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, their online sales have tripled and they have expanded their reach to customers across Canada and the US.
How much they make: $108K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 2
VIRTUE Tea is a business founded by Andrea Legg and Alex Balcer who source high-grade organic tea from Asia through ethical supply chains, and their business, despite COVID, is now shipping tea and matcha to various locations in Canada and the U.S.
91. Mirai Clinical ($1.2M/year)
Koko, a Japanese female serial entrepreneur, came up with the idea for her eCommerce business of deodorizing body, hair, and home care products after realizing the lack of solutions for body odor associated with aging. Inspired by her grandmother's experience, she introduced Japanese Persimmon soap to the US market. Now, her business generates $100,000 in monthly sales, primarily through Shopify and Amazon, and focuses on providing senior-friendly products and exceptional customer service.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
Current team size: 1
This case study features a Japanese female entrepreneur who started an eCommerce business offering deodorizing body, hair, and home care products, with monthly sales of $100,000 mostly from Shopify eCommerce and Amazon, targeting baby boomers and offering solutions for body odor associated with aging in the USA.
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- 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
