48 Etsy Business Success Stories
Etsy is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell all kinds of handmade goods, vintage items, and art supplies.
It's a great way to make some extra cash, and you can use it as an opportunity to build your brand and find new clients.
To get started on Etsy, you'll need these four things:
- An Etsy account
- A PayPal account
- A product idea (or at least a product category)
- A visually appealing storefront with photos of your products
Here are some real-life success stories on becoming a successful Etsy Seller
1. 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.
2. 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.
Learn more about starting an etsy seller business:
Where to start?
-> How much does it cost to start an etsy seller business?
-> Pros and cons of an etsy seller business
Need inspiration?
-> Examples of established etsy seller business
Other resources
3. 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.
4. Valhalla Wood Forge ($102K/year)
James Wolfer, a police officer and Coast Guard reservist, started Valhalla Wood Forge in 2017 after making a wooden flag for his department. He saw potential and began creating custom wedding bands and rustic wood flags, gaining traction through word of mouth and organic growth on Instagram. Despite working long hours, he managed to streamline his process and hire an employee due to the increasing demand and continued growth of the business.
How much they make: $102K/year
How much did it cost to start: $400
Current team size: 3
Valhalla Wood Forge is a veteran and first responder run woodworking company that grossed $8500 in October 2019, noted for making rustic wood decor and high end men’s jewelry.
5. Popov Leather ($2.4M/year)
Ryan Popoff, the founder of Popov Leather, started the business as a hobby after graduating from art school. He made a wallet that he was proud of, listed it on Etsy, and to his surprise, someone bought it. From there, sales continued to increase and after two years of working a day job, Ryan was able to quit and focus on Popov Leather full time. Now, 6 years later, the business has grown to employ 10 people full time and has generated over $850,000 in revenue in 2018.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
Current team size: 21
Popov Leather is a Canadian company that makes and sells small leather goods online, with 2018 generating over $850k in revenue and doubling in revenue year-over-year since 2013 through direct-to-consumer sales, primarily for wallets, and backed by great customer service.
6. Stoic Muse ($120K/year)
Jeff, the founder of Stoic Muse, came up with the idea for his business while living as a digital nomad in Bali. Inspired by Stoic philosophy, particularly after listening to "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday, he decided to create art and merchandise based on these principles and sell them on Etsy. The ease of using Print on Demand services made it simple to design and launch products without any upfront costs for prototyping or manufacturing.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
Current team size: 1
Jeff started Stoic Muse, a creative side project selling 100-150 t-shirts per month ($3K revenue) on Etsy, without any upfront costs for prototyping or manufacturing, by learning graphic design and using Print on Demand to fulfill the merch.
7. Vagabond Heart ($120K/year)
Mike’s idea was a combination of his interest in vintage clothing, style, and old movies, with his love of menswear and fashion, and travel.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
Current team size: 0
Serial entrepreneur grows modern vintage-inspired travel patch company to over $5,000 in monthly sales volume with a 100+% growth rate by expanding product line and utilizing online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon.
8. Raghaus ($300K/year)
Markus Hartel, the founder of Raghaus Studios, came up with the idea for his business after moving to a new town and wanting to get back into the printing industry. He purchased vintage letterpress machines and started creating unique stationery products, such as custom wedding invitations and artist's books. Through word-of-mouth and organic growth, his business has steadily grown, allowing him to expand his product line and attract new customers.
How much they make: $300K/year
How much did it cost to start: $25K
Current team size: 2
A specialized letterpress printing business started by Markus Hartel, whose micro-batches have caused his monthly sales to soar above $15k, discusses his experience creating custom invites and expanding his product line.
9. Crooked Branch Studio ($30K/year)
Paul Kaster, the founder of Crooked Branch Studio and Carbon Cravat, came up with the idea for his business in 2015 when he received a wooden bow tie as a gift. Dissatisfied with the execution, he believed he could make a better one and started experimenting with designs. After successfully selling a few wooden bow ties on Etsy, he launched a Kickstarter campaign at the age of 16 to refine his design and gain publicity. Since then, he has expanded his business and now earns a passive income of around $1000 per month with minimal upkeep.
How much they make: $30K/year
Current team size: 0
Crooked Branch Studio owner, Paul Kaster, shares how he turned a handcrafted wooden bow tie business into a self-running income stream that generates $1000/month in profit with minimal upkeep through outsourcing and diversifying revenue.
10. No Cold Feet LLC ($240K/year)
In college, Matt noticed a trend of grooms having their groomsmen wear brightly colored socks. He struggled to find a single store to buy the socks he needed in bulk, and they were often expensive. Inspired by this, Matt and his wife Mari launched No Cold Feet, an online gifting company that sells fun and colorful groomsmen socks with custom labels.
How much they make: $240K/year
How much did it cost to start: $16K
Current team size: 0
No Cold Feet is a gifting company founded by Mari and Matt McNamara that focuses on fun and colorful sock designs for groomsmen gifts and has cumulatively sold over 10k orders in the last three years, passing $200k in revenue last year.
11. Forgotten Mermaids ($12K/year)
Anslea, the creator of Forgotten Mermaids, came up with the idea for her business while living out of her van and working as a freelance graphic designer. Inspired by the abundance of mermaid-themed products in the touristy Florida town she was living in, she used her digital illustration skills to design mermaid temporary tattoos and launched her brand on Etsy. With steady growth and plans to transition to her own storefront, Anslea is building a business that suits her mobile lifestyle.
How much they make: $12K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100
Current team size: 0
Forgotten Mermaids creator Anslea shares how she started a passive income business while living out of a van, creating mermaid temporary tattoos and accessories, and has grown to average $1,000 per month in mostly passive income over the last six months.
12. Betsy DeVille ($1.2K/year)
Betsy, the founder of Betsy DeVille, came up with the idea for her business after attending a large atheist event and realizing that there were not many symbols or products available for atheists to express their beliefs. With a background in design and a desire to create meaningful and inspiring products, she started designing scarves and bracelets with secular, humanist, and atheist quotes. Her business has since grown, and she now sells a variety of items on platforms like Etsy and Amazon.
How much they make: $1.2K/year
Current team size: 0
Betsy DeVille is an e-commerce business that offers fashion, accessories, home decor, and gifts for a community of secular, rational, and atheist thinkers, which has doubled its income each year and had an estimated $1000 in sales last year.
13. Seniman Calligraphy ($156K/year)
Ruth had a passion for creating things with her hands, especially during the holidays when she loved to give gifts. She picked up modern calligraphy as a hobby and soon discovered that making bespoke custom wedding invitations allowed her to combine all the things she loved. After three months of regular practice, she decided that her skills were good enough to do calligraphy work for others, so she started the business.
How much they make: $156K/year
Current team size: 0
An inspiring case study of how one woman turned her passion for calligraphy and bespoke wedding invitations into a successful business that now grosses an average of $13,000 a month, using Instagram as the main driver for attracting and retaining customers.
14. Alpengraphics ($7.8K/year)
Melanie, the founder of alpengraphics, was inspired to start her zero plastic outdoor products company after working as a marketing manager for Tesla. She wanted to promote more sustainable materialism and create a minimalistic mug that lasts a lifetime. By using green marketing and working with influencers on Instagram, she was able to attract and retain customers for her business.
How much they make: $7.8K/year
Current team size: 1
German outdoor enthusiast Melanie founded environmental-friendly business alpengraphics, which creates zero plastic, minimalist campfire mugs with environmentally-friendly practices, earning up to €3,000 ($3,200) per month depending on season, and targeting corporate business customers and recreational companies to gift her products to employees or customers.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. GEO 101 Design ($48K/year)
Nick Fortosis, the founder of GEO 101 Design, came up with the idea for his business when he combined his love of woodworking and CNC machining. After experimenting with different projects, he found success selling marble hexagon coasters on Etsy. However, when competitors emerged, he decided to create cork maps, which quickly gained popularity. Through professional photos, engaging with customers on social media, and utilizing Google Shopping ads, Fortosis has been able to attract and retain customers for his personalized home décor products.
How much they make: $48K/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
Current team size: 0
GEO 101 Design founder Nick Fortosis created unique cork maps using a CNC router in his garage workshop, and grew sales to $2,000/month through his website and Etsy shop, with plans to double revenue year over year.
18. 2Puggles ($30K/year)
High school marketing teacher, Steve Smith, started 2Puggles as a 3-year experiment to see how big one person could build a part-time craft-based business. Inspired by a video on YouTube, Smith made wooden snowflake earrings as Christmas gifts and received positive feedback. He then decided to design and sell more styles of earrings on Etsy, and with the encouragement of his students, used their support to fuel the growth of his business.
How much they make: $30K/year
Current team size: 1
This high school teacher experimented with building a part-time woodworking-based business, 2Puggles, which generates $15,000 annually and has enjoyed significant growth after starting in crafts shows, Kickstarter, and relying on word of mouth referrals to generate revenue.
19. 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.
20. Boredwalk ($3.3M/year)
Matt Snow and Meredith Erin, the co-founders of Boredwalk, came up with the idea for their lifestyle brand while running their first brand, Ex-Boyfriend, as a hobby. As their order volume grew, they pivoted to focus more on apparel and decided to create their ideal client, thus giving birth to Boredwalk. They conducted extensive research, generated hundreds of designs, and loaded up a new Etsy store with them, eventually expanding to their own space and hiring more employees.
How much they make: $3.3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 10
Boredwalk, a lifestyle brand selling original art and graphic design on functional goods, grew rapidly in the last 2-3 years with an average MoM growth of 10-12% and YoY growth of 50-100%, offering casual apparel, accessories, and decor products for customers primarily aged 25-55 interested in art, mental health, progressive politics, monster movies, and Satan.
21. 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.
22. Dropcloth Samplers ($180K/year)
Rebecca taught embroidery and introductory textiles classes in Chicago when she started making samplers. Fabric shops started reaching out to inquire about purchasing the designs to sell and she realized the business potential.
How much they make: $180K/year
Current team size: 0
Rebecca Ringquist turned a side project of hand-drawn embroidery samplers into a full-time job, grossing over $15K a month with her business Dropcloth Samplers, which she launched accidentally after selling a few samplers at an end of session craft sale that prominent bloggers bought and posted about.
23. Mapply ($180K/year)
Scott Wood, co-founder of Mapply, came up with the idea for his map print business after seeing the success of a similar brand called Mapiful. With a background in digital marketing and a love for travel and art, Scott saw an opportunity to create personalized and colorful map prints. By starting with offline validation and gradually expanding his product offerings, Scott has grown Mapply from a few hundred pounds in sales to over £30k ($40k) in prints per month, with plans to expand further in the future.
How much they make: $180K/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
Current team size: 0
UK-based co-founder grows map print company Mapply from a few hundred pounds a month in sales to over £30k ($40k~) in prints per month, without much marketing, and expands to brick-and-mortar stores while focusing on continuous product expansion.
24. Mosspiration Biotech ($48K/year)
Mosspiration Biotech was founded by Henrik Toft Simonsen and Hansol Bae, who saw an opportunity to use fragrant moss to produce natural air fresheners. The idea came from Henrik's passion for plant biochemistry and his desire to discover new chemistries in moss plants. The company currently sells its Fragrant Moss products through Etsy and its own homepage, generating $1,000 USD per month in sales.
How much they make: $48K/year
Current team size: 3
Budding biotech company, Mosspiration, began life when two scientists from Denmark developed The Fragrant Moss from a research project, which was then sold as a natural air freshener generating approximately $1,000 sales per month via Etsy and own homepage.
25. Aromaology ($120K/year)
Daisy Kimbro, the founder of Aromaology, had a vision to create natural bath, body, and home fragrance products that were sustainable and effective. Starting with a soy candle, she quickly gained popularity and expanded her product line to include body butters, oils, and more. Through word-of-mouth and guerrilla marketing techniques, Daisy was able to attract customers and even gained exposure through features in media publications. Aromaology experienced exponential growth in 2020, and Daisy has plans to expand distribution channels and build partnerships in the future.
How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 1
Aromaology founder Daisy Kimbro explains how she organically grew her natural bath, body, and home fragrance brand, which saw a gross sales increase of 51,000% - 89,000% from June to December 2020, and discusses the importance of trusting your gut and remaining positive during tough times.
26. Chemo Cozy ($36K/year)
Ellen Hamilton came up with the idea for Chemo Cozy after her late husband, Greg, went through chemotherapy and realized the need for accessible and comfortable clothing for patients. They launched with a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $30k in 30 days, and now have customers in all 50 states and internationally. They have three online stores and have managed to sustain the business without outside funding.
How much they make: $36K/year
How much did it cost to start: $25K
Current team size: 0
Chemo Cozy is a company that produces fashionable and functional clothing for cancer patients during treatments, launching through a Kickstarter campaign that raised $30k in 30 days and now operates through their website, Etsy, and Amazon stores, with customers in all 50 states and internationally.
27. East Meets Dress ($600K/year)
Vivian and Jenn, co-founders of East Meets Dress, launched their business after experiencing the struggle of finding a modern cheongsam for Jenn's wedding. With no prior experience in fashion or entrepreneurship, they started small by creating a landing page and received 40+ interested subscribers in one weekend. Through hard work and trial and error, they have grown their company to a 6-figure annual recurring revenue ($25k/month) in just one year, bringing Asian-American representation to the wedding industry.
How much they make: $600K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100
Current team size: 0
East Meets Dress, an e-commerce store that offers Chinese wedding dresses and traditional outfits, grew to a six-figure annual recurring revenue ($25k/month) in just one year by targeting Asian-American brides in the U.S and high school students looking to wear cheongsams to prom to celebrate their heritage.
28. Choast ($60K/year)
Choast was founded by Joseph and Gianfranco, who bonded over their love for smoking weed and wanted to create a brand that welcomed all stoners. After a year of subconscious preparation and the word "Choast" spreading rapidly through high schools and colleges in Ontario, they decided to start a cannabis brand. Their catchy logo, quality products, and social media marketing strategies have helped them become one of the most well-known brands in the Toronto area, making $5,000 per month.
How much they make: $60K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2K
Current team size: 5
Choast, a cannabis apparel and smoking accessories brand, has made a name for itself in Toronto and the cannabis niche, generating $5,000 per month through taking an audience of marijuana users built by creating memes and turning it into a clothing and accessories brand.
29. URSULA BARTON ($36K/year)
Ursula Barton, an artist, came up with the idea for her business after a spill of expensive ink onto watercolor paper led her to embrace a process of unpredictable art creation. After gaining positive reactions to her work at a cafe, she realized she had something special and started reproducing her paintings as greeting cards, postcards, and prints, eventually expanding her product line and opening a retail shop called Jailbreak.
How much they make: $36K/year
Current team size: 1
This case study showcases how artist Ursula Barton built two successful small businesses, one featuring her artwork on paper goods and the other being a retail shop showcasing art and handmade goods from a variety of makers, both of which have seen great success in sales and community support.
30. Bluminary ($6K/year)
"Lauren Costanza, founder of candle business Bluminary, came up with the idea after a dinner with friends where they discussed their desire to know someone who creates candles. Realizing she could be that person, Lauren used her love for travel, passion for creating, and photography skills to create scented candles inspired by destinations she's visited. Since launching in September, Bluminary has earned back its initial investment of $3,000 and generated $1,292.86 in sales over the Christmas holidays."
How much they make: $6K/year
Current team size: 1
Bluminary founder Lauren Costanza started a candle business based on her travels and passion for the outdoors, which has generated $2,062.6 in revenue since September 2019, with $1,611.50 coming from vendor events and markets, and a 56% email open rate.
31. Aziza Jewelry ($240K/year)
Aziza, the founder of Aziza Jewelry, started her business by making custom mother-daughter earring sets for a customer who wanted matching earrings to go with their matching tattoos. This concept sparked her idea to create jewelry that strengthens the bond between mothers and daughters. Today, Aziza Jewelry generates around $5,000 per month in revenue and offers a range of customizable pieces, including name necklaces and bracelets.
How much they make: $240K/year
Current team size: 1
A jewelry business founder discusses how she started her $5k/month side hustle selling custom word necklaces and shares advice on making connections in your industry, investing in yourself, and using social media for marketing.
32. Anuprerna ($180K/year)
Amit Singha, the founder of Anuprerna, was inspired by the artisan community in his small village in West Bengal, India. With a background in finance and strategy, Amit decided to spearhead Anuprerna in 2019, creating a sustainable and eco-friendly global brand that uplifts India's indigenous textiles. Through collaborations with designers and a focus on wholesale business, Anuprerna has attracted and retained customers through direct relationships, social media, email marketing, and personalized face-to-face meetings.
How much they make: $180K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 15
Anuprerna is an artisanal sustainable textile brand selling exclusive textiles, scarves, garments, and natural fabrics across the B2B segment, gradually reaching overseas and B2C clients through their online platform, social media presence, and other third-party platforms.
33. Galen Leather ($480K/year)
Zeynep and Yusuf, the founders of Galen Leather, came up with the idea for their business after Zeynep was diagnosed with cancer and lost her ability to speak, forcing her to find a new way to work. They started selling locally produced leather goods and vintage kilims online, and eventually started designing and handcrafting their own line of leather products. The business has experienced impressive growth, with a 138% increase in revenue and an average of $40,000 in sales each month.
How much they make: $480K/year
Current team size: 4
Galen Leather, an Istanbul-based e-commerce store specializing in handmade leather goods, experienced a 138% increase in revenue to hit an average of around $40,000 in sales each month, with products like their Moleskine Cover helping the company achieve success.
34. Lever Gear ($504K/year)
Mike Scully, founder of Lever Gear, came up with the idea for his business after working as a product design and development consultant. He had a desire to design his own products and saw the opportunity with the Toolcard Pro, a credit-card sized multi tool. Scully launched the Toolcard Pro on Kickstarter and raised over $100k, and since then, Lever Gear has sold over 25,000 toolcards in over 80 countries.
How much they make: $504K/year
Current team size: 3
Lever Gear, a company that designs everyday carry tools, has sold over 25,000 Toolcard Pros in over 80 countries since their successful Kickstarter campaign in Spring 2016, and are currently looking to expand through U.S. online marketplaces, Amazon Europe and brick and mortar retailers, as well as developing new products and curating EDC products that align with their mission.
35. Tini Lux ($264K/year)
Jackie Burke, founder of Tini Lux, came up with the idea for her business after struggling to find fashionable earrings that wouldn't cause allergic reactions. After discovering a woman selling basic titanium studs, Burke realized there was a market for skin-friendly earrings and decided to design her own line of titanium earrings. Despite initially launching Tini Lux as a side hustle, Burke has seen steady growth in her business and has gained a loyal following of customers who are finally able to wear earrings again.
How much they make: $264K/year
Current team size: 1
Tini Lux is a profitable e-commerce fashion business that provides a line of fashion earrings specifically for women with metal allergies that has gained a loyal following from its target demographic of women aged 18-45 in 15 months since launching.
36. Aura Sensory ($24K/year)
Danna Norek, founder of Aura Sensory, came up with the idea for her business while on a business/pleasure trip with her husband and they had to buy a different natural deodorant which caused a bad reaction. She realized she could make a better natural deodorant and decided to create her own line of safer, high-quality, affordable skin and hair care products. Her flagship products, Natural Shine Enhancing Shampoo and Nourish & Hydrate Face Cream, have attracted a strong customer base and continue to receive glowing reviews and repeat customers.
How much they make: $24K/year
How much did it cost to start: $4K
Current team size: 1
Aura Sensory, a skin and hair care company with a $2K monthly revenue, offers safe and affordable products while maintaining a loyal customer base of around 350.
37. 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.
38. Any Old Vintage ($420K/year)
Nick Griffiths, a former freelance journalist, came up with the idea for Any Old Lights when he moved to Cornwall and started building websites for a vintage lighting business. Despite knowing nothing about lighting initially, he learned on the job and eventually became an expert in vintage lighting. The business has since grown in popularity, selling worldwide and turning over £250,000 last year.
How much they make: $420K/year
Current team size: 3
Any Old Lights, a UK-based vintage nautical and industrial lighting store, has grown to turn over £250,000 annually by being on the forefront of SEO tactics and building their own Revivals brand of lighting, as well as sourcing and selling maritime antiques and curios.
39. 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.
40. The Christmas Tree Hugger ($420K/year)
Ryan Kenny came up with the idea for The Christmas Tree Hugger when he and his wife set up their first artificial Christmas tree and were bothered by the unsightly green base pole. Unable to find a solution online, Ryan decided to create his own faux tree bark wrap. After receiving positive feedback from friends and family, Ryan launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for production and trademarking. The business has since gained momentum, earning an average of $35,000 a month and receiving 5-star reviews.
How much they make: $420K/year
Current team size: 2
The Christmas Tree Hugger has quickly become a 5-star rated holiday product, generating an average of $35k a month with a successful Kickstarter campaign and appearances on QVC & Shark Tank.
41. Chicken Armor® ($9.6K/year)
Jill Bong, the co-founder of Chicken Armor, came up with the idea after her beloved chicken died from mating injuries. Unable to afford traditional saddles, Jill and her husband developed their own affordable and low-maintenance chicken saddle, which has since sold over 50,000 units and protected chickens in all 50 states and on 4 continents.
How much they make: $9.6K/year
Current team size: 2
Chicken Armor has sold over 50,000 affordable and easy-to-maintain chicken saddles since its inception, and utilizes a no-strings-attached guarantee and extensive media coverage for customer acquisition and retention.
42. Retro Radio Farm ($48K/year)
Allen Chiang, founder of Retro Radio Farm, came up with the idea for his business when he stumbled upon two old radios at a flea market in 2012. Despite having limited knowledge of radio repair, Chiang taught himself how to fix and restore these radios, eventually turning it into a profitable side business. With a growth rate of 20% every year, Retro Radio Farm is steadily increasing its revenue, although it has not yet reached a level that would allow Chiang to quit his full-time job in IT.
How much they make: $48K/year
Current team size: 2
Retro Radio Farm founder, Allen Chiang, earns $50k per year as a side business restoring old radios and offering Bluetooth MP3 upgrades, with the business growing 20% every year.
43. Puppet Pelts ($120K/year)
Laurie Nickerson, co-owner of Puppet Pelts, came up with the idea after realizing the difficulty of dyeing fabric for puppets in small spaces. She launched a website on a whim, listed a few pieces of fleece on Etsy, and was surprised by the demand and success of her product. The business has grown organically through word of mouth within the puppet-building community.
How much they make: $120K/year
Current team size: 2
Puppet Pelts founder Laurie Nickerson explains how she started her company by filling a void in the market, grew it primarily organically through word of mouth to become a leader in puppet skin textile manufacturing, and is currently expanding her product line to include unique shags and colors.
44. Funky Monkey Children ($168K/year)
How much they make: $168K/year
Current team size: 1
Etsy shop owner Lauren Keplinger re-evaluated her marketing tactics and time management, letting go of unproductive activities, leading to reduced work hours and $14,000/month sales with her shop and her new website.
45. OpossumRotStudio ($12K/year)
How much they make: $12K/year
Current team size:
A 16-year-old with no prior experience managed to generate over $1,000 a month in income from her side business on Etsy by selling Possum pins.
46. Tag Pup ($720K/year)
How much they make: $720K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size:
Etsy shop TagPup, founded by a former graphic designer and product consultant, earns $60K in monthly revenue with a 50% profit margin, after launching with just a $500 investment.
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
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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
