In a suburban Houston garage, amid a jungle of plants, Leena Pettigrew does more than just nurture them.
She’s cultivating a thriving side business that’s blossomed into a six-figure success story.
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Pettigrew, 44, is a full-time IT analyst by day who spends her evenings and weekends tending to her verdant inventory. In just one year, her plant-selling venture on Palmstreet, an online marketplace for botanicals and home décor, has generated nearly $148,600 in revenue.
“I think almost anyone can do it,” Pettigrew told CNBC's "Make It" series, reflecting on her journey from novice gardener to an entrepreneur. Her success, she insists, doesn't come from horticultural expertise but from enthusiasm and a willingness to step out of her comfort zone.
Twice a week, Pettigrew takes to livestream auctions, sometimes with her husband Marquise by her side, to sell about 100 plants per session. The venture has proven so lucrative that Marquise has reduced his hours at their co-owned automotive shop.
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But how does one transform a hobby into a profitable side hustle? Experts and successful entrepreneurs suggest several key strategies.
Bella Lin, a high school senior who earns six figures selling guinea pig cages on Amazon, told CNBC that identifying market gaps is essential. “With GuineaLofts, I found a gap in the market that wasn’t getting much attention,” Lin said, contrasting her current success with an earlier, less profitable venture selling leggings.
For Tim Riegel, an Etsy seller who made $169,000 a year selling steel fire pits, ongoing market research is important. When inflation began eating into his profits, Riegel studied competitors’ pricing and adjusted his own. “In today’s climate, you have to watch the costs of everything,” he told CNBC.
Becky Powell, a kindergarten teacher who earned over $125,000 selling educational worksheets online, leveraged her professional expertise. By focusing on her specialty of sight reading instruction, Powell created a niche product that stood out in a crowded marketplace.
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Despite the allure of financial success, Pettigrew is candid about the challenges of turning a passion into a business. “Once you own your business, you can’t turn it off. There’s always something more to do,” she said while maintaining a work-life balance.
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As more Americans explore side hustles – with some finding remarkable success – stories like Pettigrew’s can offer both inspiration and a reality check. While not everyone may achieve six-figure revenues from their garage, the growing accessibility of online marketplaces and the power of niche expertise are opening new avenues for entrepreneurial spirits.
Ultimately, Pettigrew’s journey from plant enthusiast to successful business owner points to a fundamental truth about side hustles. Even the most unlikely hobbies can become profitable enterprises with passion, perseverance, and some market savvy.
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© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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