With inflation reaching heights, people have begun juggling multiple jobs, businesses, and work opportunities. While some choose to indulge themselves in multiple projects at the same time, others opt for their ventures while also working for MNCs. But, there are only a few who not only turn their passions into a business but also succeed in terms of monetary benefits and pleasure. Meet Francisco Rivera, a 26-year-old resident of Orlando who, through his passion for organic candles, created a lucrative venture. Rivera’s business generated an impressive $462,000 (approximately Rs 3.8 crore) in sales within a year through his Etsy shop.
Rivera previously worked part-time as an online tutor. He commenced his commercial journey in 2023 after he witnessed a decline in demand for his tutoring services in February. Inspired by a YouTube video on print-on-demand (POD) side hustles, the man stepped in with the decision to establish a thriving online business model. He used tools like Canva for design and Printify for POD services to create designs, online listings, and outsource manufacturing and fulfillment.
Interestingly, Rivera’s Etsy shop generated profits ranging between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of each sale excluding expenses such as Etsy fees and marketing costs. In what may surprise you the most, Rivera revealed that only a minimal time investment is required for his business underlining that he works only 20 minutes a day on research and design. Reflecting on his business and journey, Rivera told a media portal, “I’m making more than I ever have, and doing less than I ever have.”
Emphasising the low-risk nature of print-on-demand, Rivera further noted that his business model is replicable adding that the reason behind choosing candles as his niche was its potential for growth and popularity as gift items on Etsy. However, he also highlighted the challenges within the business saying that people often replicate his designs and phrases, highlighting it as a significant downside of his side hustle. Rivera said, “The biggest downside of this side hustle is copycats – people who use the same phrases or very similar designs.”
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