Side Hustle School Ep. 3099 - TBT: Embroidered Joke Hat Becomes Unexpected Business
Jun 26, 2025
A sarcastic embroidery project surprisingly turned into a thriving side hustle after a joke hat went viral. The creator navigated the challenges of launching an Etsy shop and reinvesting profits for growth. Social media played a key role in skyrocketing demand, transforming a hobby into a successful merchandise business. Efficient production and innovative branding strategies were essential in managing the newfound order volume. Additionally, tools like AI-powered PCs increased productivity and streamlined operations, showcasing the power of creativity in entrepreneurship.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Joke Hat Sparked Business
- The side hustle started from a sarcastic, hand-stitched hat made from a thrift store cap.
- A friend's Instagram post caused rapid demand and led to opening an Etsy shop called Stitch Please.
Reinvest and Automate Production
- Reinvest your initial profits into tools that significantly reduce production time, like an embroidery machine.
- Use design software like sew art and Canva to create digitized text and mock-ups efficiently.
TikTok Drives Huge Demand
- TikTok exposure from an influencer with 40,000 followers triggered a large surge in orders.
- The seller stayed up late to fulfill orders and realized the project had become a real business.