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This edition of the Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A highlights the journey of Michael Satterlee, a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Clifton Park, New York. As a full-time high school student, Satterlee has founded Solefully, a thriving business that generates significant revenue by creating and 3D printing unique accessories designed for Crocs. The responses have been modified for brevity and clarity.
What was your primary occupation when you began your side hustle?
When I launched my side hustle, I was juggling my role as a full-time high school student and working as a dishwasher. It was essential to manage my time effectively across work, school, and my business.
When did you start your side venture, and what inspired you?
I began my side hustle in 2023 after gaining skills in 3D printing during my design and drawing for production (DDP) class. After purchasing a 3D printer, I researched potential product ideas and discovered a business model focused on accessories for Crocs. This realization opened a door to a promising market, prompting me to create a dedicated store within that niche.
What initial steps did you take to launch your side hustle?
The first step involved identifying a viable product. This required thorough market research, as a successful product must be simple to produce or acquire, easy to promote, and not overly competitive. After pinpointing a winning product, I concentrated on content creation, posting around three creative videos daily on TikTok and Instagram. Dedication to consistent posting paid off, even during the slow growth phase. More traffic led to an increase in orders.
Have there been any particularly helpful resources, free or paid, in your entrepreneurial journey?
Many invaluable business tools are free. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been crucial for my marketing strategy, resulting in approximately 50 million monthly impressions, all achieved organically. I have not invested in paid advertising; rather, I focus on producing engaging content consistently.
If you could revisit a specific aspect of your business approach, what would you change and why?
In hindsight, I would have transitioned into a warehouse space earlier. For a period, my business took over my home, leading to cluttered workspaces and disorganization. Once I secured a dedicated warehouse, productivity and focus improved significantly, allowing for better scalability. An earlier move would have alleviated a lot of stress and chaos.
What challenges or surprises have you encountered that newcomers in this field should anticipate?
Building a social media presence is more challenging than many realize. While it’s common to think that a single viral video can lead to instant success, the reality often involves many videos that do not perform well. Success is a process of trial and error, requiring ongoing content experimentation and consistency, even when viewership seems low.
Can you describe a specific instance of a major setback and how you addressed it?
Once, a TikTok video unexpectedly went viral, resulting in orders far exceeding my processing capabilities. At that time, I was still operating from home without any established systems. I quickly ran out of printing materials and couldn’t keep up with customer inquiries. To manage the situation, I worked nonstop for several days to fulfill orders, restocked essential supplies, and personally communicated with customers. This experience underscored the need for better planning for potential viral moments. Consequently, I developed more efficient operations and hired additional help to prepare for future spikes in demand.
How long did it take to achieve consistent monthly revenue, and what are the current earnings of your venture?
It took about a year to reach steady monthly revenue. Currently, my business generates around $20,000 in monthly sales across various platforms.
What does your current growth trajectory and financial performance look like?
Growth has been steady but gradual; I prefer to build thoughtfully. In the last year, the business generated $250,000 in sales, and I expect to reach $300,000 this year.
What aspects do you enjoy the most about running your business?
The greatest joy comes from having creative freedom. I can conceptualize a product, manufacture it, and share a video to promote it, all within a day. Witnessing customer reactions—whether they’re sharing, laughing, or placing orders—is immensely gratifying and rewarding.
What actionable advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Prioritize content creation over product development. Before investing heavily in perfecting your product or branding, gauge audience interest through content. If you cannot engage viewers and capture their attention, it is a sign you need to refine your approach. Free platforms like TikTok and Instagram are excellent for quick testing—fail fast, learn quickly, and focus on what resonates with your audience.
Source
www.entrepreneur.com