76 Inspiring Ecommerce Success Stories You Must Read [2024]
An eCommerce business is a company that sells products or services online. Ecommerce businesses have many advantages over brick-and-mortar businesses, including lower overhead costs, increased flexibility and reach, and the ability to reach a wider audience.
eCommerce is booming right now because of the convenience and efficiency it offers consumers. Consumers can buy products from their favorite brands on a platform that makes the whole process easier than ever. They don't have to leave their homes or go out in public, they can just sit down at their computer, tablet or smartphone and browse through all of the options available to them.
To start an ecommerce business, you'll need to set up a website where customers can browse your inventory and purchase items, as well as payment processing software that allows you to accept credit card payments. You'll also need to choose a shopping cart software and manage inventory tracking software.
Here are some real life success stories of starting an ecommerce store:
1. 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.
2. Glade Optics ($1.5M/year)
Curt Nichols started Glade Optics as a side project while working at a market research company. He saw an opportunity to create a challenger brand in the skiing industry due to a lack of competition and a common marketing approach. With just $5,000 in savings, he launched the business, and it has since grown to close to $1 million in annual sales. Nichols focused on building a strong product-market fit and used tactics like email marketing and targeted advertising to attract and retain customers. Glade Optics is now a profitable business experiencing over 100% YoY growth.
How much they make: $1.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 3
Glade Optics is a premium ski goggles and helmets brand that achieved close to $1M in annual sales with just $5,000 to start, using a favorable price point, streamlined messaging and marketing, and partnering with like-minded brands to lower CACs and get in front of more skiers.
Learn more about starting an ecommerce store:
Where to start?
-> How much does it cost to start an ecommerce store?
-> Pros and cons of an ecommerce store
Need inspiration?
-> Examples of established ecommerce store
-> Marketing ideas for an ecommerce store
Other resources
3. PortraitFlip LLC ($540K/year)
Sunny Choudhary, along with his co-founders Lavdeep Chahal and Shubhanshu Maheshwari, came up with the idea for PortraitFlip while searching for a platform that could deliver handmade portraits. They realized there were only a few companies providing such a service and saw it as a great opportunity. With a college side hustle, an initial investment of Rs. 23,000, and hard work, they were able to turn PortraitFlip into a successful startup yielding 3.5crs.
How much they make: $540K/year
How much did it cost to start: $60
Current team size: 15
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.
4. Combat Flip Flops ($6M/year)
Combat Flip Flops is the brainchild of CEO Matt Griffin, an army veteran who witnessed the futility of armed conflict and wanted to make a positive impact. The idea came to him during a trip to Kabul, where he visited a combat boot factory that employed local workers. Inspired by their resilience, Griffin decided to repurpose the factory to produce footwear in order to create sustainable business and job opportunities in Afghanistan.
How much they make: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
Current team size: 2
Combat Flip Flops is an e-commerce business that employs artisans and entrepreneurs in conflict zones and has funded 217 years of school for Afghan girls and cleared 2814 square meters of landmines in Laos through direct-to-consumer sales and social media distribution.
5. 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.
6. Be Activewear ($1.5M/year)
Julie New, founder of Be Activewear, came up with the idea for her online retail store after realizing there was a need for a place where women of all sizes could find affordable Australian activewear and swimwear. With only $150, Julie launched the store in October 2014 and now generates over $1.5 million a year in sales, attracting customers through strategic Facebook and Instagram campaigns.
How much they make: $1.5M/year
Current team size: 1
Australian woman launches affordable activewear store with only $150 and now sees over $1.5 million a year in revenue, using Shopify as the sales platform and Facebook and Instagram campaigns as the best source of advertising.
7. Hagan Ski ($1.08M/year)
After growing up in a flat region of Minnesota, the founder developed a passion for skiing and an admiration for brands that focused on quality and specialty products. Years later, after a career in the military and coaching endurance athletes, he combined his love for skiing with business and launched Hagan Ski Mountaineering, a company dedicated exclusively to backcountry ski touring. With a focus on performance and durability, Hagan has gained recognition and seen 50% annual growth in recent years, appealing to both devoted backcountry skiers and specialty retailers.
How much they make: $1.08M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 1
Hagan is a ski mountaineering gear company that has 50% annual growth and focuses solely on backcountry ski touring, resulting in the world’s widest selection of mountaineering skis.
8. Hoagard.com ($4.98M/year)
In 2014, Ali Bedrettin Boz and Cagri Ayten started designing steel samples as a hobby. They realized the potential for their designs in the interior design market and established Hoagard as an e-commerce brand. Despite facing challenges and initially low sales, Hoagard experienced a significant leap in 2016, reaching an average annual turnover of 4.5 - 5.5 million Euros.
How much they make: $4.98M/year
Current team size: 43
Hoagard is a profitable metal wall decor brand with an average annual turnover of 4.5-5.5 million Euros, which started out as a new hobby and transformed into a successful e-commerce business with 85% of sales coming from the brand's own website.
9. Spinster Sisters Co. ($1.5M/year)
spinsterproducts.com" style="color:blue"> via Amazon, and we sell internationally. We are in natural grocery and mass grocery, we are in spas and boutiques, and we are in gift shops and hotel spas. You almost have to give all channels a shot, to try to drive growth, brand recognition, and new sales. We have a strong social media presence, especially on Instagram, and we engage with our customers through newsletters and promotions. Additionally, we prioritize customer service and aim to provide a personalized and positive experience for each customer.
How much they make: $1.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 10
Spinster Sisters Co, a natural skin and personal care company that manufactures premium quality products, went from making soap in a basement to a $1.5 million/year business, boasting 18 employees, 2100 stores across the US and expansion into Canada, seeing massive growth potential in its sales funnel and achieving a record sales week, with a robust direct-to-consumer business (24% of sales) that's grown organically until this year.
10. Bibado.co.uk ($4.8M/year)
Rachel founded Bibado in 2016 after experiencing frustration feeding her twin daughters. She invented the Bibado Coverall by cutting up an old umbrella at her kitchen table, solving the problem of mealtime mess. The business has since grown to become an international brand stocked in over 25 countries.
How much they make: $4.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
Current team size: 11
Bibado founder Rachel invented an award-winning bib product as a result of her frustrated experience feeding her twin daughters, and grew her business from a kitchen table start-up to a global brand which is loved by 1 in 7 parents of babies at weaning age in the UK, with global sales of over 500,000 bibs distributed in over 25 countries emphasising curiosity and learning at mealtimes with further expansion through new products, micro-influencers, and customer referrals.
11. American Blossom Linens ($600K/year)
Janet Wischnia, founder of American Blossom Linens, came up with the idea for her business as a way to take her family's bedding manufacturing company back to its retail roots. With the growing demand for sustainable and American-made products, Janet saw an opportunity to create high-quality bedding made completely in the USA from USA-grown cotton. Despite launching right before the COVID-19 pandemic, American Blossom Linens experienced a 400% sales growth in 2020 and continues to grow in 2021.
How much they make: $600K/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 3
American Blossom Linens grew sales by 400% during the pandemic to become a profitable business, offering direct-to-consumer high-quality bedding made entirely in the US from 100% domestically grown cotton. Founder Janet Wischnia switched from her role as the company's president to create this eco-friendly brand, which offers personalized support and attention to detail to customers.
12. Thurso Surf ($1.2M/year)
Childhood friends Shenglong You and Yu Li reconnected over paddleboarding and saw an opportunity to improve the gear and accessories available. They started Thurso Surf in 2017, initially testing their products on Amazon before launching their online store in 2018. With their focus on product quality, customer service, and building their brand, they have become one of the best SUP brands in the mid-range market, selling thousands of boards in dozens of countries.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size:
Thurso Surf, founded by childhood friends, has quickly grown to become one of the best SUP brands in the highly competitive mid-range market, selling thousands of boards in dozens of countries since its launch in 2018, with traffic increased 16X since their first year in operation.
13. OCUSHIELD ($3.6M/year)
Dhruvin Patel, a qualified optometrist, came up with the idea for Ocushield after learning about blue light blocking coatings for prescription glasses while working at a vision clinic. He conducted his own research study on the harmful effects of blue light and set out to create a screen protector that would selectively filter blue light while maintaining a clear image. After winning grant funding and refining the product, Ocushield now serves over 150,000 customers in 80 countries, generating $300k per month in revenue.
How much they make: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
Current team size: 12
Ocushield, a brand that develops medically-rated products to eliminate harmful blue light from digital device screens and improve sleep after screen use, serves over 150,000 customers in 80 countries and generates $300k per month with their flagship product being a blue light blocking screen protector and filters, sold in Verizon, BestBuy, HSN & URBN Outfitters and personally recommended by Sir Richard Branson.
14. ProjectorScreen.com ($20.4M/year)
Brian Gluck, the founder of ProjectorScreen.com, came up with the idea for his business after identifying an opportunity in the projector screen market. After working at a catalog company and growing their B2C channel to a $4 million/year business, he decided to start his own company focusing on projector screens. Despite facing a lawsuit from his previous employer, Gluck successfully launched ProjectorScreen.com, which has experienced tremendous growth and averages over $1 million in sales per month in 2021.
How much they make: $20.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 12
ProjectorScreen.com has experienced an average growth rate of 40%-60%, averaging over $1,000,000 in sales per month in 2021, focusing primarily on the mid-to-premium market, selling projectors, screens, and related audio-visual equipment to both the residential and commercial markets, while distinguishing themselves as an unparalleled source of pre-sales advice and post-sale customer support.
15. Blue Nectar Ayurved Products ($360K/year)
Blue Nectar attracted and retained customers through a focus on superior quality products made with carefully chosen herbs. Their online marketing strategy, similar to that used for their spa services, has proven successful, with their customer base primarily coming from online promotions. They have grown from a few products to a global presence, with high repeat rates of 50-60% for some of their products.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
Current team size: 30
Blue Nectar is a successful Contemporary Ayurved Beauty and Wellness brand that generates $150K/month with high repeat rates, offering world-class Ayurvedic products that balance traditional effectiveness with modern sensibilities.
16. Custom License Plates ($2.42M/year)
Jerome Bulkan came up with the idea for Licenseplates.tv after struggling to find a German license plate for his own car. He saw a demand for German license plates in South Florida, so he flew to Germany, learned the manufacturing process, and started Euro Sign in 1987. The business eventually expanded to offer license plates from around the world and transitioned to online sales with the launch of Licenseplates.tv in 2003, becoming the first eCommerce store to offer customizable license plates. Today, Licenseplates.tv generates over $200,000 in monthly revenue and is trusted by auto enthusiasts, car collectors, museums, and motion picture studios.
How much they make: $2.42M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200K
Current team size: 15
Licenseplates.tv, founded by Jerome Bulkan and his brother Andy in 1987, manufactures authentic-look license plates for over 140 countries and over 90 states and provinces, with monthly revenues exceeding $200,000, and went live with their eCommerce store that enabled shoppers to customize their license plates online and review them before adding to the shopping cart back in 2003, serving automotive collectors, museums, high-end automobile auctioneers, and virtually all motion picture studios in Hollywood.
17. Ultra Growth Marketing ($720K/year)
Matthew Larsen, the founder of Ultra Growth Marketing, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the need for a comprehensive eCommerce marketing book specifically tailored to eCommerce store owners. He decided to write a step-by-step guide with over 75,000 words, offering actionable advice to help business owners create multi-million dollar eCommerce stores. Through Facebook lead generation ads, Larsen was able to give away over 17,000 free copies of his book and capture valuable leads, resulting in over $60,000 per month in recurring revenue.
How much they make: $720K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100
Current team size: 3
Matthew Larsen's Ultra Growth Marketing earns over $60,000/month in recurring revenue by giving away his eCommerce Marketing Book for free and then capturing leads using Facebook's Lead Generation ads, resulting in over 19,000 downloads in the first month since its launch.
18. Hawkers ($6M/year)
How much they make: $6M/year
Current team size:
How Alejandro's sunglasses e-commerce, Hawkers, used influencer marketing to raise over €70M and generate a monthly revenue of €6M.
19. Patagonia ($750M/year)
How much they make: $750M/year
Current team size:
Discover the philosophy behind clothing brand Patagonia's success, from its start producing climbing gear to its unique approach to business and leadership, with a focus on profit.
20. Southern Elegance Candle Company ($1.68M/year)
D'Shawn Russell started Southern Elegance Candle Company as a side hustle to make extra money and get out of the house. The company quickly grew, and now they average $20,000 in monthly sales through their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire. Russell's authentic love for the South and Southern culture inspired the creation of home fragrance products with a Southern theme.
How much they make: $1.68M/year
Current team size: 20
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
21. Clean Energy Solutions ($7.2M/year)
David Gomez, the founder of Clean Energy Solutions, came up with the idea for his solar energy business after experiencing setbacks in the real estate industry during the recession. He recognized the potential of solar energy as a cheaper and cleaner source of power and saw it as a great business opportunity. With a clever direct mail marketing campaign and a strong focus on selling lower-cost energy, Gomez was able to quickly attract customers and grow his business by over 6700% from 2014 to 2019.
How much they make: $7.2M/year
Current team size: 20
Clean Energy Solutions, a solar-energy provider based in LA, has grown over 6700% from 2014 to 2019, with monthly revenue around $600,000 and plans to expand its energy-efficient affordable housing division, thanks to its unique solar program allowing clients to save money using solar energy at a lower price than their utility would charge.
22. Timber Grove Studios ($78K/year)
Sasha Weekes, the 25-year-old owner of Timber Grove Studios, started her business by making mountain shelves to sell on Facebook and Kijiji. After realizing their popularity, she launched her business on Etsy and focused on creating a clear color chart with 20 customization options for customers. Despite initial challenges with shipping, Sasha prioritized customer service and now runs a successful business with revenue ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per month.
How much they make: $78K/year
Current team size: 0
Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.
23. Planner Peace ($270K/year)
Jess, the founder of Chasing Planner Peace, initially started her business on Etsy, selling planner inserts. As an avid planner user herself, she saw a gap in the market for colorful inserts, great quality paper, and a wide range of options in Australia. Over time, she expanded her product range to include dividers, notepads, and her own brand of planners. Through word of mouth and good reviews, she has been able to attract and retain a loyal customer base, with a 39.9% return customer rate.
How much they make: $270K/year
Current team size: 1
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
24. Innerglow Art ($51.6K/year)
Painting had helped Sarah channel her emotions of getting rejected from grad schools in a positive way, as she had been the "artsy" girl in college as well. It started as a hobby but within a few months, her friends and family encouraged her to sell her art. Seeing the demand on her store, she started Innerglow Art.
How much they make: $51.6K/year
Current team size: 0
Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.
25. BombTech Golf ($12M/year)
Sully, the founder of BombTech Golf, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the need for premium golf clubs designed specifically for "regular" golfers. He started by wholesaling and building custom golf drivers, and after receiving his first sale notification while on a boat, he knew that he had found his calling. Sully then collaborated with engineering students at the University of Vermont to design his first product, the GRENADE, and launched his online store by involving his small audience in the design and production process. With a focus on Facebook marketing and building a loyal customer base, BombTech Golf has enjoyed success, and Sully now works only 2-4 hours a week on the business, allowing him to pursue other ventures like his consulting business, EcomGrowers.com.
How much they make: $12M/year
Current team size: 2
BombTech Golf is an ecommerce business that sells premium golf clubs direct-to-consumer; the BombTech Driver, which was the company's flagship product, was launched in 2017 and contributed to $6.3 million in sales that year, with the founder having designed the club with the help of engineering students at a local college before using Facebook to engage his audience in the design and production process.
26. Sheets & Giggles ($2.4M/year)
Colin McIntosh, the founder of Sheets & Giggles, came up with the idea for his business after leaving a tech startup in 2017. He wanted to start his own company and decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign for a physical product brand. After validating the product through Facebook ads and collecting over 11,000 interested buyer emails, he launched Sheets & Giggles on Indiegogo with 500 customers on day one and $45,000 in funding.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
Current team size: 6
Sheets & Giggles, an eco-friendly bedding brand, earned nearly $500,000 and 6,000 orders in the first 6 months of business through Indiegogo, and utilizes pun-based marketing and a DTC model to tap into a fragmented, low brand loyalty market.
27. Ann + Joy ($12K/year)
Lindsay Ann and Courtney Joy started Ann + Joy after combining their passions for art and jewelry making. Inspired by their mother's love for gardening, they began creating unique jewelry pieces using real flowers and resin. In just their first year of business, they achieved over 5,000 online sales and generated more than $65,000 in revenue.
How much they make: $12K/year
Current team size: 2
Miami-based sisters launch a handmade flower and resin jewelry business in 2017, selling over 5,000 products and earning $65,000 in revenue within one year on Etsy alone, using social media and SEO to attract and retain customers.
28. Bare Performance Nutrition ($42M/year)
Nick Bare, the founder of Bare Performance Nutrition, came up with the idea for his sports nutrition and health supplement company while studying Nutrition in college and struggling to afford pre-workout supplements. He and his friends decided to make their own, and after realizing the demand for such products, Bare launched his brand while serving in the Army. In its first year, the company made $15,000 in revenue, and now, it is on track to do $6 million in revenue for the year.
How much they make: $42M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20K
Current team size: 42
A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. TechKeys ($60K/year)
TechKeys founder Brad Agdern stumbled upon the idea for his business when he had a broken keyboard and sought advice from his tech-savvy friends. Through his research, he discovered a community of keyboard enthusiasts and realized there was a market for custom mechanical keyboard parts and accessories. Brad began organizing group buys for these products and eventually started his own online retail store, TechKeys, which now earns $5,000 a month in revenue.
How much they make: $60K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 1
TechKeys, an online retail store dedicated to mechanical keyboard parts and accessories, grew from a hobby to a niche business earning $5,000 a month in revenue by leveraging the buying power of the group buy to manufacture additional inventory and offering them to buyers at a standard retail markup.
32. Private Label Extensions ($7.8M/year)
Mikey Moran, one of the owners of Private Label Extensions, came up with the idea for the hair distribution and technology company when he learned about the high prices women were paying for hair extensions. With a background in e-commerce and a commitment to providing the best quality products at the lowest cost, Moran and his team have seen significant growth, with over $650,000 in monthly sales and a ranking on Inc Magazine's list of the fastest-growing companies. Despite initial challenges and mistakes, Moran's dedication to listening to customers and investing back into the business has been key to its success.
How much they make: $7.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $14K
Current team size: 20
Private Label Extensions is a hair distribution and technology company that builds hair brands from A to Z for entrepreneurs, achieving over $650,000 in monthly sales and ranked #278 of the fastest-growing companies by Inc Magazine for 2018.
33. Oh My Balm ($24K/year)
Two moms, Meredith Moseley-Bennett and Yolanda Grbic, started Oh My Balm as a side hustle in 2017. They began by creating homemade body butter and lip balm as Christmas gifts, and after receiving positive feedback, they decided to turn it into a business. Since then, their sales have more than doubled, and they attribute their success to their all-natural, chemical-free products and their commitment to giving back to non-profit organizations.
How much they make: $24K/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 0
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
34. 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.
35. LoveLornLingerie ($62.9K/year)
Jessica Ding, the founder of Love Lorn Lingerie, started her business on a whim after making a few leather designs and selling them on Etsy. Fast forward a few years, and her side hustle is now a self-sufficient business, providing her with extra income and a creative outlet. Jessica sources materials herself, designs all the products, and handles marketing, leveraging platforms like Instagram and in-person events to attract and retain customers.
How much they make: $62.9K/year
Current team size: 0
Love Lorn Lingerie started as a side hustle and now generates $1.9k per month in revenue through Etsy and local events, with plans to expand into wholesale and increase marketing efforts to eventually replace the founder's day job.
36. Unique Obsessions, LLC ($644K/year)
Summer Pierce, along with her husband Bill Pierce, came up with the idea for the POP IT PAL while driving and bouncing business ideas off each other. Summer suggested creating a pimple that actually popped, and Billy immediately thought he could make it a reality. They couldn't find anything like it online, so they decided to design and manufacture the product themselves using medical-grade silicone and other materials.
How much they make: $644K/year
Current team size: 4
This Pop It Pal case study shows how a small investment of $7,500 turned into viral success, resulting in $100,000 in sales in just one week following a Facebook launch, and over 50 million views worldwide.
37. True Leaf Market ($4.8M/year)
Parker Garlitz, one of the Co-Founders of True Leaf Market, started the business in 2000 with his sister Kaitlin to sell wheatgrass growing kits and juicers online. Initially, they thought the niche market would only generate $5,000 per month, but they quickly surpassed their expectations and expanded their product line. Over the years, they merged with other seed companies and focused on consolidating their websites, leading to profitability and growth.
How much they make: $4.8M/year
Current team size: 150
True Leaf Market, an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO, and organic seeds, growing supplies, and starter kits, has grown to a profitable $400k/month business, with revenue diversified across their website, 3rd party online sellers, Amazon, eBay, brick and mortar health food stores, and fulfillment services, and plans to continue growth through acquisitions and onboarding 50 to 100 new SKUs monthly.
38. Framed Tweets (Now its Sticker Mule) ($114K/year)
Zach was avoiding a New Year's party his parents were hosting downstairs and scrolled through Twitter - suddenly he thought "what if you could frame a tweet?" That night, he built a simple website & tweeted a link to some random people he found on Twitter, and the next morning woke up to find Framed Tweets featured on Product Hunt, Mashable, Uncrate, and a few other websites.
How much they make: $114K/year
How much did it cost to start: $999
Current team size: 0
Framed Tweets, an online store that offers customers the opportunity to frame tweets as art, started by grossing $20k in its first year and increasing to $110k in the second year, and now has monthly gross sales of $20k from Instagram ads, spending about $300 a day.
39. Gold Pan Pete Design ($30K/year)
Alex Moore, a primary school PE teacher, came up with the idea for his handmade jewelry business after finding gold in New Zealand and wanting to incorporate it into his wedding ring. He took jewelry making classes and started making pieces for family and friends, which led to him selling his designs on Etsy and eventually at a local market. Moore's revenue now averages between $2500-3000 per month, with customers from all over the world.
How much they make: $30K/year
Current team size: 0
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
40. Summerfield's Toys ($19.9K/year)
Matthew Fiore, a senior in high school and passionate LEGO lover, came up with the idea for his business, Summerfield's Toys, when he realized that he could turn his love for LEGO into a profitable venture. After starting with selling LEGO Minifigures from his own collection, he expanded to reselling LEGO sets and individual bricks, leveraging platforms like eBay and BrickLink to attract customers worldwide. With a focus on customer service and a growing network of distribution channels, Matthew's business has seen exponential growth, making $1.6k per month and paving the way for a promising future.
How much they make: $19.9K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2.5K
Current team size: 0
A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.
41. LeGlue LLC ($204K/year)
Tripp Phillips, a 13-year-old student and football player, came up with the idea for Le-Glue after his Lego airplane kept falling apart. With his dad's help, they developed the world's first water releasable adhesive for building bricks. Since appearing on Shark Tank, Le-Glue has averaged over $35,000 per month in sales and hopes to quadruple that number with Mr. Wonderful's help.
How much they make: $204K/year
Current team size: 4
A 13-year-old boy, named Tripp Phillips, created the world's first water-releasable adhesive for building blocks like LEGO, called Le-Glue, which has made over $500,000 in sales including $35,000 per month on average after featuring on Shark Tank in the US.
42. Wolf Spirit Distillery ($3.6M/year)
Umberto Luchini, the founder and proprietor of Wolf Spirit Distillery, came up with the idea for his vodka brand, Blood x Sweat x Tears, after leaving his comfortable CMO job with a multi-national liquor company. He wanted to create something different and connect with consumers in a real and honest way. After two years of hard work, the brand is experiencing rapid growth and is set to be available in 40 states by the end of the year, a feat that usually takes four years.
How much they make: $3.6M/year
Current team size: 5
Wolf Spirit Distillery, founded by Umberto Luchini, has experienced rapid growth by expanding to 23 states in the first six months of the year and aims to reach a total of 40 states by year end, despite initial start-up costs of over $1.5 million for Blood x Sweat x Tears vodka.
43. 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.
44. Bey Moss ($1.2M/year)
Nick Bey, the founder of Bey Moss, came up with the idea for his business after hearing about the health benefits of sea moss from rapper Nipsey Hussle. He decided to sell sea moss products to his wife's large social media following and quickly sold out of his first batch, validating the demand for the product. With his background in computer programming and his wife's sales expertise, they were able to build Bey Moss into a successful e-commerce business, making over $800,000 in revenue to date.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 10
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
45. Saint Belford ($162K/year)
Tom and Alex, the co-founders of Saint Belford, came up with the idea for their planning diary business after experiencing burnout and struggling to find a planner that prioritized self-care. They saw an opportunity to create a unique planner that incorporated lifestyle tools and focused on wellness. In their first year, they achieved a revenue of 43k, and in their second year, they nearly quadrupled that amount, earning 160k in less than six months.
How much they make: $162K/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 0
Saint Belford's Co-Founders share their journey of creating and launching a self-care and personal growth diary which made AU$160k in less than six months, with lessons on attracting and retaining customers.
46. Plum Deluxe Tea ($900K/year)
Andy Hayes, the founder of Plum Deluxe, started off with a blog and a desire for a more fulfilling career. After generating traffic and revenue through display ads and affiliate relationships, Andy decided to launch his own product. Drawing on his love for tea and missing the flavors from Europe, he partnered with a tea farmer's market booth to create unique tea blends. Through launching his business with a built-in market and strategic marketing efforts, Plum Deluxe has grown to become one of the largest tea subscription boxes, on track to hit 7-figure annual revenue.
How much they make: $900K/year
Current team size: 7
How Andy Hayes built a 7-figure online loose leaf tea business, with one of the largest tea subscription boxes and a curated selection of tea accessories, generating half of their revenue from a la carte tea sales and half from their popular tea of the month club community.
47. 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.
48. Humphreys ($444K/year)
John Humphreys came up with the idea for his business, Humphreys (formerly Texas Rover Company), after a childhood fascination with mechanical objects and a passion for design. He drew inspiration from his father's solar home and his experiences with artists and builders, eventually leading him to develop a line of classically inspired leather, wood, and metal products. After facing challenges and setbacks in manufacturing and launching his flagship product, the Humphrey Chair, Humphreys eventually found success through trade shows, press coverage, and partnerships, attracting customers through Instagram and other marketing efforts.
How much they make: $444K/year
Current team size: 1
Humphrey's, a lifestyle industrial design brand, generated $550K in 2019 revenue, thanks in part to the success of its flagship product, the Humphrey Chair, which sold 50 chairs at $16,000 in its first year and became a hit after being featured in GQ and Neiman Marcus.
49. 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.
50. Hunt A Killer ($60M/year)
Ryan Hogan, co-founder and CEO of Hunt A Killer, came up with the idea for his subscription-based mystery game business after experiencing success and failure in the live event industry. Recognizing the popularity of escape rooms and interactive theater, he pivoted from live events to a subscription box model, immersing members in interactive stories and shipping thousands of episodes each week. With a diverse approach to customer acquisition and a unique sales funnel, Hunt A Killer has seen massive growth in the immersive entertainment space.
How much they make: $60M/year
How much did it cost to start: $2.5K
Current team size: 62
Hunt A Killer is a subscription-based entertainment company that delivers monthly immersive, interactive story experiences and has grown from 146 subscribers in October 2016 to shipping one million episodes in August 2019, with acquisition costs ranging from $50-60 and gross margins at/or above 60%.
51. CanvasChamp ($18M/year)
Jainam Shah came up with the idea for CanvasChamp when his father expressed a desire to frame their favorite family photos in a more artistic way. Shah noticed a gap in the market for high-quality but affordable personalized products and decided to focus on delivering premium products at lower prices. Since its launch in 2012, CanvasChamp has expanded its product range and generates over $1.5 million in monthly revenue.
How much they make: $18M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 180
CanvasChamp, a custom photo products company founded in 2012, has grown to offer 60+ personalized photo gift products with revenue of 1.5m$+/mo through SEO and successful digital marketing strategies.
52. QALO ($24M/year)
KC Holiday and Ted Baker, co-founders of QALO, came up with the idea for their functional wedding ring business after getting married and realizing that traditional metal rings didn't fit their active lifestyles. They spent six months developing and manufacturing their silicone rings, and launched their online store in 2013. Their dedication paid off as they now have over 2 million customers and are set to exceed $100 million in total revenue this year.
How much they make: $24M/year
Current team size: 45
QALO co-founders transformed the jewelry industry with their innovative focus on product evolution, resulting in over 2 million community members and more than $100M in revenue since 2013.
53. Bunch of Animals ($60K/year)
Krystian Frencel, founder of Bunch of Animals and 3magine, was inspired to start his men's luxury underwear brand after discovering Stonemen Underwear on Instagram. He was captivated by the seamless prints and the way they made him feel more confident. However, he realized there were limitations to the available options and decided to create his own line of soft, beautifully designed boxer briefs.
How much they make: $60K/year
Current team size: 0
Founder Krystian Frencel shares how he built a men's luxury underwear brand, Bunch of Animals, to $5,000/month with no previous e-commerce or product creation experience, offering softer than soft boxer briefs featuring seamless designs in collaboration with artists from around the world.
54. Vape Club ($720K/year)
Jeremy Ong, the founder of Vape Club, grew up in a traditional Asian family but wanted more than a 9-to-5 job. After saving up a runway fund, he enrolled in a coding bootcamp and saw the explosive growth in the vaping industry. He validated his vape subscription box idea using creative marketing tactics and launched with minimal inventory. Through SEO, blogging, and email marketing, Vape Club has attracted and retained customers, becoming a successful online business in Malaysia with a monthly revenue of $60,000.
How much they make: $720K/year
Current team size: 8
Jeremy Ong built Vape Club from an MVP vape subscription box business to a top online retail store in Malaysia, earning a monthly revenue of USD 60,000 with only 2 team members, primarily through blogging, SEO and email marketing with a CLTV of $400.
55. KASA ($960K/year)
KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique, was founded by Kartik Gurmule at the age of 16. After a failed sneaker business, Kartik discovered the potential in the luxury shoe market during a trip to Italy and decided to focus on designing and selling high-quality leather footwear. Since its launch in November 2018, KASA has experienced rapid growth, with over 250,000 social media followers and a monthly profit of $80k.
How much they make: $960K/year
Current team size: 0
16-year-old entrepreneur founds KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique with over 270 luxury shoes in the collection, generating $80k in monthly profits and exploring expansion into lower-end shoes and custom shoes for the poor.
56. ScrubzBody Skin Care Products ($195K/year)
Roberta Perry came up with the idea for ScrubzBody Skin Care Products after experiencing dry and peeling skin. Unable to find the perfect exfoliating scrub on the market, she decided to create her own. With the support of her sister, Roberta turned her homemade scrub into a successful business, growing from her kitchen to a 1427 sq. ft. space. Through her journey, Roberta learned the importance of customer service and the value of treating customers like royalty. Today, ScrubzBody continues to thrive, with a growing online presence and a focus on retail.
How much they make: $195K/year
Current team size: 2
ScrubsBody Skin Care uses customer service and specialty parties to grow slowly and steadily from Kitchen to being offered in 28 Whole Food Markets, and after being the finale episode on Sell it Like Serhant they experienced rapid growth both in store and online.
57. Moki Doorstep ($780K/year)
The founder of Moki Doorstep, Zach Brown, came up with the idea after realizing that his wife struggled to use car top racks due to her height. Leveraging his background as a firefighter, he designed and prototyped the Moki Doorstep to provide easy rooftop access. After a successful Kickstarter campaign and national TV exposure on Shark Tank, the product is now licensed to Rightline Gear and sold in major retailers.
How much they make: $780K/year
Current team size: 1
Moki Doorstep, a vehicle rooftop assistance step, raised $110,000 in sales and sold 3,000 units during their month-long Kickstarter campaign and licensed their product after immediate interest from a larger company, with their product now available in major retailers like REI, Dicks Sporting Goods, Pep-boys, and Duluth Trading Post.
58. Tork Media LLC ($120K/year)
Adam Torkildson, founder of Tork Media, came up with the idea for his sports card-selling business after his neighbor, a Hall of Fame coach, showed him his impressive collection. Realizing the potential profit in selling sports cards on eBay, Torkildson partnered with the coach and purchased an existing eBay store to launch Houle Sports LLC. With a $10,000 investment and a focus on providing excellent customer service, the business quickly reached profitability and continues to thrive.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $13K
Current team size: 3
Entrepreneur Adam Torkildson shares how he was able to launch a profitable sports card selling business on eBay with a $10,000 investment and an already existing eBay store, now reaching a monthly revenue of $10,000.
59. The Wine Spies ($12M/year)
Red, the founder of The Wine Spies, came up with the idea for his business after working in high-tech and eCommerce. He partnered with a friend from a previous project and realized that there was a need for a trusted online source for fine wines. Red went door to door, convincing wineries to join their flash sale business model, and eventually earned their trust and built a loyal customer base. The Wine Spies became profitable within six months and continues to grow today.
How much they make: $12M/year
Current team size: 6
The Wine Spies is an online wine marketplace, founded in 2007, that only sells wines it loves and has a fiercely loyal customer base that has kept the company profitable and growing steadily with over a decade of exceptional service and value.
60. Southern Cigar Co ($240K/year)
Michael Arciola III, founder of Southern Cigar Co, came up with the idea for his business while brainstorming business types that wouldn't require a large time commitment or initial investment. After considering subscription boxes, he decided on cigars as the consumable product to sell. Despite a slow start with only 3 customers in the first month, Southern Cigar Co has grown to generate ~$250k in revenue per year with a 20% year-over-year growth rate.
How much they make: $240K/year
Current team size: 0
Southern Cigar Co. is a cigar subscription box business founded by Michael Arciola III while he was a student at Florida State University, currently bringing in $250k a year and growing at 20% year over year.
61. Pain Care Labs a dba of MMJ Labs ($2.5M/year)
As a pediatric emergency doctor, the founder of Pain Care Labs, Amy Baxter, invented a vibrating ice pack bee called Buzzy(r) to block pain from her kids' vaccinations. After receiving positive feedback and realizing the potential impact on patients, she applied for a $1.1 million NIH grant to research and develop Buzzy. With the success of Buzzy, Amy decided to leave medicine and become a full-time CEO, expanding her product range to include VibraCool and DuoTherm devices.
How much they make: $2.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
Current team size: 7
Pain Care Labs, founded by a pediatric emergency doctor after inventing a vibrating ice pack bee, Buzzy, has sold over 31 million units while focusing on non-pharmaceutical pain relief, and recently launched a crowdfunding campaign for their latest product, DuoTherm.
62. 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.
63. 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.
64. Tumbleweed TexStyles ($1.12M/year)
Brian Wysong, a high school marketing teacher, teamed up with art teacher Jeb Matulich to create Tumbleweed TexStyles, an apparel brand inspired by Texas. Their unique hand-drawn designs on softstyle unisex t-shirts quickly gained popularity, resulting in $1.2 million in annual sales. They have since expanded their product range and focus on giving back to their community and supporting education.
How much they make: $1.12M/year
Current team size: 2
Texas-born apparel brand Tumbleweed TexStyles has grown to serve over 150 retailers throughout the southern United States, selling an estimated 90,000+ products yearly and making an annual $1.2m in sales, thanks to the founders' unique designs, focus on giving back to the education community and successful “guerilla marketing” tactics.
65. Taylor & Hart ($4.62M/year)
Nikolay Piriankov, the founder of Taylor & Hart, had a personal frustration when searching for an ethically sourced engagement ring online. Teamed up with his friend David Sutton, who had experience in the wholesale diamond trade, they decided to create Rare Pink (now Taylor & Hart) in 2013 to offer bespoke and affordable engagement rings. Their first customer, Piers, requested a custom-designed ring, and the impact of this experience led them to focus on custom designs and storytelling in their brand evolution.
How much they make: $4.62M/year
Current team size: 27
Taylor & Hart CEO Nikolay Piriankov tells the story of the company's journey from a diamond trading business to an award-winning, disruptive e-tailer of custom-designed, ethical engagement rings and fine jewelry, offering a bespoke design service through specifically developed technology online and instore, and growing to £4-6M in annual revenue.
66. One Life Meals ($1.56M/year)
Andrei Calinescu, the founder and CEO of One Life Meals, came up with the idea for his healthy meal delivery service in 2014. After working in the fitness industry and noticing that his clients struggled with meal preparation and variety, he decided to start preparing meals for them himself. With his background in operations and nutrition, he saw an opportunity to provide a complete solution and launched One Life Meals, which has now grown to make 14,500 meals per month and generate $130k in monthly sales.
How much they make: $1.56M/year
Current team size: 29
One Life Meals is a Toronto-based healthy meal delivery service that made 14,500 meals per month and generated $130k in monthly sales in 2018 through their one-on-one consultation, lean protein and seasonal veggies-based meals, and their focus on the client experience.
67. Danielle Oakey Shop ($540K/year)
After years of interior design blogging and running her e-design business, Danielle Oakey decided to open a pillow shop. She saw a need for decorative pillow covers made from vintage and high-quality fabrics that were lacking in the online market. With just $500 borrowed from her dad and $800 of her own funds, she started her business, which is projected to do $400,000 in sales in 2018.
How much they make: $540K/year
Current team size: 1
Danielle Oakey built a successful online pillow cover store with a projected $400,000 sales in 2018, using Instagram as her main marketing tool and bootstrapping to create her business with only $1,300.
68. Wyze Cam ($12M/year)
Yun Zhang and his team at Wyze Labs, all former Amazon employees, identified the lack of affordable and user-friendly smart home products in the market. With their extensive knowledge of retail operations, they decided to create Wyze, offering high-quality smart home cameras and other products at disruptive prices. Since their launch in 2017, they have sold over 300,000 units and have fostered a thriving user community.
How much they make: $12M/year
Current team size: 30
Wyze Labs' CEO and founding members, who met while working at Amazon, have successfully launched their first product, a smart home camera, in October 2017, selling over 300k units within the first six months, using a direct-to-consumer low margin, high volume model along with their strong relationships with suppliers in China.
69. Taster’s Club ($3.24M/year)
Mack McConnell, founder of Taster's Club, came up with the idea for his subscription service after becoming fascinated with craft spirits and realizing that the process of discovering them was old and boring. He wanted to create an exciting and convenient way for people to explore different spirits and learn about them. Since launching in 2012, Taster's Club has grown to do $270K/month in revenue and has become a leader in the alcohol-related subscription service category.
How much they make: $3.24M/year
Current team size: 3
Learn how Taster's Club, a subscription service for craft spirits, went from a side-hustle to a profitable business with $270K/month in revenue, by launching fast and staying focused on providing an outstanding customer experience.
70. Swoveralls ($1.2M/year)
Kyle Bergman, Founder of The Great Fantastic, came up with the idea for his business when he couldn't find sweatpant overalls online or in stores. After discovering a supplier on Alibaba and using Google's Keyword Search Planner to determine demand, he launched his brand and sold over $300k worth of his hero product, Swoveralls, in just 18 months.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
Current team size: 10
Founder Kyle Bergman turned a personal problem into a viral apparel brand, generating over $300k in sales within 18 months through Amazon and his own website, and raising $108k through a Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaign.
71. Tower Electric Bikes ($3.6M/year)
Stephan Aarstol, the CEO of Tower Electric Bikes, came up with the idea for his business while observing the growing trend of electric powered vehicles on the beach boardwalk. He saw the potential of electric bikes as the perfect form of transportation and recognized the fragmented market of ill-conceived products and brands. With his experience in the paddleboard industry, Aarstol aimed to create a high-quality, low-cost eBike brand that would fill the void in the market, ultimately building the world's first famous eBike brand.
How much they make: $3.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $30K
Current team size: 6
Tower Electric Bikes is a direct-to-consumer eBike brand co-founded by Stephan Aarstol and Mark Cuban, which has done over $36 million in sales since its $150,000 investment in 2012, and produced and sold everything from paddleboards to electric bikes for half the retail price, with the aim of creating the world's first famous eBike brand.
72. Branzio ($300K/year)
Ronnie Teja, the Founder and CEO of Branzio Watches, started the business with the goal of providing men and women with high-quality watches at an affordable price. His inspiration came from a desire to create a brand that catered to young professionals who live an active and versatile lifestyle, allowing them to seamlessly transition from city to outdoor adventures. Through customer interviews and market research, Ronnie discovered the unique niche for his brand and has since achieved $25k/month in sales, with projections to double in the next 6 months.
How much they make: $300K/year
Current team size: 10
Founder Ronnie Teja's purpose-driven watch brand, Branzio, has seen $25k in sales per month and is set to double in the next six months thanks to a focus on branding and building an aspirational brand with a loyal customer base.
73. 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.
74. Web Designer Academy ($504K/year)
Shannon experienced a panic attack at her job, and decided on to start freelance web design business on the side (as that is what she actually loved about her job). Eventually, she started with her free 5-day website challenge, and kept reiterating over and over, still while working in her job.
How much they make: $504K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 1
How Shannon Mattern built a DIY web design training business from scratch that now generates $10k/month in revenue through affiliate commissions and courses, without outside investment or debt.
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
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- 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
